Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis: A Deep Dive into the Classic Tennis Game

Released in 1998, Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis is a tennis video game that captured the hearts of tennis fans and gamers alike. Featuring the likeness of professional tennis player Anna Kournikova, the game offered a realistic and engaging tennis experience with a variety of modes and features.

Gameplay

Smash Court Tennis features intuitive controls and realistic gameplay mechanics that allow players to experience the thrill of a real tennis match. Players can choose from a variety of shots, including topspin, backspin, lobs, and drop shots, and can also control the power and placement of their shots. The game also features a variety of court surfaces, each with its own unique characteristics, such as grass, clay, and hard court.

Modes

The game offers a variety of modes to keep players entertained, including:

  • Exhibition Match: Play a single match against a computer opponent or a friend.
  • Tournament: Compete in a tournament against a series of increasingly difficult opponents. Winning tournaments rewards world ranking points, which unlock new characters and items.
  • Practice: Hone your skills in practice mode, where you can work on your serve, strokes, and footwork.

Characters

Smash Court Tennis features a roster of 12 playable characters, each with their own unique attributes and skills. These characters include:

  • Anna Kournikova: The Russian tennis star and namesake of the game.
  • Pete Sampras: The American tennis legend and 14-time Grand Slam champion.
  • Steffi Graf: The German tennis legend and 22-time Grand Slam champion.
  • Andre Agassi: The American tennis legend and 8-time Grand Slam champion.
  • Boris Becker: The German tennis legend and 6-time Grand Slam champion.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Smash Court Tennis featured impressive graphics and sound. The character models are well-animated and the courts are rendered in detail. The game also features realistic sound effects and commentary that help to create an immersive tennis experience.

Reception

Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its realistic gameplay, challenging tournaments, and variety of modes. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Smash Court Tennis is considered to be one of the best tennis video games ever made. It set a new standard for tennis games and influenced the development of future tennis titles. The game is still enjoyed by tennis fans and gamers today.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips to help you improve your game in Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis:

  • Master the controls: Take some time to practice the controls and get comfortable with the different shots and movements.
  • Choose the right character: Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Choose the character that best suits your playing style.
  • Use the court to your advantage: The different court surfaces can affect the speed and bounce of the ball. Use this to your advantage by hitting shots to areas of the court that are difficult for your opponent to reach.
  • Be patient: Tennis is a game of patience. Don’t try to hit winners every shot. Instead, focus on keeping the ball in play and waiting for your opponent to make a mistake.

Conclusion

Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis is a classic tennis game that offers a realistic and engaging tennis experience. With its variety of modes, characters, and challenging gameplay, Smash Court Tennis is a must-play for any tennis fan or gamer.

Review Score

6.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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