International Tennis Open (1992)

by Christopher November 21, 2024

written by Christopher November 21, 2024 4 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1992
Genres: Simulator, Sport
Platforms: DOS
Publishers: Infogrames

International Tennis Open (1992): A deep dive into the NES’ forgotten tennis gem

Released exclusively in Australia for the NES in 1992, International Tennis Open is a tennis simulation game developed by Melbourne-based studio Beam Software, who would later go on to become Krome Studios Melbourne. Despite its limited release, the game is a surprisingly deep and polished tennis experience, offering a variety of gameplay modes, challenging AI opponents, and even a character creation mode.

Gameplay

International Tennis Open features both singles and doubles matches, with a variety of court surfaces to choose from, including grass, clay, and hard court. The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, with the A button used to hit topspin shots, the B button for backspin, and the A+B buttons for a powerful smash. Players can also use the D-pad to control their player’s movement around the court, and the Start button to pause the game.

One of the things that sets International Tennis Open apart from other tennis games of the era is its focus on realism. The ball physics are very realistic, and the AI opponents are challenging, even on the easiest difficulty setting. The game also features a variety of different shot types, including lobs, drop shots, and volleys, which can be used to outmaneuver opponents and win points.

In addition to the standard exhibition matches, International Tennis Open also features a tournament mode, in which players can compete against a series of increasingly difficult opponents to win the championship trophy. The game also has a character creation mode, which allows players to create their own custom tennis player, complete with their own unique appearance, stats, and playing style.

Graphics and sound

For an NES game, International Tennis Open’s graphics are quite impressive. The character sprites are large and well-animated, and the courts and backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The game’s sound is also very good, with realistic sound effects and catchy music.

Overall

International Tennis Open is a highly underrated and forgotten NES gem. It’s a deep and polished tennis simulation game with a variety of gameplay modes, challenging AI opponents, and even a character creation mode. If you’re a fan of tennis games, or if you’re just looking for a great NES game to play, I highly recommend checking out International Tennis Open.

Additional information

Developer: Beam Software
Publisher: Nintendo
Release date: 1992
Platform: NES
Genre: Tennis simulation
Number of players: 1-4

Review scores

AllGame: 3.5/5
GameSpot: 7/10
IGN: 7/10

Review Score

0/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher

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.