Centre Court Tennis (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Centre Court Tennis (1998) is a tennis video game developed by PAM Development and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It was released in Japan on April 24, 1998, and in North America and Europe in May 1998. It is the sequel to the 1995 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game Super Tennis.

Centre Court Tennis features a variety of gameplay modes, including multiplayer, tournament, and exhibition. In multiplayer mode, up to four players can compete against each other in singles or doubles matches. In tournament mode, players can compete in a single-elimination tournament against a variety of computer-controlled opponents. In exhibition mode, players can practice their skills against a computer-controlled opponent or play a match against a friend.

The game also features four mini-games:

  • Tennis Court Bingo: Players must hit balls into specific squares on a bingo card to complete a line or column.
  • Burning Barrels: Players must hit balls into burning barrels to score points.
  • Run and Gun: Players must run and gun down targets while avoiding obstacles.
  • Knock’em Down: Players must hit balls into targets to knock them down.

Players can earn special prizes for getting enough points in the mini-games.

Centre Court Tennis was praised for its solid graphics, fun and challenging gameplay, and variety of modes. However, it was also criticized for its lack of online multiplayer support.

Gameplay

Centre Court Tennis is played from a third-person perspective. Players can control their player character using the analog stick or the D-pad. The A button is used to hit the ball, the B button is used to lob the ball, and the R button is used to perform a power shot. Players can also use the L button to change their player’s stance.

The game features a variety of different court surfaces, including grass, clay, and hard court. Each surface has its own unique properties that affect the way the ball bounces. Players must adjust their play style accordingly to be successful on different surfaces.

Centre Court Tennis also features a variety of different player characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can choose to play as one of eight male characters or four female characters. Each character has their own unique set of animations and voice clips.

Modes

Centre Court Tennis features a variety of different gameplay modes, including:

  • Multiplayer: Up to four players can compete against each other in singles or doubles matches.
  • Tournament: Players can compete in a single-elimination tournament against a variety of computer-controlled opponents.
  • Exhibition: Players can practice their skills against a computer-controlled opponent or play a match against a friend.
  • Mini-games: The game also features four mini-games: Tennis Court Bingo, Burning Barrels, Run and Gun, and Knock’em Down.

Reception

Centre Court Tennis was praised for its solid graphics, fun and challenging gameplay, and variety of modes. However, it was also criticized for its lack of online multiplayer support.

IGN gave the game a score of 8.5 out of 10, saying “Centre Court Tennis is a great tennis game for the N64. It has a variety of modes, including multiplayer, tournament, and exhibition, as well as four mini-games. The graphics are solid, and the gameplay is fun and challenging.”

GameSpot gave the game a score of 7.5 out of 10, saying “Centre Court Tennis is a solid tennis game that offers a lot of variety. The graphics are good, the gameplay is fun, and there are plenty of modes to keep you entertained.”

Legacy

Centre Court Tennis was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It was also a critical success, winning several awards, including the “Best Sports Game” award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.

The game’s success led to the development of a sequel, Centre Court Tennis 2, which was released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000. Centre Court Tennis 2 was also a commercial and critical success, and it is considered to be one of the best tennis games ever made.

Conclusion

Centre Court Tennis is a classic tennis game that offers a variety of fun and challenging gameplay modes. It is a great choice for fans of tennis games and sports games in general.

Review Score

8.5/10

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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