Previous Next

You cannot be serious? Another tennis game? Aren't there enough already?

Well, not quite. Imagine's conversion of the Konami arcade game is rather good, despite not being terribly original.

The players are drawn in a sort of outline cartoon style to avoid the colour clash problem and dash about the forced perspective court pretty quickly. However, it's sometimes difficult to tell exactly where and how high the ball is, despite the "shadow" effect the program uses to help you.

It also seems all too easy to run up the net and play lots of close in shots to defeat the computer-controlled opponent.

But these are minor gripes really, the game is pretty playable and easy to get into right from the first volley. The computer player does seem to have the habit of bashing over a few untouchable aces if he's in trouble. But he's not unbeatable, and this makes the game even more playable.

Scoring follows the normal real life game, you can play advantages and deuces which can add to the tension of a hard fought match. Calls from the judges appear in a little window at the "back" of the court which is also occupied by the scoreboard. Individual scores appear in small boxes superimposed on the right hand side of the screen.

You can't argue with the judges - the computer will put you back on the baseline despite all your protests!

A really original touch is the doubles feature which allows two people to play against the computer. Shame the option didn't extend to allowiing two players to control two players - if you get my drift. Things can get quite hectic - and lead to real life arguments if your partner misses a crucial shot. Still, it all adds to the excitement.

There is a two player option for the singles, and you can redfeine the control keys to suit yourself. The sound effects are pretty good for the Spectrum - despite the compulsory, irritating little tune over the intro screen.

The action flows fast and furious without any irritating delays or glitches. Tennis is a well put together game - it plays well and looks good. If you're a sports fan, check this one out.