Hot Shots Tennis

-Visuals- 7.7/10
Now I'm going to grade this on what it is, and not what it isn't. Anyone familiar with the Hot Shots franchise will once again be pleased by the crisp yet whimsical graphics the game displays. Obviously we are not talking FFX graphics and by no means did Clap Hanz intend us to be. Instead we are shown how nice basic graphics can be if they are done correctly. The various courts are all individual and while over the top are realistic in play and each as it's not only distinctive feel and look but various other small attentions to detail that make it fun. The character models are also all individualistic and also over the top ranging from moody and broody to cute and charming to down right annoying. Well done job here. I also like the added animations based on the type (and success) of the shots hit, very colorful and enjoyable.


-Sound- 7.5/10
Nothing great, nothing horrible...it sounds like a tennis game should.

-Gameplay- 7/10
OK, now here's my major gripe. There doesn't appear to be much of a learning curve really. Once you figure out a players weakness it's relatively simple to win, now I know that is the trick to all games, but, do not expect a sudden shift in AI and expect the characters to do something different. If they are a slice specialists they will slice, if serve is their strong point then that will be their modus operandi pretty much all the time. Of course once again we're not talking about a game that was designed to be a masterpiece, but, I do wish the physics were a bit more realistic. Many, many times the opponents will run down a shot that there is no way they should have (they actually often seem to know where you are going to hit it) and they will (within their strengths) hit a shot which would be pretty much impossible to Roger Federer, but, if you lob them, and that is their weakness for instance, they will the vast majority of time either hit the ball weakly right to you or hit it out. At times this can and does make the game either way too easy, or way to hard...if you haven't quote got a grip on their weakness yet, lol.

-Story-NA
It's a tennis match on various courts against various opponents, as you beat them you then get to play as them.

-Overall- 7.5/10
Once again, based on what it is, and not what it isn't...I found it to be very enjoyable and at the same time somewhat frustrating. Obviously it's not supposed to be a true tennis simulation but what it is should work withing it's own framework, and the issue with the seemingly impossibly silly shots and the ridiculous ease you will win using the right shot takes away from the over all enjoyment.