Tennis game easy to learn
Tennis game easy to learn

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By Matthew Price

Published: August 31, 2007

With U.S. Open tennis in full swing, gamers can fill the time between matches practicing their virtual backhands with "Hot Shots Tennis” for the PlayStation 2.

Gamers can play in a challenge mode against the computer, the fun time mode against other gamers, or a training mode to work on various shots. Up to four players can play in fun time mode.

In the challenge mode, the gamer will attempt to defeat other players to unlock more courts, opponents and umpires. Overall, the game has 14 playable characters, each with a different skill set. Five umpires are available, as are 11 courts.

The game follows the rules of tennis in its basic mode, and most of the physics are reasonable. A few volleys come off the racket at odd angles, but that's a minimal problem.

Shot types are determined by which face button is hit as the player attempts to connect with the shot — X makes for a topspin shot, X plus a directional arrow is a flat shot in that direction; the circle provides a slice shot; the circle with the back directional arrow is a drop shot.

The "Hot Shots” franchise is known for child-friendly golf games, and it brings that sensibility to tennis in this game. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, the anime-style renderings are amusing and well-rendered for the PS2. The game is more arcade-style than simulation, since players' skills won't improve, and they rarely fatigue. Still, the game is easy to learn, and could be enjoyed by all members of the family.

The game is rated E for everyone and has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

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