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PS2
Minna no
Tennis -
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NCS
Game Synopsis
«©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.
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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...
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This document and photos are ©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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