Super Tennis review – Tennis…but not…but kinda…

by Ben Kirby
0 comment

Formerly known as Super OneTap Tennis on mobile, the game Super Tennis was recently released on Switch.

How does a mobile game transfer to a console? Surely it’s not that common an occurrence? Well, I’m pleased to say that mobile game or not, it’s come across nicely and it’s a great little time killer to keep on your Switch.

I went into Super Tennis with an idea that it would be pretty much like all other Tennis games. Move around the court, time your hits, choose the type of hit (i.e. lob, overhead etc), and try to outwit your opponent. Nope!

What a surprise when it turned out to be a QTE (quick time event) style game.

Your opponent hits the ball to you, then commands appear on-screen. Hit the buttons in order, in time and you’ll return the ball. Rinse and repeat. Hit the combo perfectly and get a better return, filling up a power bar. Once the power bar is full, the opponent can’t return your shot and you win.

Sounds simple enough.

Well…..Super Tennis is pretty unforgiving. Timing is crucial, and a knowledge of the buttons of the console helps. I’m so used to Xbox and Playstation controller keys, that my Nintendo knowledge just seems to fall through my head. Still, my controller knowledge aside, the beauty of Super Tennis is its simplicity and reliance on your own reactions.

Super Tennis character selection screen

With tournaments and leagues, Super Tennis gives you plenty to work on. Unlocking new avatars along the way. Each match gets tougher, with more keys to input and shorter time within which to input them. Honestly, I had no clue that I’d be so keen to unlock an avatar, but so mad at what is essentially a mobile game.

Well played Super Tennis!

I can’t say that I finished the game, mostly out of sheer rage and incompetence. But I spent a solid chunk of time on it. If only I’d paid attention to the “save” button instead of continually re-starting the same tournament for a good half hour…

Defeat an opponent, earn cash and save it up. If you’re feeling confident, you don’t need to save part-way through a tournament, but if you’re me…I’d suggest that you do. Beat someone, hit that save button and spend the cash, it’s well worth it in the long run.

Super Tennis gameplay on the court

With its pixellated design, hitting that lovely retro sweet-spot. Where we think it looks like the games we remember from the past but is actually a sharper version. This is a solid-looking game, and the style really suits the gameplay.

I think my biggest surprise (after realising that it was QTE-led, was the fact that there’s some commentary during games. Often times I was referred to as one to watch in the tournament etc. For the size of the game (121mb), and it’s simplicity, it was a nice addition that I don’t think anyone would expect.

Super Tennis match end screen allowing you to spend your winnings

Super Tennis rating

Super Tennis isn’t going to change your life (although I suppose it could drive you to go postal?), and it isn’t a game that’s looking to be the pinnacle in next-generation tennis. It’s a well-made, simple and clean. Fun, and often frustrating (more my problem than that of Super Tennis).

I found it much easier to play with a controller, as opposed to the JoyCons on the side of the handheld. And it was far more palatable in short bursts than long stints. If you’re looking for a cheap and easy to access tennis title on Switch. You could do far worse. Just prepare to get frustrated!

70%


This review was written by none other than Ben from NinjaRefinery.com Fun fact, Ben is likely soon to be awarded a “world’s best dad” mug after he welcomed in his new baby boy to the world. Congratulations from all at FULLSYNC to both him and his Mrs. In the meantime, if you’d like to check out more of our game reviews, click right HERE.

You can also find Super Tennis on the Nintendo eStore by clicking HERE.

You may also like

Leave a Comment