Update: September 14 2006
«©NCSX» Developer Clap Hanz directs their design conventions and creative animus at another sport and comes up with yet another winner. Minna no Tennis follows the simplicity and elegance of Minna no Golf except players now swing a racket instead of a nine iron.
Upon starting the game, a rotary menu appears which allows access into a single-player Challenge Mode, a multi-player Minna Mode, Training Mode, Options, and Data. To get a feel for the game, NCS recommends a few sessions in the Training Mode where an automated ball launcher tumbles onto the court and shoots balls at the player to hit. When returning the serve, portions of the court are highlighted and designated as the areas to aim for. When swinging the racket, the L-analog or D-pad may be maneuvered to aim the ball. The strength of the swing may also be controlled by pressing one of three buttons. The TRIANGLE serves up an overhead lob, the CIRCLE thrashes out a topspin ground stroke, and the X-BUTTON may be tapped for a weak slice shot which sends the ball sailing low and slow. By mixing up the different swings and adjusting for the opponent's return volleys, players may match the natural rhythm of tennis where the tempo changes during the course of play.
View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.
Jan Code: 4948872151139
NCS Game Notes
» Clap Hanz Limited developed the game for Sony
» After pressing START, the game prompts the player to create a data file. There are four save slots per 8M memory card. After naming the file, the game screen opens up where player may set options and engage in different types of matches or practice swings against a mechanical ball launcher that falls onto the court with a clank. Either the TRIANGLE, CIRCLE, or X button may be used for different types of swings.
» In the Practice Mode, the swings to use for each ball shot from the mechanical launcher are shown in the upper left corner of the screen. If you're at the right position and use the swing that's indicated, the ball will land at a designated perimeter on the other side of the court followed an approving chime sound. The practice mode also allows for practicing aim by hitting the ball at slivers of the court that are highlighted.
» Either the D-pad or L-analog may be used to control the tennis star
» Minna no Tennis features 14 tennis characters with individual personalities and skill levels. The first few players that one encounters in the game aren't too challenger but the later players are tennis pros.
» Up to four players may enjoy the Minna Mode and play singles or doubles.
» When the first 1-on-1 match starts, a beach scene opens up with a hotel in the background. The sound of waves gently crash against the shore and Caribbean music plays.
» The types of tennis players used are the cutesy types reminiscent of Minna no Golf. In the one player game, after defeating the blonde player, a brunette with a blue headband comes in to provide more of a challenge. The second match also takes place at the beach near the hotel.
» After each successful smash, a female announcer says "Fifteen Lavu" or "Thirty Lavu" and announces court changes and other events.
» The players grunt, groan, and yelp when serving and swinging to add a layer of audio realism to the tennis action. Particularly good swings or shots are shown in a short replay. After winning a match, the confetti falls and the player is shown posing and clowning around on the court where he thrusts his racket into the air, waves at the crowd, and does the thumbs up gesture as the camera rotates around him.
» After smashing a ball, sometimes the COM player just stands there for a full second before realizing what happened and then tries to save the swing. There was another time when we returned a serve and the opponent ran right into the ball and attempted to catch it with his head. After being knocked out, the match was won in our favor.
» Each opponent that is defeated is added to the pool of playable characters.
» After each match, the stats are shown including mph of the fastest serve, hit ratio, returns, etc
» Data is saved to memory card automatically after each successful match.
» Minna no Tennis is very approachable and beautifully executed. The controls are superb and the responsiveness of the game is top notch. Clap Hanz has mentioned that they're interested in producing other sports games. We're interested in Minna no Fishing or maybe Minna no Bowling...
This document is ©NCSX 2006. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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