From Deseret News archives:
Hone tennis skills at PlayStation
It's no Wii tennis, but "Hot Shots Tennis" manages to capture the skill of the game without the sweat.
Fresh from the wildly popular "Clap Hanz Hot Shots" series, "Hot Shots Tennis" is an exciting and addictive game, even for non-tennis players.
No need to learn the traditional rules. Play Station's tennis installment is simple, but don't think of it as child's play. Even experienced pros will enjoy progressing through challenge matches and competing with friends and family.
Creative use of graphics make "Hot Shots" straightforward. During game play, highlighted areas actually direct you to the position on the court needed to hit the ball. Bubbles over the character heads after each shot show you how your swing timing is; a turtle means you hit it too slow, a rabbit signifies an early swing and a musical note means the hit was just right.
Nine different ball placements are made through the joystick-control, which angles the area of the court where the ball will land. The control pad buttons are each a different swing. Combining those joystick moves, swing options and the right timing make the shots.
But that's it.
While simple to learn, the variations don't extend beyond your thumb controls. There are no unique moves or character specialities.
Outside of the tutorial, "Hot Shots Tennis" offers only two other modes to play in — "Fun Time Tennis" (singles and doubles play with up to four friends) or "Challenge," where you master various competitors. With only those two play options, the game can get monotonous. After a few hours of challenge play, you can easily achieve semi-pro status.
"Challenges" do unlock characters, outfits, courts and even umpires as you win. However, these are surprisingly unimpressive. A small supply of usually stereotypical outfits is available for each, like disco-inspired garb complete with Afro for black JJ, school-girl attire for Asian Jun and skirts-only for all the girls. No build-your-own options and no customizing.
Each player does have individual strengths and weaknesses, personalities and voices. The 11 different settings also serve-up their own variety. Aside from the original court locations, the surfaces provide something to master. From grass, clay to hard ground, each make the tennis ball bounce differently.
Despite the limited playing modes and character options, the four-player match is a winner. "Hot Shots Tennis" will stay at the top of your video game shelf because of that alone, even if you get bored with the modes. The four-player doubles makes for a great party sport.
