Minna no Tennis

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. «NCS Game Notes»