Nintendo has announced Mario’s first basketball appearance on the DS – Mario Slam Basketball. Developed by Square Enix, the game will feature Mario & co. in 3D out on the courts, dunking balls and whatnot.

Mario Slam Basketball is the first game of its type to give players total control of the ball. Players really will be able to dribble and Slam-Dunk with the tip of their finger! The fast paced action features classic Nintendo and Final Fantasy characters and is perfectly suited to the Nintendo DS using a combination of the touch screen and D-pad to dribble, pass and take shots, all with strokes and taps of the stylus. The slightly more flash players can also show off several special moves; by tapping a unique sequence of dots that mark the first initial of the character’s name, players can unleash awe inspiring new skills, with the potential of doubling their score.

Create your own three player, all-star team by selecting from popular Nintendo characters such as Mario, Luigi and even Princess Peach herself! What’s more developer Square Enix has included a whole host of famous Final Fantasy characters to choose from. Collecting coins during matches is especially important as they can affect the score. So, before going for a slam-dunk players will need to collect as many coins as they can in order to bag the highest possible score.

The basketball court isn’t the place for the faint hearted. Magic Johnson and Dennis Rodman may be stars on the real court, but faced with players holding red shells it takes an all new-type of player to really show their skill on the DS court! The referee seems to be asleep so anything goes on this basketball court! Players can use Red and Green shells, Bo-bombs, Bananas and Stars to turn the tide of the game, obstruct other players and even chase down coins.

Mario Slam Basketball features three single player modes that allow players to participate in major basketball tournaments, exhibition matches and hone their vital skills. In Practice Mode, players can focus on their weak points and strive to become superstars. Exhibition Mode allows players to select their own customised team to play against the CPU in a quick match. Finally Tourney mode lets players try out their skills in a choice of four tournaments- Mushroom, Flower, Star and Rainbow. When a Tourney has been completed, ‘Hard mode’ is activated where the really hardcore players can battle it out against even fiercer opponents.

Desperate to wipe the court with your friends? Now you can with three exciting wireless multi-player modes to select: Exhibition, Dribble Race, and Coin Hunter, plus two single download play modes. Test who can hold on to the most coins until the end of the game, or take part in a Dribble Race. If you’re desperate to show off who’s the winner, players can even store results and rankings. Mario Slam Basketball also has the ability to let friends cut in. While playing, a message will pop up and alert players that a new opponent has been found so players can compete in some serious on court action.

Mario Slam Basketball will be released across Europe on November 10; it will retail for £30.