Sure, Mario's latest outing on the 3DS isn't the most original concept – after all, we have seen a healthy number tennis-centric titles ever since the pipe-traveling plumber discovered the sport during the days of the N64 – but that doesn't mean the creative juices at Nintendo aren't still flowing…
Or does it?
In a brand new trailer for the upcoming 3DS title Mario Tennis Open, we get our first glimpse at "Special Games", a mode clearly aimed to spice up the traditional swing-and-run formula. One game type worth noting, dubbed "Super Mario Tennis" features a pretty awesome retro-styled scrolling screen filled with blocks and Goombas that the player must target using his trusty racket. Another, rather conventional game type called "Ring Shot" has the player – you guessed it – racking up points by hitting the ball through magically appearing golden rings.
To see these game modes – and more! – in action, check out the video for yourself below.