C&VG
16th August 1984
Publisher: Sinclair Research
Machine: Spectrum 48K
Published in Computer & Video Games #35
Match Point
By the time you read this, the Wimbledon fortnight will be over. But if the sight of those tennis champs has inspired you to take up this noble sport, why not have a few practice sessions using this latest release from Psion before you venture out onto the real court?
Match Point is destined to become a sports simulation, bound for the high reaches of the C&VG Top 30. The graphics, although fairly simple, are excellent and the program extremely well designed.
There are several game options, including exhibition level and to Wimbledon quarter final status. At the start of each game, you can select which of the many options you want to play from the well presented and easy to understand menu screen.
The court is presented in 3D perspective style. The players are represented by fairly simple black graphic figures - but their movement is smooth and realistic. The movement as each player serves is a programming gem - smooth and accurate.
At the back of the court is a Wimbledon style scoreboard, complete with player names which you can input at the start of each game.
Scoring is exactly the same as the real game, complete with tie-breaks. Captions at the bottom of the screen provide further information on the game as you play. For example, the message "First Service" comes up if you fluff a serve, or the message "Out" if you go too wild. And there's no arguing with this umpire!
You can play the computer or a human opponent over 3-5 sets, again just like the real game.
I played using the Spectrum keyboard - but a joystick would be a real asset. You just can't move your fingers fast enough when going for that crucial winning point!
Having said that, there is the facility to redefine the keys should you want to try out another configuration.
Overall, Match Point is an extremely well presented and executed piece of software which ensures Psion's reputation as a purveyor of good quality games.
One minor criticism - when playing for the first time, I thought there were two balls in play, until I realised that one ball was in fact a shadow on the floor of the court as the real ball bounced around between the players. A little confusing, but not enough to stop this becoming a top seller!