Mario Sports Mix

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Template:Infobox Mario Sports Mix is a Mario sports game for the Wii, featuring Mario and company competing in four sports: Hockey, Basketball, Dodgeball, and Volleyball, along with the Final Fantasy characters who have appeared in Mario Hoops 3-on-3 as well. Slime, a Dragon Quest mascot, makes an appearance in this game, too. This game is developed by Square Enix, who also developed Mario Hoops 3-on-3.

The game supports the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection feature, which enables players to play with other players from different regions. To save any game data, 3 blocks of memory has to be used on the Wii system. However, the game data is copy protected, so it can't be transferred onto other Wii systems.

Story

One day in the Mushroom Kingdom, a Toad is enjoying the flowers. Suddenly, the sky turned dark and a strange object fell from the sky and crashed. The Toad is worried about the situation. He, along with some other Toads, rushed to the crashed object to check it out. The Toads found four colored crystals: a red crystal with a basketball in it, a green crystal with a volleyball in it, a yellow crystal with a dodgeball in it, and a blue crystal with a coin in it. While observing the mysterious crystals, the Toads suddenly came up with an idea. The crystals gave them the idea to introduce new sports to the Mushroom Kingdom. The new sports were Basketball, Volleyball, Dodgeball, and Hockey. The Toads also organize tournaments for the four sports. The best players of the tournament earn a prize: one of the four crystals that fell from the sky. Mario and his friends and foes are ready to play sports and enters the tournaments to find out the best players of the Mushroom Kingdom.

Template:Spoiler When the players' team win the Mushroom and Flower Cups and get to the end of Star Cup, everything seems to be normal, but in the final round, a Star Ship appears and the players' opponent turns out to be Ninja in disguise. Ninja steals the trophy and jumps onto the Star Ship. The players follow Ninja to get the trophy back. They end up playing against the Final Fantasy team, while the Star Ship flies through the space. When the players win against the Final Fantasy team, they receive one of the crystals that fell from the sky. The leader of the team uses it to power the Star Ship and take the team back home.

After players receive all the four crystals, the crystals merge together and turn into a dark, glowing crystal. The dark crystal takes the players to another area. In this area players encounter the Behemoth, a creature from the Final Fantasy series. The players must defeat the monster before it defeats them. When the players defeat Behemoth, the dark energy from the dark crystal disappears and turns into a rainbow-colored crystal. The players use the crystal again to power the Star Ship to take them back home.

Sports Mix mode's story is highly identical, except the players' team defeat the Final Fantasy team, the three Sports Mix trophies that they receive ends up merging into a dark crystal. That crystal also leads them to an alternate dimension, where the Behemoth King is found. Similarly with Behemoth, players have to defeat the Behemoth King before it takes them out. When the Behemoth King is defeated, the crystal's dark energy disappears, and it turns back into a rainbow crystal. The players use that crystal to power the Star Ship to take them back home. Template:Endspoiler

Gameplay

Toad and Yoshi defeat Ninja and White Mage in a 2-on-2 Volleyball match.

White Mage, Yoshi, and Toad defeat Ninja, White Mage, and Black Mage in a 3-on-3 Dodgeball match.

Mario Sports Mix features four playable sports, all unique from each other. Players can play either alone with CPU allies, cooperatively with others up to three players, or against one another. Four players can participate; however, they can only participate in Vs. mode, 2 vs. 2. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk control style is used as the primary control scheme for the game. However, the players can also use the Wii Remote in the horizontal position. Players are able to perform actions through shaking the Wii Remote and/or inputting buttons as shown in horizontal Wii Remote scheme. All sports are played in periods, where, except for dodgeball, there is a certain time limit to each period. When the time limit is reached, players move to the next period and change sides. Excluding dodgeball, points acquired in past periods also add up to the current game's score. In dodgeball, another period commences when all team players get knocked out.

? Panels return from Mario Hoops 3-on-3, where they serve the same purpose: to provide players with either coins or an item. Unlike Mario Hoops 3-on-3, items are held in reserve rather than players holding them. The more coins players have, the more points/more attack bonus they can get when they achieve a scoring. Players lose coins when they get hit by an opposing item, which makes the coins scatter on the floor.

There are also special options that can be adjusted for each sport in exhibition mode, such as turning on and off ? Panels, setting the number of periods and the time limit, and other options which can be specific for each sport. Once the options are set, they do not reset whenever a players turns off the game.

On a side note, there's an option which enables the players to receive commands. However, this option is only available when the CPU level is set to "Easy".

Basketball

Basketball plays in a similar fashion as in Mario Hoops 3-on-3, but with a few changes.

Basketball is played in a similar fashion as in Mario Hoops 3-on-3. Players must score points into their hoop in order to win the game. Whichever team has the most points wins the game. Two points are acquired when the ball makes it in the hoop; three points are acquired when the ball gets shot from the 3 pointer and beyond or when a special shot is performed. The coins that the players gather along the way are added to their score. Also in this sport, there is a shot clock on the bottom-left hand corner of the screen so the characters can shoot within the time limit, just like in a professional NBA game and if they don't shoot before the limit expires, the other team will get possession. Players are also able to defend, block, and make dunks in this game in a similar way as the actual sport. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, then sudden death commences. With this extra period in this sport, no game ends in a draw.

Volleyball

Mario about to serve in Volleyball.

Volleyball is played by hitting a ball without making it touch the ground. Players first start matches by serving the ball, either by ground or by air. The match then proceeds, while the players try to smack the volleyball so it touches a ground. If that occurs, the team that does that gets a point. When a point limit is reached (the default is fifteen points), the set is won. Players can spike the ball, deflect a spike, and use many other moves that bear resemblance to the actual game. Volleyball also has an out zone, much like tennis: any player who hits the ball into this zone forfeits a point to the opposing team. Volleyball, with dodgeball, is the only sport in the game that doesn't have a time limit.

Dodgeball

A match of Dodgeball.

A Dodgeball game always begins with a jump-ball that is done by a Lakitu to determine which team gets to attack first. Dodgeball is mostly played by throwing a ball to the opposing team. There are two teams of two or three characters and a colored Yoshi on the players' teams. Players can prevent a hit by catching the ball. Players who fail to catch the ball or dodge it lose their vitality. They can prevent this if they catch the ball before it lands if the ball flies upwards on some occasions. Players cannot catch the ball if they are facing away from them, nor can they catch it if an item is in effect. Players have a Health Meter and lose a portion when they get hit, except for the colored Yoshi, who can never be "knocked out," but cannot leave the box at the back of the court. Players cannot control the Yoshis unless they encounter the ball. If players lose all their HP, they are out, and they are sent into their box. However, unlike the Yoshis in the box, they can leave if they hit their target with the ball. Players that do this also get a small amount of their HP regained. Also, if both teams have at least one player remaining at the end of the time limit, sudden death follows. With this term, no set ends in a draw. In sudden death, the first team to take damage loses the set. The first team to knock out the opposing team before the time limit reaches zero, wins the set.

Hockey

The opening face-off in Hockey.

A hockey game always begins with a face-off that is done by a Lakitu to determine which team gets the puck. Scoring a goal or a special shot results in another face-off. The goalkeepers in this sport are Shy Guys, and their color depends on which team they are in. In order to steal the puck, players must tackle each other, which can be achieved by the motion of shaking the Wii Remote ( in sideways mode) or simply by making a character go next to the opponent with the puck. Sometimes, a struggle ensues and players must shake their Wii Remote the fastest they can in order to win the puck over and knock the opponents away. The team with the most points wins and, very much like basketball, this game is played in time limits and transitional periods.
Template:Spoiler

Sports Mix

Sports Mix is a tournament-only game mode, which utilizes all of the sports. The sport that is played is chosen randomly for each round. To unlock it, players must complete all four Star Cups and defeat Behemoth. Template:Endspoiler

Controls

Each sport utilizes various controls, depending on the control scheme that the players uses.

Basketball

Command	Wii Remote (horizontal)	Wii Remote + Nunchuk
Common Controls
Run	Players have to press the in the direction they want to go. They can go in 8 different directions.	Players have to tilt the in the direction they want to go.
Jump	Players have to press the button.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Swap Characters	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.
Offensive Controls
Trick Move	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.	Players have to rotate the . The button can also be used.
Pass	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.
Jump Shot	Players have to press the button while jumping.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while jumping.
Dunk	Players have to press the button while running near the basket.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while running near the basket.
Layup	Players have to press the button while dunking.	Players have to press the button while dunking.
Special Move	Players have to press the and buttons together.	Players have to press the and buttons together.
Item Shot	Players have to press the button.	While holding the button, players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Combo	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the ball.	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the ball.
Defensive Controls
Steal	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.
Smash Steal	Players have to block for an extended time period.	Players have to block for an extended time period.
Jump Block	Players have to press the button.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Jump Cut	Players have to press the button while blocking.	Players have to press the button while blocking.
Jump Attack	Players have to press the button while blocking.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while blocking.
Use Item	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.

Volleyball

Command	Wii Remote (horizontal)	Wii Remote + Nunchuk
Serving Controls
Move	Players have to press the in the direction they want to go. They can go in 8 different directions.	Players have to tilt the in the direction they want to go.
Toss	Overhand: Players have to press the button. Underhand: Players have to press the button while holding the down. Jump Toss: Players have to press the button while holding the up.	Overhand: Players have to swing the Wii Remote up. Underhand: Players have to swing the Wii Remote down. Jump Toss: Players have to hold the button and swing the Wii Remote.
Serve	Players have to press the button while serving.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while serving.
Other Controls
Move	Players have to press the in the direction they want to go. They can go in 8 different directions.	Players have to tilt the in the direction they want to go.
Swap Characters	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.
Receive	Players have to press the button.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Jump	Players have to press the button. On the third hit, players have to press the button. If Auto Jump is ON, this command will execute immediately before a spike.	Players have to press the button. On the third hit, players have to shake the Wii Remote. If Auto Jump is ON, this command will execute immediately before a spike.
Spike	Players have to press the button while jumping.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while jumping.
Super Spike	Players have to spike after charging at the landing marker.	Players have to spike after charging at the landing marker.
Aiming Spikes	Players can use the to move the landing cursor.	Players can use the to move the landing cursor.
Fake Out	Players have to press the button while jumping.	Players have to press the button while jumping.
Block	Players have to press the button while near the net.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while near the net.
Use Item	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.
Item Spike	Players have to press the button while jumping.	While holding the button, players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Special Move	Players have to press the and buttons together.	Players have to press the and buttons together.
Combo	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the ball.	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the ball.

Dodgeball

Command	Wii Remote (horizontal)	Wii Remote + Nunchuk
Common Controls
Move	Players have to press the in the direction they want to go. They can go in 8 different directions.	Players have to tilt the in the direction they want to go.
Swap Characters	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.
Offensive Controls
Attack	Players have to press the button.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Super Attack	While running near the center line, players have to press the button when the charge is full.	While running near the center line, players have to shake the Wii Remote when the charge is full.
Jump Attack	Players have to run to the center line to jump. During that time, they have to press the button to attack.	Players have to run to the center line to jump. During that time, they have to shake the Wii Remote to attack.
Pass	Players have to press the button. They can use the to direct the pass on 3-player teams.	Players have to press the button. They can use the to direct the pass on 3-player teams.
Fake Out	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.	While holding the , players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Special Move	Players have to press the and buttons together.	Players have to press the and buttons together.
Item Attack	Players have to press the button.	While holding the button, players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Combo	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the ball.	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the ball.
Defensive Controls
Dodge Roll	Players have to press the button. Some characters will repel the dodgeball instead of evading it; those kinds of moves will have no effect against item attacks.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote. Some characters will repel the dodgeball instead of evading it; those kinds of moves will have no effect against item attacks.
Catch	Players have to press the button. This move has no effect against item attacks.	Players have to press the and buttons together. This move has no effect against item attacks.
Diving Catch	After a successful attack, players have to press the button before the dodgeball touches the ground.	After a successful attack, players have to shake the Wii Remote before the dodgeball touches the ground.
Steal Pass	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.	Players have to press the button.
Use Item	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.

Hockey

Command	Wii Remote (horizontal)	Wii Remote + Nunchuk
Common Controls
Face-Off	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Skate	Players have to press the in the direction they want to go. They can go in 8 different directions.	Players have to tilt the in the direction they want to go.
Stop / Turn	Players have to press the in the opposite direction.	Players have to tilt the in the opposite direction.
Fighting	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Swap Characters	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.
Offensive Controls
Shoot	Players have to press the button.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Aiming Shots	While holding the button, players have to use the to adjust the aiming direction.	While holding the button, players have to use the to adjust the aiming direction.
Charge	Players have to hold the button until the character flashes.	Players have to hold the button until the character flashes.
Super Shot	Players have to release the button after charging.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote after charging.
Fake Out	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while charging.	While holding the button, players have to press the button.
Pass	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.
Special Move	Players have to press the and buttons together.	Players have to press the and buttons together.
Item Shot	Players have to press the button.	While holding the button, players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Combo	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the puck.	Players have to hold and then release the button when their team has the puck.
Defensive Controls
Check	Players have to press the button. A more powerful check is performed when players check three times in a row.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote. A more powerful check is performed when players check three times in a row.
Intercept	Players have to press the button.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote.
Use Item	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.
Goalkeeper Control	Players have to press the button when the opponent shoots.	Players have to press the button when the opponent shoots.

Behemoth Battle

Command	Wii Remote (horizontal)	Wii Remote + Nunchuk
Move	Players have to press the in the direction they want to go. They can go in 8 different directions.	Players have to tilt the in the direction they want to go.
Swap Characters	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.	Players have to press the button. This only works if their teammates are CPU players.
Shoot (Hockey)	Players have to press the button. They have to hold the button to charge, and release it to attack. Players will attack with an energy object that's shaped like a hockey stick.	Players have to hold down the button to charge, and release it to attack. Players will attack with an energy object that's shaped like a hockey stick.
Attack (Dodgeball)	Players have to press the button while holding a meteor.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while holding a meteor.
Dunk (Basketball)	Players have to press the button while holding a meteor and running near Behemoth's head.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote while holding a meteor and running near Behemoth's head.
Pass	Players have to press the button while holding a meteor to pass to teammates. The teammates will treat the meteor as a volleyball.	Players have to press the button while holding a meteor to pass to teammates. The teammates will treat the meteor as a volleyball.
Dodge Roll (Dodgeball)	Players have to press the button. All characters will do this move, regardless of defensive maneuvers in dodgeball.	Players have to shake the Wii Remote. All characters will do this move, regardless of defensive maneuvers in dodgeball.
Use Item	Players have to press the button.	Players have to press the button.
Special Move	Players have to press the and buttons together.	Players have to press the and buttons together.

Characters

Playable Characters

The starting roster.

The complete roster.

There are nineteen playable characters in Mario Sports Mix. All of them are categorized by five groups: All-rounder, Technical, Powerful, Speedy, and Tricky.

• All-rounder - All-Rounders have average Power, Speed, and Technique. All-Rounders generally aren't weak at any stats, but they aren't strong in any either.
• Technical - Technical characters have more Technique, but less Speed and Power. These characters can better aim their shots. They can also give them a curve.
• Powerful - Powerful characters have more Power, but less Speed and Technique. These characters have stronger and faster attacks and shots.
• Speedy - Speedy characters have more Speed, but less Power and Technique. These characters can move faster over the ground.
• Tricky - Tricky characters have one stronger stat, but the others are usually very low. However, they do have some useful, but tricky moves.

Like Mario Hoops 3-on-3, this game is shown to make use of character specific abilities. Prior to using these abilities, there is a meter that needs to be filled (shown on the bottom left and right corners of the gameplay screen). These abilities in question can allow the characters to unleash a powerful move in the variety of sports in the game that can help the players win a game. Each special ability is unique to each character and these moves tend to vary from the sport that players are playing.

Finally, the playable characters have their own stat values, which depict their strengths and weaknesses. For the respective charts shown below on this article, the stat values for each playable character are out of 5.

Starting Characters

All-rounder Characters

Character	Special Ability	Stats
	Mario blasts a fiery shot at his target. The shot can be blocked by brute force, but can slip into the goal if the character fails to hold it off. In dodgeball, the blast has a radius that can hit nearby opponents.	Power	3/5
		Speed	3/5
		Technique	3/5
	Luigi first attempts to suck characters towards him while he is using his Poltergust 3000. After he draws them in, he makes a shot on his target. Opponents caught long enough in the suction will trip and be unable to defend against the shot.	Power	2/5
		Speed	3/5
		Technique	4/5
	Yoshi throws the ball in a single, bouncy rainbow line. The rainbow line quickly changes where it is going to land, possibly confusing players. In basketball and dodgeball, it is not one but rather two bouncy balls heading towards their goal, and they must both be blocked or dodged.	Power	3/5
		Speed	4/5
		Technique	2/5
	The Mii builds up energy as it aims to make its goal. When the ball hits in the ground in dodgeball, it sends out a blast radius than can hit anyone inside the blast radius. Characters can stop the shot in other sports a similar way as how Mario makes a shot.	Power	3/5
		Speed	3/5
		Technique	3/5

Technical Characters

Character	Special Ability	Stats
	Before sending the ball/puck, Peach releases multiple large hearts. Any character that gets hit by a heart gets stunned for a few seconds. Peach then sends the ball/puck into its respective place.	Power	1/5
		Speed	3/5
		Technique	5/5
	Daisy makes a small garden appear where her aim is. The garden limits movement of other characters. After she is finished building up energy, Daisy throws the item into her goal.	Power	2/5
		Speed	2/5
		Technique	5/5
	Waluigi soars in the air and brings out a machine. The machine has 4 arms that send out electricity to stop any would-be attackers. After Waluigi has fired his third shot, he shoots for his goal. In all sports, all the shots that connect are counted. However, in basketball, each successful shot is only worth 1 point, instead of its regular worth (2 or 3).	Power	2/5
		Speed	2/5
		Technique	5/5

Powerful Characters

Character	Special Ability	Stats
	Wario throws his trademark bomb similar to that of the WarioWare series. The bomb then explodes, which can knock any character in the explosion away. After the bomb has detonated, it fills up the court with gas, obscuring the view where Wario is going to shoot; that can make it hard for players (including Wario) to tell where the ball is going to be thrown to. Wario then shoots at his destination.	Power	5/5
		Speed	2/5
		Technique	2/5
	Donkey Kong bangs the ground with his simian strength that causes all characters in the opponent's side to be dazed. After this attack, Donkey Kong tosses the object into his goal.	Power	5/5
		Speed	1/5
		Technique	3/5
	Bowser spits a fireball at an area near his goal, where it makes a large blast. Any character that gets caught in the blast radius ends up knocked away and burnt. With brute force, Bowser then sends the object to his goal.	Power	5/5
		Speed	1/5
		Technique	2/5

Speedy Characters

Character	Special Ability	Stats
	Diddy Kong throws a banana boomerang that has an exponential curve. The boomerang stuns any defender it hits and after the hiatus, Diddy Kong then makes a shot.	Power	1/5
		Speed	5/5
		Technique	3/5
	Bowser Jr. takes out his trademark paintbrush and paints the ground with it. The painted ground makes characters easily lose their traction and slip, which makes it trickier to stop Bowser Jr. from scoring. Bowser Jr. then takes a shot to his goal.	Power	3/5
		Speed	5/5
		Technique	1/5
	Toad makes mushrooms appear that can hinder other players from preventing him to make a point or a shot. The mushrooms move automatically to make it even trickier to prevent the shot.	Power	2/5
		Speed	5/5
		Technique	2/5

Unlockable Characters

Template:Spoiler The Final Fantasy characters from Mario Hoops 3-on-3 make a return in this game. Additionally, the Dragon Quest character Slime makes an appearance, previously having appeared in Itadaki Street DS. These characters are all unlockable and also the only unlockable characters of the game.

Characters who are unlocked by playing a certain number of matches or by clearing secret missions in Tournament mode, can only be used in the sports that they're unlocked in. However, characters who are unlocked by clearing Star Road can be used for all sports.

It should be noted that for the characters that are unlocked by playing a certain number of matches, the players isn't required to win every match. Also, Wi-Fi matches do count as well. Also, when the players cleared the Star Road, but already has unlocked the character for all sports in a different way, the players gets the next character instead. For example, if players have already unlocked White Mage for every sport, and then clears the Star Road for the 2nd time, they'll unlock Black Mage for every sport instead.

All-rounder Character

Character	Special Ability	How to Unlock	Stats
	Ninja makes two copies of himself and go for the goal. The two copies are simply illusions and do not count for a point, but if the actual Ninja scores, he and his team gets a point. In dodgeball, if his copies hits opponents, they lose a section of their HP despite the copies being illusions.	The players should clear Star Road once.	Power	3/5
			Speed	4/5
			Technique	3/5

Technical Character

Character	Special Ability	How To Unlock	Stats
	White Mage aims her goal using a different aiming circle than any other character in the game. The aim is then proceeded by a shot, which is a blast of light. Any character that gets hit by the blast flies out of the way and loses a section of HP if played in dodgeball. In volleyball, the players can't choose the location of where the ball will land.	The players should clear Star Road twice. The players should clear a certain Mushroom Cup mission.	Power	2/5
			Speed	3/5
			Technique	5/5

Tricky Characters

Character	Special Ability	How to Unlock	Stats
	Black Mage waves his wand and uses lightning to shrink nearby opponents, as if they consumed a Mini Mushroom. He then sends the ball into the location of his aim. Opponents remain tiny for the duration of the move before returning to normal.	The players should clear Star Road three times. The players should clear a certain Mushroom Cup mission. The players should win the Star Cup 4 times.	Power	2/5
			Speed	2/5
			Technique	5/5
	Slime sends copies of itself into the court. The Slime copies stun any character they touch and they appear to follow the characters. Slime then tosses the ball into its point of aim.	The players should play 28 matches in one sport. The players should clear a certain Flower Cup mission.	Power	5/5
			Speed	2/5
			Technique	1/5
	When Moogle throws the ball, the ball disappears briefly, and then reappears at a different spot. The move could throw off opponents.	The players should clear the Mushroom Cup.	Power	1/5
			Speed	2/5
			Technique	5/5
	Cactuar fires needles that can hinder the players' movements (players are briefly immobilized at times). Afterward, Cactuar throws the ball at its target.	The players should play 60 matches in one sport. The players should clear a certain Star Cup mission.	Power	1/5
			Speed	6/5
			Technique	1/5

Alternate Outfits

Blue Toad has been won in Dodgeball.

Certain characters have alternate outfits that can be unlocked by performing certain objectives. Alternate outfits can only be used in the sports that they are unlocked in, but outfits unlocked by clearing Star Road can be used for all sports.

The players should note that they do not actually have to win the matches to be counted, and the minimum requirement for unlocking is at least having the characters in the players' team. Matches also get counted by playing Wi-Fi. To select another outfit, the players have to press the button on the Wii Remote, regardless of the control scheme used.

Character	Alternate Outfit	Usage Unlock Method	Mission Unlock Method	Star Road Unlock Method
Yoshi	Light Blue Yoshi	The players should play 15 matches as Yoshi.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Flower Cup.
	Yellow Yoshi	The players should play 20 matches as Yoshi.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Flower Cup.
	Pink Yoshi	The players should play 25 matches as Yoshi.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Flower Cup.
Peach	Tennis-wear	The players should play 40 matches as Peach.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Mushroom Cup.
Daisy	Tennis-wear	The players should play 40 matches as Daisy.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Flower Cup.
Toad	Blue Toad	The players should play 15 matches as Toad.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Mushroom Cup.
	Yellow Toad	The players should play 20 matches as Toad.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Mushroom Cup.
	Green Toad	The players should play 25 matches as Toad.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Star Cup.
Ninja	Shadow White	The players should play 20 matches as Ninja.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Flower Cup.	The players should clear Star Road up to 4 times.
White Mage	Pure White	The players should play 20 matches as White Mage.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Flower Cup.	The players should clear Star Road up to 5 times.
Black Mage	Magic Red	The players should play 20 matches as Black Mage.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Star Cup.	The players should clear Star Road up to 6 times.
Slime	She-Slime	The players should play 20 matches as Slime.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Star Cup.
	Metal Slime	The players should play 40 matches as Slime.	The players should complete a certain mission at the Star Cup.

Non-Playable Characters

• Birdo (species)
• Blue Yoshi
• Boo
• Dry Bones
• Gold Ghost
• Koopa Troopa
• Lakitu
• Monty Mole
• Penguin
• Petey Piranha
• Pianta
• Purple Puncher
• Red Yoshi
• Shy Guy

• Behemoth
• Behemoth King

Courts

There are fourteen playable courts in Mario Sports Mix. Courts in this game are often based on the courts from Mario Hoops 3-on-3, some of them even directly return with a slight redesign.

Each cup holds three courts that can be played depending on the sport. There are also three extra courts. These courts do not appear in any tournament. They can be unlocked by playing many games or completing missions in Tournament mode.

Courts and compatible sports
Court	Dodgeball	Volleyball	Basketball	Hockey
Template:Color-link-piped	Mushroom Cup 1st round	Mushroom Cup 1st round	Mushroom Cup 1st round	Mushroom Cup 1st round
Template:Color-link-piped	Mushroom Cup 2nd round	Mushroom Cup 2nd round	Mushroom Cup 2nd round	Extra 1st round
Template:Color-link-piped	Mushroom Cup 3rd round	Mushroom Cup 3rd round	Extra 1st round	Mushroom Cup 3rd round
DK Dock	Flower Cup 1st round	Flower Cup 1st round	Mushroom Cup 3rd round	Template:No
Toad Park	Flower Cup 2nd round	Template:No	Template:No	Mushroom Cup 2nd round
Template:Color-link-piped	Template:No	Flower Cup 2nd round	Flower Cup 1st round	Template:No
Western Junction	Extra 1st round	Flower Cup 3rd round	Flower Cup 2nd round	Flower Cup 1st round
Daisy Garden	Flower Cup 3rd round	Template:No	Flower Cup 3rd round	Flower Cup 3rd round
Wario Factory	Star Cup 1st round	Extra 1st round	Extra 2nd round	Flower Cup 2nd round
Bowser Jr. Blvd.	Template:No	Star Cup 1st round	Star Cup 1st round	Star Cup 1st round
Template:Color-link-piped	Star Cup 2nd round	Star Cup 2nd round	Star Cup 2nd round	Extra 3rd round
Template:Color-link-piped	Extra 2nd round	Extra 2nd round	Template:No	Star Cup 2nd round
Template:Color-link-piped	Star Cup 3rd round	Star Cup 3rd round	Star Cup 3rd round	Star Cup 3rd round
Ghoulish Galleon	Extra 3rd round	Extra 3rd round	Extra 3rd round	Extra 2nd round

Unlockable courts

Template:Spoiler Some courts must be unlocked before the players can play on them. The way to unlock these courts differs per sport.

Unlockable courts for every sports
Court	Dodgeball	Volleyball	Basketball	Hockey
Template:Color-link-piped	Already available	Already available	Already available	Already available
Template:Color-link-piped	Already available	Already available	Already available	The players should win a certain Mushroom Cup mission or play a certain number of matches
Template:Color-link-piped	The players should win the 3rd Mushroom Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 3rd Mushroom Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should clear a certain Mushroom Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 3rd Mushroom Cup round or play a certain number of matches.
DK Dock	Already available	Already available	The players should win the 3rd Mushroom Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	Template:No
Toad Park	Already available	Template:No	Template:No	Already available
Template:Color-link-piped	Template:No	Already available	Already available	Template:No
Western Junction	The players should win a certain Mushroom Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 3rd Flower Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	Already available	Already available
Daisy Garden	The players should win the 3rd Flower Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	Template:No	The players should win the 3rd Flower Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 3rd Flower Cup round or play a certain number of matches.
Wario Factory	Already available	The players should win a certain Mushroom Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win a certain Flower Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	Already available
Bowser Jr. Blvd.	Template:No	Already available	Already available	Already available
Template:Color-link-piped	The players should win the 2nd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 2nd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 2nd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win a certain Star Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.
Template:Color-link-piped	The players should win a certain Flower Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win a certain Flower Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	Template:No	The players should win the 2nd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.
Template:Color-link-piped	The players should win the 3rd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 3rd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 3rd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win the 3rd Star Cup round or play a certain number of matches.
Ghoulish Galleon	The players should win a certain Star Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win a certain Star Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win a certain Star Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.	The players should win a certain Flower Cup mission or play a certain number of matches.

Items

As in most Mario games, there are items available during the gameplay of Mario Sports Mix. These items are available by touching the available and various ? Panels on the court. Most of these items cause struck players to lose coins, and all items also affect teammates as well.

Item	Name	Function
File:MKwii Banana.jpg	Banana	A single banana is thrown into the court. The bananas can make players slip and fall, which stuns them for a brief amount of time. Bananas can also be used to block incoming shells. When players use the item in conjunction with the item, the ball/puck makes a homing, wide curve and can hit anyone with the same effects of a banana.
File:MKwii Bob-omb.jpg	Bob-omb	A bob-omb is thrown correspondingly to the user's aim. When the bomb lands, it explodes, knocking any player caught in the blast radius. Bob-ombs also obliterate items in its radius. A mini-game, Bob-omb Dodge, has a sole purpose of tossing Bob-ombs of various sizes at players, who must dodge these bombs.
File:Coin.jpg	Coin	Though not an offensive weapon, unlike all other items listed, coins play a vital role in Mario Sports Mix and serve as a puck in hockey, although the latter role is not associated with its sole purpose. Coins are mainly collected by running on ? Panels, but are also obtainable by stage hazards or by stealing them from other players via offensive items. Coins increase the score output and how much damage is done to players in dodgeball. Coins get depleted into points once players score, which means that players must collect coins again if they want to score more points.
File:MKwii Greenshell.jpg	Green Shell	Similar to its function in the Mario Kart series, Green Shells move in a straight line and bounce off any wall. They get destroyed by any other item in play and disappear when they hit another player or bounce in the wall enough times. When used in conjunction with the ball/puck, this item homes towards its goal and can hit any player in its way, however stopping the ball/puck momentum.
	Mini Mushroom	The Mini Mushroom shrinks any players it comes in contact with. Except when used in conjunction with the ball/puck, the Mini Mushroom behaves quite similarly to the Banana; they both get lobbed and both remain in one spot. Any player turned mini cannot perform most moves and gets movement lowered. The Mini Mushroom's effects revert over time.
File:MKwii Redshell.jpg	Red Shell	Much like the Green Shell, the Red Shell functions not too different than its counterpart in the Mario Kart series. The Red Shell homes after its nearby opponent. When contact is initiated, the player gets knocked in the same manner as a Green Shell. Red Shells do not rebound off walls and can get destroyed by another item. When used in conjunction with the ball/puck, the Red Shell does a large curve and homes for the goal. When in this form, the Red Shell can knock other players away, but this stops the momentum of the ball/puck, much like the Green Shell.
File:Star.PNG	Super Star	Not too different than its functions in other various games, the Super Star makes players invincible. Unlike all other items, this item can be obtained very rarely. When this item is collected, it automatically activates itself. The Super Star not only makes players invincible, it also powers up the ball/puck, making it impervious to other player attacks while flying through the players, homing to the goal and moving at a much faster speed.

Template:Spoiler In the Behemoth battle, players can also collect Meteorites from ? Panels. Meteorites can be used in different ways; they can be thrown at Behemoth to damage it a la Dodgeball. Players can also dunk it at Behemoth (like in Basketball). They can also pass the Meteorite at another teammate. Players must receive it and pass it to another player (Volleyball). By doing this, the SP Bar fills marginally, and the meteorite gains power. Coins can also be collected from ? Panels to give it more power. When the SP Bar is full and all the players of the team are still in the game, the players can use a Special Shot. This gives Behemoth significant damage. When the Meteorite falls on the ground, it, it and its power disappears; players must collect a new Meteorite and recharge it. Template:Endspoiler

Modes of Play

Mario Sports Mix has two game modes for each one of the four sports: Exhibition and Tournament. Each sport also has a tutorial video so players can learn on how to play these sports.

Exhibition

Players can select which court to play during a dodgeball match in Exhibition mode.

Before a match starts, a VS screen will be shown to let players know which two teams are involved.

Exhibition mode allows players to play any one of the four sports and customize the rules of the match from the court selection screen at anytime before the match begins (see Gameplay for more info). From there, players can select any two or three of the nineteen playable characters and one of the fourteen compatible courts.

Players may unlock characters or courts by playing games in this mode. Character skins can be unlocked by playing with a particular character certain times. This also counts for Tournament mode. However, what players unlock can only be used in that sport. So if players unlock Slime for Dodgeball, Slime can only be used in that sport.

Tournament

The Volleyball Mushroom Cup Tournament.

In Tournament mode, players can compete for the trophy in the same manner as in Mario Hoops 3-on-3. There are three rounds in the tournament. When players win a game, they move on to the next round of the tournament. Each time players win a cup, they can earn one of the three small crystals that corresponds to the sport's color and the players moves on to the next tournament. If all three cups are cleared for that corresponding sport, then it becomes a large crystal that is placed on the Star Ship.

The Star Cup finals is always against the Final Fantasy team.

After winning the Star Cup of a sport, players unlock a Hard mode for that sport. Opponents are more difficult than in Normal mode. Also, if players clear the Star Cup at all sports, they receive all four large crystals to power the starship. After colleting all four large crystals, they battle Behemoth and defeat Behemoth. Sports Mix mode is unlocked when this is cleared. Sports Mix only has one skill level, which is Expert, and it is a tournament in which each match is a randomly generated sport. Also, clearing the Star Cup in Sports Mix mode makes players face off against the Behemoth King. Template:Endspoiler

Alternate Routes

Mario on an alternate route; Green Toad can be seen.

Players can also replay tournaments to find alternate routes. Players can find alternate routes by performing some actions in a tournament match, for example scoring a point with a Special Shot.

In the alternate routes, players do not play normal matches, but missions instead. If players lose a mission, they get sent back to the normal tournament. If players win a mission, they may continue on, but the road often splits. Players may choose which way they want to go. These roads lead players to different missions, different events, or sometimes even back to the normal tournament. Once players come back to the normal tournament, they cannot re-enter the alternate routes until they start over the tournament.

Taking right choices or guesses, players may reach the Hidden Final. The Hidden Final is the last mission of the tournament. If players lose this mission, they do not get sent back to the normal tournament, but they can retry the mission instead. If players win this mission, they earn the tournament cup, just like players do in the normal run. The Hidden Final involves completing a task that is usually more difficult than the others, for example, winning a match without allowing the opponent to score even once.

Players may unlock hidden characters, courts, or character skins by winning missions. However what they unlock depends on the mission, the sport, and even the routes they take before reaching the mission. Unlocked items are only accessible in the sport players win the mission in.

Template:Spoiler Alternate routes in the Star Cup are slightly different compared to the Mushroom and Flower Cups. If players win some missions in the route, they can travel to the Star Road. If players manage to reach the end of the Star Road, they get a message Star Road Complete!, and travel back to the normal tournament by jumping on the Star.

There is no Hidden Final for the Star Cup, but after clearing the Star Road, players immediately go up against the Final Fantasy team. Unlike with the normal tournament, however, crystals do pop up during the match; the crystals act like coins, which add extra points for Basketball, Volleyball, and Hockey, while strengthening attacks in Dodgeball.

If players beat the team (and Behemoth if all the sports are cleared), they unlock a Final Fantasy character for every sport.

Graphical changes

When completing sports in Tournament mode, some items in menus of the game change. Once a sport is completed in Normal mode, a crystal marks the sport in the record menu. When the sport is completed in Hard mode, the ball (or in case of Hockey, the stick since the coin is already gold) turns gold in the main menu. If Sports Mix mode is cleared, the usual blue background of the main menu, turns into a gold-red colored background. Template:Endspoiler

Party Games

One of the four party games, Feed Petey.

In addition to the tournament and the exhibition modes, Mario Sports Mix has four party games, one for each sport. They can be played for up to four players.

• Feed Petey - Basketball
• Harmony Hustle - Volleyball
• Bob-omb Dodge - Dodgeball
• Smash Skate - Hockey

Record Book

The game does keep track of the player's records for each sport. The records basically go as follows:

Page Number	Image	Details
Page 1: Player Record		Number of matches played Number of tournament wins Win percentage Average coin collected Direct hits with items
Page 2: Success Rates		Basketball Dunk Layup Jump Shot 3-Point Shot Block
		Volleyball Ace Serves Spike Fake Out Block Receive Save
		Dodgeball Attack Catch Diving Catch Dodge Roll Pass Steal
		Hockey Shot Super Shot Direct Shot Block Face Off
Page 3: Character Picks		The player's top five character picks for one sport.
Page 4: Stage Picks		The player's top five stage picks for one sport.

Beta Elements

Main article: Mario Sports Mix/Beta Elements

Trivia

• The Hockey sport in this game is presented as Ice Hockey, however on most of the courts, Mario and his friends play Roller Hockey.
  • In most countries, the name Hockey is generally used for Field Hockey, however this variant of Hockey is not playable in Mario Sports Mix.
• None of the unlockable characters are Mario characters, but only Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest characters.
  • Skins of Mario Characters can be unlocked, however.
    • There are no Tricky characters available from the start, which means there are no Tricky Mario characters in this game.

References to Other Games

• Super Mario Bros.: The underwater theme is one of the tunes available in Harmony Hustle.
• Super Mario Bros. 2: The animation used for Toad whenever he throws an item appears to be influenced by how he threw vegetables and other items in this game.
• Super Mario Bros. 3: In the underwater theme in Harmony Hustle, part of this game's underwater melody can be heard.
• Super Mario World: The athletic theme is one of the tunes available in Harmony Hustle.
• Mario Tennis: Peach and Daisy's alternate costumes, called "Tennis-Wear", is based off this series. More specifically, the design overall is based on the outfit that Peach wears for Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour and Mario Power Tennis.
• Mario Hoops 3-on-3: Much of the gameplay mechanics come from this game, especially in basketball. Most stages are also based off this game. The theme of Bloocheep Sea makes a return as one of the songs in Harmony Hustle.
• New Super Mario Bros.: The design and function of the Mini Mushroom is based off this game.
• Luigi's Mansion: A court takes place in a mansion based off this game. The Poltergust 3000 appears as Luigi's special attack.
• Super Smash Bros. Melee: The Green Missile makes an appearance as Luigi's dive in dodgeball and his third consecutive check in hockey; similar graphics appear when Luigi jumps up to block in basketball. Luigi's dash attack also appears to have been referenced as the second consecutive check in hockey.
• Mario Kart: Double Dash!!: Toad Park court is somewhat similar to the Baby Park racetrack.
• Mario Kart DS: The concept of Waluigi owning a pinball-themed course returns.
• Mario Kart Wii: In Toad Park, Toads can be seen driving Mario Kart Wii-styled karts. Some item images are also borrowed from this game, such as the Green Shells.

External Links

• Official Japanese website
• Official Australian website
• Official European website
• Official American website