Outlaw Tennis
Score: 88% ESRB: Mature Publisher: Global Star Software Developer: Hypnotix Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 4 (w/ Xbox Live support) Genre: Sports (Tennis)/ Arcade/ Simulation
Graphics & Sound: Graphically, Global Star Software’s Outlaw Tennis does an okay job, but certainly doesn’t break any barriers when it comes to the courts it’s played on. Characters, on the other hand look great, and some of the female animations are certainly a bit risqué. On the audio side, don’t expect much from the game to knock your socks off. Similar to other Outlaw titles, Tennis has all of the basics, from sound fx that range from accurate to corny, to the annoying announcer that can’t seem to remember that he’s repeating himself (a lot!). Thankfully, the music tracks are pretty good and can keep the pace of the game flowing nicely.
Gameplay: Underneath all of the bouncing breasts and ridiculous attitudes, Outlaw Tennis is a fairly good ... ahem ... tennis game. Believe it or not, the accuracy of the game will probably even please fans of more realistic simulations, like Top Spin and the like. Don’t worry, though. Fans of arcade action and mindless T&A will surely not be disappointed. Outlaw Tennis has different modes of play including some clever mini-games (Drills) that will help your favorite Outlaw increase his or her stats. These stats travel with the player indefinitely, and can be used in the meat and potatoes of the game, Tour Mode. In Tour Mode, you’ll have to get through a variety of challenges, and these challenges all have different modes of competition. While it’s hard to imagine playing a game of Pinball during a tennis match, these 7 modes make for an interesting (and fun) way to play. But the fact is that the heart of Outlaw Tennis definitely lies in its multiplayer support. Whether you bust out multiplayer matches on one console (up to 4 people) or connect via the Internet, you’ll have a blast. The only downside is that Xbox Live’s four-player support is limited to requiring 2 players per console instead of 4 random players. Still, this is one entertaining party game.
Difficulty: Surprisingly, Outlaw Tennis has a fair challenge to it. As you work your way through the ranks, your opponent(s) will get harder and harder. The trick is to remember which game style you are playing (there are seven: Normal Tennis, Hot Potato, Casino, Baseball, Football, Pinball, & Ping-Pong), and take advantage of its strengths and weaknesses. For example, while playing a game of Hot Potato, you’ll not only have to return each volley, but also not have the ball on your side of the net when the timer reaches zero. If you do, you’ll get blown up. However, if you learn to send a lob or two into the works, you can actually control the clock with relative ease.
Game Mechanics: Straight from the box, Outlaw Tennis is as easy for anyone to play as any game ever made. Well, okay, Pong may be the exception. But like Pong, tennis is all about hitting the ball back and forth without missing it, or hitting it out of bounds. The controls for Outlaw Tennis are simple. You’ll control your character’s movements while using different face buttons for different styles of shots. But even with these different options, you’d easily be able to use just one button and still enjoy the game tremendously. At only 20 dollars (US), Outlaw Tennis can’t go wrong. Sure, you’ll probably have to mute the announcer from saying his favorite (and cheesy) sayings over and over again, but a quality tennis game lies beneath all of the senseless sexuality. If you’re of age and like the sport, or you’re a gamer on a budget, pick up Outlaw Tennis today. You definitely won’t be disappointed with the core gameplay that lies within.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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