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It's that time of the year; the time when those white shirts and shorts are dug out of the back of the wardrobe and folk all over the place take to the courts for a nice, relaxing game of tennis.

Apart from the pros that is, who fight tooth a nail to make an absolute fortune from the game. International 3D Tennis gives you a first-hand look at professional tennis, in a way never before seen. Programmed by Sensible Software, the development team who first shocked the world with the amazing Wizball and are currently doing very nicely thank you out of their latest footballing bonanza, Sensible Soccer on the Amiga. International 3D Tennis takes the player through an entire pro season, with massive amounts of prize money to be won for the best of the best - and even a bit of dosh if you're totally useless!

As the title suggests, the game is viewed in second-person perspective 3D, with the characters being picked out in wire-frame graphics. While this may sound a little odd, this style does allow for extremely impressive animation. You don't have to play from just one view, either; International 3D Tennis gives budding Beckers and aspiring Agassis a choice of ten different angles, letting you see the action from anywhere on the court!

The rules of tennis have been implemented to the letter - each game is won by winning four points; fifteen, thirty, forty and the game point. A player must win six games to win the set, with a margin of two games between winner and loser. Playing an entire season takes the player to various tournaments around the world, with the aim of getting to and winning the final firmly fixed in your mind.

Unfortunately, the season option is unavailable to 48K Spectrum owners, but the game itself is so good, those of you with little Speccies simply won't mind.

International 3D Tennis is a fantastic tennis simulation, with controls that are easy to learn yet give a massive amount of play options, you can even add spin to the ball! The different views, while adding little to the overall playability, are a great touch nonetheless and the 3D graphics are fast and great to watch. It's game, set and match to International 3D Tennis!

Label: GBH Memory: 48K/128K Price: £3.99 Tape Reviewer: Alan Dykes

The Sensible boys have served up a treat with International 3D Tennis - the best Spectrum version of the sport bar none.