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| Anna Kournikova! |
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| Nice rally! |
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| | Smash Court Tennis |
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| Number Of Players: | 1-4 |
| I-link/Internet: | No |
| Publisher: | Namco |
| Developer: | Namco |
| Genre: | Sports |
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| | Full Review: |
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The Dreamcast may have failed to build a large user base, but during its life, it did produce a selection of fine games. One in particualar was Virtua Tennis. Smash Court Tennis has many similarities to the Dreamcast classic, and serves up a storming tennis game for the PS2. As the Playstation 2 reaches its second birthday, its a good time to fill the tennis genre, and Smash Court Tennis does the job admirably.
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| | Gameplay |
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The controls are often the key for many tennis games. They need to be simple, whilst allowing you to try out each kind of shot available in the real tennis world. With Smash Court, there is a single button for topspin hits, and another for slice hits. To finish the package, a third button allows for slobs and drop-shots, depending on the situation. Smashes are also possible, using the slice or topspin buttons when stood in the right position. Equipped with the simple, but all-encompassing controls, it is easy to start playing, but at the same time presents a challenge to master.
The smooth motion of each character is vital, and the speed of the players around the court can make or break a tennis game. If the gameplay feels too sluggish, then it could become completely inaccessible. Fortunately, Smash Court provides a fast, smooth and enjoyable experience. Responsive controls allow for good control around the court for both beginners and masters.
The modes available are extensive, ranging from the quick-dip arcade mode to the full tournament mode. There are also Time Attacks and Exhibition matches to play. The heart of the game though lies in the Tournament section where each of the four Grand Slam tournaments are available. In this mode, you play through series of matches, gaining (or losing) titles. As you progress, trophies and other items are awarded, and can be used in other modes, or viewed in the trophy room.
The greatest feature of all though is the multiplayer mode. Inside exhibition games, you can play with up to four people, taking part in fantastic doubles or singles games. Choosing from the eight initial characters (including the most successfuly player of all time - Pete Sampras, and the sexiest player of all time - Anna Kournikova) you can experience a sublime multiplayer game, on a par with the fantastic TimeSplitters.
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| | Graphics |
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This game is really about having a fun game of tennis, providing a fantastic multiplayer experience, and allowing pleasant accessible gameplay. As a result, the graphical side is not quite as advanced as in games such as Metal Gear Solid or Final Fantasy, where graphics are essential to recreate the necessary realism. Tennis does of course require some realism of its own, and the graphics are certainly of PS2 standard, but they do lack the flare of other top titles.
The graphics are still of a high standard though, allowing you to see clearly who each player is - including subtle service movements (in particular Sampras's unmistakable serve). The speed of the game is impressive, running smoothly even in four player matches - essential to keep the four player mode as fun as it is. The audience and court staff are all present and look fairly realistic, completing the experience. The graphics really aren`t bad, but PS2 owners have been spoiled by Konami and Squaresoft.
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| | Sound |
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The music needs to be dealt with first. If you can handle having music in the middle of a match, then great, there is music available (though not exactly popular) but if, like me, you think tennis with music is a silly idea, then you`ll be glad to hear that BGM is very easy to turn off, returning you to the environment where "Thwack", "Out" and "Ohhh" rule the court.
Sound effects such as those mentioned above are all implemented successfully, with just the right number of grunts - too many and it gets irritating, not enough, and you forget the players are there. The racket hits are nicely done with varying sounds according to the power of the racket and the position the ball hits the racket head.
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| | Overall |
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Overall its a fantastic tennis game. It might not be a graphical showcase for PS2, but it makes a superb multiplayer experience. The single player game will last for a decent amount of time, but you could be playing for months to come in exhibition mode with your friends.
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| Score |
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| | Gameplay
Brilliant fun in multiplayer mode, but less so in single player.
| 9.2 | |
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Graphics
Not great, but enough detail to deliver the point.
| 7.4 |
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Lastability
Going alone, not long, but forever in multiplayer.
| 8.5 |
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Sound
Terrible music, stupid idea. Decent effects though.
| 7.5 |
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Overall
Great fun to play, conditional on having somebody else there.
| 8.2 |
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| | Alternatively: |
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You could also check out SSX Tricky, if you like your sports a little more extreme. Tricky has a better single player game as well as decent multiplayer thrills, and all takes place in happy, happy snow.
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