Hot Shots Tennis: Demo Reviews

They may not know a backhand from a drop shot, but they sure know what they like in a game. Our ten ace reviewers have earned themselves a copy of Hot Shots Tennis. Thanks to all who played the demo and wrote reviews.

Michael Y.
If you've ever played Hot Shots Golf, you know the intuitive controls that go with the Hot Shots franchise. Although I was skeptical at first, with the change from slow-paced golf to the frenzy of a tennis volley, Hot Shots Tennis has successfully transferred that same intuition. There may no longer be bars to fill and stop, but the need for precise timing is still evident. With the beginning character, Ashley, the timing is easy, even if you don't get the perfect "double music note." And to make things even easier, the game gives you quick feedback on your swing. Too slow and you get an image of a turtle hovering over your character, too fast and a comically cute hare appears instead. This allows you to make adjustments to your game quickly and effectively to push your game to the limit.

In addition, you have three main swings at your disposal: A regular, straight shot (mapped to the X button), a lob (mapped to the triangle button) and a spin (mapped to the circle button). Expert knowledge of each swing is needed to reach the higher levels of play. No longer can you rely on the "shadow" on the court to determine where the ball will land. If hit right, it may fall just short of where you need to be, leaving you unprepared to make that crucial return.

Overall, this game holds to the standards of other Hot Shots titles, finally giving gamers a tennis game that is accessible to beginners and experts alike.

Daniel B.
Hot Shots Tennis is yet another installment in the Hot Shots series that shines with utter brilliance. The Hot Shots games have always been fun, innovative, and easy to pick up and play. At the same time, however, they have provided a level of challenge and replayability rarely found in many similar games. Hot Shots Tennis does not disappoint on this established formula. The control scheme is completely easy to learn, but at the same time has a depth to it that surprised me. Shot placement is excellent, as well as intuitive play, using very simple movements and button presses. Serving has a slight learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, serving aces will come not far behind. In the demo you are given the opportunity to choose a player from each of the play types. Ashley is great for beginners, as her all-around play style allows you the freedom to ease into the control scheme and learn the basic play mechanics of the game. Our second character, Kaito, from the intermediate group, is great for moving into the net and exploiting many of the angles one can shoot from being up close. Also with Kaito you gain an increase in serve power, which helps once you've learned more about serving. Our final available character is Kent. He is from the experienced or expert group. While he is harder to control early on, his abilities shine through once you've mastered the controls. However, the great thing about all these characters is no one specific character has an advantage over the others. This highlights the inherent balance found in all Hot Shots games. Ultimately it is up to you, the player, to influence the outcome of each match. This game is great for tennis lovers and nonlovers alike. Even if you know nothing about tennis, you can learn to serve, hit and smash your way to victory. In playing the demo, I gave my niece a quick lesson on the controls and in no time flat she was serving like a pro. (She's nine, by the way.) Hot Shots Tennis is a game everyone can love. One thing I can say for sure is that I know I'll be picking up a copy when it hits store shelves.

Robert B.
After hours of playing the Hot Shots Tennis demo, it looks to me like we've got a solid offering from the Hot Shots crew. The graphics and gameplay are pure Hot Shots.

The graphics look just like you wandered off of the golf course at the Hot Shots Country Club, and decided to play a few sets of tennis before heading home for the day. A tennis game won't be a graphics heavy game, as there are only so many ways to render a tennis court, but the backgrounds, characters, sound effects, environments, etc., are all what one would expect a Hot Shots game to be.

The controls are fairly simple, with a choice of three buttons for three different types of shots, and the ability to aim shots near the net or back at the baseline. The most notable thing to me was the learning curve involved with the various characters. When using more advanced characters, it is noticeably more difficult to hit accurate shots.

The beginner level character doesn't have much power, but shots end up in bounds almost 100% of the time. Using the most advanced character, I had a very difficult time hitting "sweet spot" shots. It seemed like I was always too slow or two fast with my swing. The characters have those different ratings for Impact, Power and so on for a reason, and they play that way in the game. That's a good thing.

All in all this looks to be a solid, potentially fun title. In the golf game, the player had the ability to unlock new equipment along with the unlockable characters and courses. If the creators took a similar approach to unlockables in this game too, it looks like they'll have captured the elements that made Hot Shots Golf such an addictive title and successfully transferred them to the courts!

Tanner P.
Hot Shots Tennis brings the fun of the Hot Shots Golf (HSG) series to the tennis court. It's obvious from the moment you boot it up that it's from the makers of HSG. The menus are simple and colorful, and the characters look like they were taken straight from HSG as well. The music is playful and light, and the court graphics are vibrant and full of variety, including things you won't see in any other tennis game (such as playing tennis on a beach)! The gameplay is what really makes Hot Shots Tennis great. It's simple, yet there's plenty of room to improve your playing skills. Three shots are used: a topspin shot, a slice shot, and a lob shot. Depending on your timing and shot placement, you can also hit flat shots and drop shots using just these three buttons! Hitting your shot is all about timing and placement. Hitting a shot with perfect timing will result in a better shot, whether that means more speed or more spin. As an added bonus, if you hit the same shot your opponent just made, you will hit a special "counter" shot, which is even harder to return. You don't need to be a tennis expert to play; your opponent's shot will be traced by whichever shot he/she just hit. Multiplayer is a blast in Hot Shots Tennis. It's easy to pick up and play, and three of your friends can join in for fun doubles action. If multiplayer isn't your thing, Challenge mode will let you climb the tennis ranks and unlock costumes and the like for your favorite player. There are many characters to pick from, each with his or her own trademark shot, looks, and stats. No matter how you like to play the game, odds are you'll find a character you'll like to play as. Fun, colorful graphics, great pick-up-and-play gameplay, and a variety of modes are all things you can look forward to in Hot Shots Tennis. Whether you want to play single-player or with friends, this game will keep you busy for a long time. Tennis fans and those who haven't ever taken a step onto a tennis court will both enjoy Hot Shots Tennis.

Tony A.
Hot Shots Golf reinvented golf so the whole family could play, laugh, and have some fun. Now, the Hot Shots have gone to tennis! Hot Shots Tennis is the newest installment from the guys who brought you Hot Shots Golf. In this new sports game, you can play either singles or doubles matches against the computer, or bring some friends and family along for the ride! Or, play in the Hot Shots Challenge to unlock new characters, courts and much more. Hot Shots Tennis is a game that anybody can just pick up and play for a quick match, or play in the challenge mode. The Hot Shots Challenge consists of a one-on-one match against the computer. In this demo version, there are three different challengers each differing in difficulty. The first challenger is sort of like a warm-up so the players can get used to the controls, physics, and gameplay. The second challenger is a bit tougher, but with practice, can be taken down easily. The final challenger is for the advanced players. He runs fast, hits hard, and takes no prisoners. You will need skill, and a little luck to beat this final challenger. Fun Time Tennis lets you play with friends and family. Up to four players can play in this mode which consists of singles and doubles matches. Set up tournaments to find out who the best player really is! This mode is great when you are playing with some friends. The controls are simple and the gameplay is smooth. Graphics are cartoonish, which makes them more likeable. The game's sound really puts you into the game, thinking you just won the match in a blowout. The replay value is high because once you finish the Hot Shots Challenge, you can play with friends all you want. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to this game. Trying to serve the ball at first was hard and frustrating. Getting double faults after the other was not fun at all. There weren't any tutorials to teach you how to serve the ball either. But after plenty of button mashing, I finally figured out how to serve the ball. Now, serving the ball is the least of my worries. Overall, this is a great game to play by yourself, or with some buddies. Try to get your hands on this one out now for the PlayStation®2.

Rodolpho C.
Hot Shots Tennis is a well-balanced game. The controls are very easy and not problematic at all. Commands are very easy to execute. Between the first five to ten minutes I learned the purpose of the X and circle buttons. There is also the factor of strength used in hitting the ball and timing when to swing. Though it was officially the first tennis game I played, it was very easy to learn the basics and get better with every challenge. It's very user-friendly and very visual. Playing the doubles game was entertaining as well. The computer partner is very responsive so you can be confident you won't have to cover for it all the time. The color markings where the ball will end up helps you avoid the hassle of trying to figure out the opponent's movements. The only problem I had with the game was I couldn't access the other features because it was just a demo. In all, Hot Shots Tennis is a very fun game that's easy to pick up and great to play with a bunch of friends at a party or get together. For the people who never played tennis, you also learn a thing or two on the rules and feel of the sport. Speaking as a person who has experimented with Hot Shots Golf, I think Hot Shots Tennis is better than its predecessor.

Adam K.
Hot Shots Tennis is a game that can be played by Hot Shots fans and non-fans. In this game, you can play challenge matches to unlock new characters, umpires, costumes, and courts (environments). You can also play just for fun, enjoying a round of 1–4 players—either with your friends or with your traditional computer buddies. For newcomers to this game, Hot Shots Tennis also offers a Training Mode in which you can practice timing and positioning shots. You can practice basically any shot, such as service, smash, and volley. As you play single-player matches, your performance stats build up every time and are shown to you of how well you've done so far. Each character in the game has different special abilities, ranging from an A (great) to F (worst). Their abilities are based on their serve, stroke, volley, impact, and footwork. Players will get the chance to pick from Beginner, Intermediate, or Experienced players when playing in a match. The controls are extremely easy to learn and use when in a match. The graphics are appealing and well done, although personally I think they could be a little better, but that doesn't bring the fun down in this game. The sound is perfect, giving you the sense that you're in a real tennis match. The game play is smooth and has almost nothing wrong with it. This game has a very high lasting appeal, especially when playing with your friends on a team, or with computers on a team as well. Overall, Hot Shots Tennis is a great game to play for fun and challenges. I give it an 8 out of 10. Although I don't know how the game of tennis works or makes sense, I guarantee that this game will be fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Taku M.
From the greens and onto the court, if you love Hot Shots Golf you'll love Hot Shots Tennis. Hot Shots Tennis brings the sport of tennis into the world of Hot Shots you've come to love and enjoy. Hot Shots Tennis has the same feel and style as the Hot Shots Golf series, so it's easy for anyone to pick up and have a blast.

The characters in the game look great, and each have their own personality to match their look. The characters may seem a bit cutesy to the avid gamer but this is Hot Shots Tennis!! This is what we come to expect from a game with Hot Shots on it. The gameplay is reminiscent of a classic tennis game, where you move your character to the ball and press the button to swing. This simple, yet effective mechanic fits perfectly for this game. It's just a fun and enjoyable game.

On the demo version the playable modes were Hot Shots Challenge and Fun Time Tennis. Hot Shots Challenge is the story mode, where you take your character to the top by challenging each opponent that comes your way. In the final version of the game, this mode will allow you to gain experience to improve your character, and to obtain the unlockables that are hidden in the game. Fun Time Tennis is like its namesake. This is the mode for when all you want is a fun, quick game of tennis with your buddies or against the computer. The doubles match is especially fun! With the additional players on the court, you'll be having a blast returning the ball back and forth.

Although it was just a demo copy, I had a great time playing Hot Shots Tennis. If I enjoyed the demo copy that much, I can't wait to play the final version of the game. In the final version of the game there will be a Training Mode available. If what I experienced from the demo is any indication, the training mode will be a blast. Not only will you be having fun, you'll be honing your skills at the same time.

Hot Shots Tennis stays true to the Hot Shots series and brings a simple, yet enjoyable gaming experience. This is tennis for everybody. I can't wait to pick up a copy of the game.

Todd S.
First off, I would like to say as an avid tennis lover, THANK YOU for making another tennis game. I like to play tennis and watch it on TV, so you made it the best of both worlds for me. I've tried other tennis games but this one seems to be among the top. The graphics and gameplay are both outstanding. I've been playing the demo now for a couple days, and I haven't seen any flaws. The music has a very upbeat tempo to it, making gameplay more energetic. The voices are right on target also, from the grunts of an overhand smash to the sighs when you get aced on a serve. The extras that are available, from outfit changes to selecting different umpires, gives every match a unique touch so it's not the same look game after game. In short, this game is very well done. I look forward to the whole game so I can further indulge in the extras this game has to offer. I highly recommend this game to any tennis fan, or for that matter anybody in general. I know I will look forward to serving up some aces with some of the unlockable characters that I haven't had a chance to use yet. Make sure you GET THIS GAME!

Joshua C.
After enjoying the last two entries in the Hot Shots Golf series, I was intrigued to see Clap Hanz taking on the sport of tennis. With everything now in constant motion, they've sure got their work cut out for them...

General Observations:

The bright, goofy visuals and solid soundtrack serve as a reminder of this game's roots. Indeed, anyone who's played an HSG title will feel right at home. Sticking true to their "It's Tennis for EVERYBODY!!!" mantra, controls are very simple, involving only three face buttons for the different shots (lob, slice, topspin) and the left analog stick to move and aim. The key to mastering this layout is in proper positioning and timing of each swing. The game uses speech bubbles to inform the player how to improve, with the goal being the elusive 'music note' signaling an optimum serve/return. While great early on, having speech bubbles for every single shot does become a distraction at times, so hopefully the retail version has an option to somehow minimize their invasiveness...

Demo Options & Commentary:

The demo allows for two modes: "Hot Shots Challenge" ('Career'), and "Fun Time Tennis" ('Exhibition'). Three playable characters and one judge (think "caddies" from HSG) are available, and games take place on Aloha Beach Tennis Court. "Hot Shots Challenge" consists of matches with differing stipulations: Winning these unlocks additional content (courts, characters, etc.) and raises your rank. "Fun Time Tennis" allows for multiplayer in singles or doubles matches.

On-court action is as expected, with the beach court providing a beautiful backdrop and some nice effects (like overhead slams leaving a crater on impact). I will admit to getting frustrated with chasing shots just out of reach though, as there's no way to dive at a ball as far as I could tell. Barring that, some sort of turbo function to create quick bursts of speed could have also helped, but these ideas may betray the vision of simplicity the creators were striving for. Minor qualms aside, matches were quick and enjoyable, leaving me hungry for more...

Overall:

For those looking to have fun with their tennis games, look no further than Hot Shots Tennis. It may not have the technical precision of other entries in the genre, but its innocent demeanor and simple controls make it a great "pick up and play" title...for EVERYBODY!!!