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The copyright on Tennis is 1983 but it didn't arrive on the scene
until 1985, which means that it was a very early release for the Famicom. This was one of the original launch titles
for the NES. Yes, that means it sits with the illustrious 10-Yard Fight,
Golf and Baseball as the premier sports games for the Nintendo.
Shockingly, this game is substantially better and is a  more
authentic version of the sport it represents. The game is simple yet fun due to its easy to learn gameplay. Just
face the side that you want to hit and swing away. Warning - this game
will be frustrating if you don't start on a slow level and work your way
up. If you start on a hard level you will be bad and then you will find
the early levels too slow. This is no-frills
tennis, you and the compouter mano e mano, just the way
it should be. The only drawback is that the only 2-player option is to
play co-operative doubles.
Positives:
This game has simple controls.
A hits groundstrokes and B hits lobs. Master
these controls and the world is at your mercy. It mirrors tennis nicely
in that it is hard to be broken on your serve and the best way to win is
to dominate the net. If you miss a smash you even have time to run back
and go for a groundstroke.
Glaring
Negatives:
The game is simple, you can't
create players, there's no password, no tourneys. There is also no
2-player singles.
Graphics
and Sound: None
Hey this is a launch sports
title! There is no music just dink...dink... The graphics are Atari-esque but fancy graphics usually just get in way of
NES sports games.
Gameplay
and Controls: Good
 Unless your Agent K, you'll figure out
not to stand directly in front of the ball and you will do fine. The key
to the game is you have to line up your back to the side you want to hit
to. There are a surprising number of shots that can be made depending on
when you take your swing. At the net you have slams and volleys, and on
the baseline you have liners and lobs. The only difficult part is
mastering groundstrokes, this is why you should start on Level 1 or 2. Once
you get to the upper levels you won't need those groundstrokes
so much since you should always be at the net, but they are important to
learn.
Features:
What?
Don't be greedy, you should be
happy to have singles and doubles options on this dinosaur.
Fun?:
Somewhat
This game is basic but
actually pretty addicting in both single and doubles modes.
Challenge:
Good
Level 5 is tough. Of course so
is Level 1 in doubles with Agent K as your partner.
 Replay: Some
If you are a genuine fan of
tennis you will probably appreciate this simple version of the game and
may bust it out for a quickie when your gal's not around.
2
Player: Barely
You can only play with your
friend instead of against them. This can be frustrating when your partner
reeks like week-old urine. It is fun to hit your partner with your racket
though...
Online
Manual?: Yes
http://www.nintendoage.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NES.Manual&Game_ID=1702
Bottom
Line: One of the best tennis games
This one started it all, and
in my opinion none have bettered it in just straight up one-on-one
tennis. If you want depth or 2-player action this is not your tennis
game.
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