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Tennis, especially on such a small screen as the loveable Game Boy, is a particularly hard game to replicate. Hitting the ball too hard and castrating an umpire, ball persons getting walloped about the head and mobile phones tinkling annoyingly in the crowd are all extremely hard to bring to life. Strawberries and cream is just out of the question.

It is a good job then that Ubisot have graced us with All Star Tennis '99, a game where tennis is brought to life in some very peculiar ways. First and foremost, the game must be praised for the splendid use of screen space. The camera instinctively acknowledges where the ball is, allowing complete freedom of movement between the players and so keeping you within the thick of the action at all times.

Secondly, the colour palette is kept clean and crisp with defining lines between players and their surroundings. Hell, a Greek coliseum even plays host to one background allowing the player to truly feel they are honing their racket skills in some sunny environment. Well... almost. The players are swift and surprisingly graceful in their actions too, each coming complete with signature moves and distinctive playing techniques.

The game includes a special option, 'Bomb Tennis'. It is as it sounds - you play tennis with bombs. You playfully bounce sparking bombs to and fro, joyfully shouting "Good shot old girl!" when your rival returns a volley, but if you drop one. Well. The bomb implants itself into the ground whereby it fizzes slowly until the fuse runs out, then it explodes. Get near it, you die. This added aspect to play is completely uncalled for. That doesn't make it unwelcome though.

With the Game Boy's admittedly poor ability to wow you with realism, it heads straight in the direction of entertainment instead. If the explosive on-court exploits weren't enough to please, then you'll be happy to learn that the game gives you the chance to perform special moves such as Roundhouse kicks and flaming shots that rip through your opponent's racket.

Yes, it's all utterly unbelievable but it breathes new life into a game that would otherwise suffer because of the Game Boy's abilities.

You'll never get the chance of watching Jana Novotna killing someone in real life, nor will you get the chance to watch her on clay, grass or indoor courts hitting the ball between her legs and flying through the air like some wannabe super hero.

You will get to do it with this game though. It looks rough (Lowry would be pleased!) but it oozes bundles of entertainment and that is what matters. When the strawberries and cream are mopped up and the rain covers are pulled over for another year, All-Star Tennis '99 still stands as a proud testament to the sport. Well recommended!

Graphics 60%
Stick men but slick play!

Sound 40%
Typical annoying ditties.

Playability 80%
Buckets of fun!

Lastability 80%
Irresistible explosive laffs!

Overall 86%
Keep it until the real thing in 2000...!