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A Fun Start, But A Frustrating Finish

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: October 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I had had tennis video games in the past, but had discarded them for one reason or another. Then I heard about the Hots Shots Tennis PS2 game through a newspaper circular and thought, hmmm, this would be fun to get.
I purchased it and must say it is fun-to start off with. The tennis play has surprisingly realistic points-the sounds of the tennis ball bouncing, the rackets hitting the ball. Replays also give a keen sense into the game and how volleys, serves, and such play out.
The characters are fun to work with in play modes and there are many options for costumes, courts, etc.
HOWEVER, once I was halfway into the game, all at once, I found my character on the opposite side of the court and it threw me after playing so many playing on just one side. I have tried repeatedly to master playing the other side and have managed to win a few games with some effort.
Also, the various courts are fun to play around with given the environments and settings. The first three to four additional courts are easy to win, then I found myself wading through close to a dozen different characters, several costumes, and two umpires to find myself unable to reach any of the additional courts which look awesome from the opening introduction video.
Why? Buyers beware when you get to the Japan class of tennis and face Will, the most aggravating, frustrating character who it turns out is the last character to face before what I think would be winning additional tennis courts. After about twenty tries over a period of time and losing a tiebreaker and coming close to throwing a controller against the wall, I might suggest if you encounter this same problem to go to fun mode where it's a bit easier and more manageable. Since there apparently are no hints, codes, cheats, or anything as such associated with this game, I suffice to say once again I have purchased a game that reaches a point where I feel I have to reach guru status to advance any further and cannot, therefore giving up and playing up to the point of the final Japan class and calling it quits.
I would say it is worthwhile to purchase this game-to a point. If anyone has any tips or hints or such so I can advance any further, believe me, I am all ears.

Great game, but lacking in a few areas

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: February 21, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This is a great game. Good graphics, fast loading and saving times, intuitive controls and a wide range of difficulty so almost anyone (if they like tennis) can learn and improve. There are plenty of competitors which--after you beat--you can use to play further competitors. As you progress the players become much more skillful, but also take more precise timing to control.
I only have three complaints about the game. 1. There is no online play available. It would be really fun to be able to connect with many other players and even play doubles online. 2. The lack of "competition" mode for doubles play. You can play doubles on "fun" mode and choose your competition, but there isn't an exclusive doubles tournament mode to compete in. However, there are several matches in the "competition" mode that do include doubles. 3. The music available during play is terrible. It sounds like several measures of keyboard music played over and over. I just ended up turning it off.
In summary, this is a good game for a first tennis game for the PS2. It will provide many hours of entertainment for anyone who enjoys the game of tennis. Heck, my wife even enjoys it and she doesn't really like video games.

It's great fun, but don't expect to beat its one player mode easily.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: February 29, 2008
Author: Amazon User

As a tennis freak myself, I have to say despite of its cartoonly graphics, this game is more realistic than most other tennis games. The quality of shots greatly depend on your timing and position of your character. Therefore, unlike other tennis games that adjust the position of the character for you and/or charges before the ball comes and hit it for you automatically, you need to consistently look out on where the ball is going, get in position and hit it at the right time.

It's fun and easy at the beginning of one player mode or kids will have great fun playing each other. But to advance further, you need get your timing just right to hit winners. When you hit too slow, you will see a turtle next to your character and When you're too early, you'll see a rabbit. I've beat the game and it's great fun although it's a bit repetitive to beat one after one w/o great changes. For those who have difficulties: having a great serve is crucial as you can hold serve even though you're at other side of the court.

Overall, this is a realistic and fun tennis game with deep gameplay. I recommend this to all who love tennis.

Easy and fun

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 10
Date: July 21, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I got the demo on monday and we played it with my 9 year old son. We loved it even though we're no tennis fans. The game is easy to pick up.

We enjoyed the demo so much i decided to give it to him as a birthday present, which he liked a lot.

We have only played one on one, but the game has story mode which lets you unlock players, refs and courts. It has begginer, mediate and experienced player modes. You can customize the length of a match.

Good thing about arcade games over simulation sport ones is they don't get dated by mid season, since characters are make believe. You can custumize the frecuency of replays, it has mono, stereo or Dolby Pro Logic sounds, you may play with music on the background or non at all.

So it doesn't matter if you don't know who Federer or Nadal are, or if you know tennis rules, the game is very simple, but yet very entertaining.

Even when you make a bad play the players reactions are so funny you forget you are loosing. Controls are very responsive and each player has its own advantages ans disadvantages.

Bottom line is: If you want to have fun, especially with your children this is a good choice. Still I think it can be enjoyable if played amongst adults. Hot Shots is better known for its golf games, this is true to the franchise yet I like tennis better than golf.

Cartoony, but Great to Play

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: October 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I have owned this for three weeks. I paid full retail price for it, and would definitely do so again. It was worth it. I like to play real tennis, and this was a great video game pickup for the sport.

The only other tennis game that I own for the PS2 is Topspin, which despite pretty good reviews, I was very disappointed in, as far as ease of play. HotShots is way better.

What HotShots Tennis lacks in realism it makes up for in playability. I saw this first at Target a month or so ago, and it seemed pretty easy to play then, so I broke down and bought it, and I am very happy I did.

Not playing it every day, it took me about 2 weeks to get all the way through the game and defeat the last player, Will, the first time. After that, you go through the same players, wearing black outfits, and they are a bit more difficult. But with a little work, they can be defeated as well. That doesn't mean that I cannot play it anymore. There are three levels of characters, beginner, intermediate, and pro. As you play, you unlock each player. It will continue to be a good challenge to me as I take a beginner player (who has very little pace but safer shots) against computer pros (who have a ton of power, but is difficult to master the timing of their shots).

During Challenge Mode, the thing you have to do to climb up the rankings and unlock other players, courts, and umpires, you have NO CONTROL over amount of games and sets. So you are usually playing a match by winning a 4-game set, a 6-game set, or 2 out of 3 2-game sets. When you are just playing casually, you can set the number of sets and games to whatever you want it to be...even up to 5-setters.

There is an "Offbeat Rules" automatic setting that kicks in occasionally when you are playing in Challenge Mode. For instance, one is called "Stationary Camera," so that means that every 2 games, you have to play in the far court...otherwise default is that you play in the near court. That makes it a bit tougher, but something you'd have to learn anyway if you ever want to play this 2-Player mode. Another example of an Offbeat Rule is that in some matches the computer will not assist you as to where the ball is landing (this happens on most modes), which makes it very difficult to smash or even make contact on lobs. Not that these rules are a problem...they just force you to become a better player, which is kind of the point anyway, right?

Again, this is a fun arcade game to play...I would wholeheartedly recommed it to any tennis fan.

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