| Wimbledon is on our screens again and right on cue Namco
have released Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis. What a licence! The
lovely lady herself adorns the box and features in the game’s intro. Not only have Namco
signed up Tennis’ number one blonde beauty, but they’ve also managed to produce one of
the best tennis games to grace our screens in recent years.  
Smash Court Tennis adopts a very cute and pretty
unspectacular visual style. Whilst there’s no visual whiz-bang, the game has been
superbly designed with over 20 cute characters from which to select. Each court is nicely
designed with its own unique look and feel. But it’s not graphics that make this game,
it’s the insanely addictive gameplay.
The game boasts an impressive range of shots – topspin, flat,
lobs, volleys, inside-outs kick-serves – and yet is still incredibly easy to get into.
Serving is a good example of the beautifully simple yet precise method of control employed
by the game. One press of the button throws the ball into the air and then by pressing a
second a variety of serves can be executed. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. You
have to time hitting the ball at the optimum moment as it drops. It’s easy to serve but
to serve really well takes practice.
 
This is an example of a game which is really, really, really
fun to play. So easy to get into and yet so hard to master, Smash Court Tennis
tantalises players and keeps interest levels high. The computer players all fairly
competent and provide a good challenge. There’s options for doubles as well as single
play and, of course, there’s the all important two player mode. Scenes of chaos have
erupted in the Games Domain offices as we’ve been recreating our own mini
Wimbledon. The variety of shots that can be pulled off by clever D-pad positioning make
this game a great multiplayer experience and, quite simply, a stunning example of how
great gameplay should be put together.
 
As with the visuals, Smash Court Tennis’ audio is
unspectacular but well implemented. A good range of tunes and some decent sound effects
help to add to the overall playing experience. Even more value is added to the game by a
number of secrets which can be unlocked as you make progress. Fancy playing as some of the
Tekken 3 characters? Win a few tournaments and you’ll be well on your way!
 
Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis lacks the
visual impact of some other Playstation games, but this doesn’t really matter as
it is so much fun to play. Plenty of options and those interesting secrets help to keep
the interest level high. If you enjoy fun games then check this out! |
