Previous Next

Following the sparkling success of Petey Sampras on the Megadrive a couple of months ago, comes the Game Gear conversion. The plot is essentially the same as the original, boasting the moves, grooves, options, and not to mention ol' Pete's brighter than bright smile.

Included are the various play options, Challenge, Tournament, and World Tour, all of which can be played to death with a choice of 30 tennis stars. On an innovative note, the boffins at Codemasters have designed a two player system for Game Gear owners with chums. New balls, please!

Aside from the usual game link option, two people can play on one Game Gear. Yep, that's right! The characters move automatically, while shots are taken using the I and II, for player one, and the D-pad for player two.

"Practice makes perfect", as they say, and a Tutorial mode is built in to help aspiring centre court stars. Although it doesn't have the Megadrive version's graphical demonstration of shots and technique, the info is all here in text form.

Codemasters are rapidly making the Game Gear their own. Pete Sampras is the perfect pastime for tennis mad owners lucky enough to have a handheld. Okay, the two on one gear option is anatomically improbable, but the rest of the game is all present and correct.

Petey Sampras and the Game Gear go together like strawberries and cream! Capturing the clear visuals with the smooth and fluid movement, this is a superb conversion of an already superb game. And although the two player option is a bit of a let down, it's still a laugh. A guarantee of many hours of handheld fun!

Graphics 91%
Practically identical to the Megadrive version, just as slick and clear.

Sound 76%
Solid thwomps from the serves and polite rounds of applause. Not much else.

Playability 90%
Just as fab as the Megadrive version, but two player option is awkward.

Lastability 92%
30 players, three game styes, oodles to keep you going.

Value For Money 89%
A fab game for under 30 quid! Great value.

Overall 91%
A smashing Game Gear conversion with a few cuts, but all the atmosphere and fun. Grand!