Hot Shots Hit the Courts
Clap Hanz tries its… hanz at tennis and we’ll see it in July. At budget price too!
Published: April 24, 2007
What do you do when you’ve perfected the art of the cartoony golf game through four (and going on five) installments and are seeking a change of pace? If you’re Clap Hanz Limited, you just might keep going with your tried-and-true forte (Hot Shots Golf 5 is in the works, you know), but also offer players a likeminded take on a different sport to tide ‘em over in the meantime.
Behold, Hot Shots Tennis, the team’s latest off-the-wall take on a sport of etiquette. In stark contrast to its putt-putt predecessor, players will hit the courts with rackets a-blazin’, with fast-placed gameplay that unites arcade-style action with a strategic twist. Controls will put a strong emphasis on shot direction and rallies, whereas more skilled players can up their finesse by utilizing button timing and shot angles. The game’s cast sports 14 wacky characters, each with his/her own unique attributes (say, speed) and styles of play (some play the net, some play the baseline), along with five chair-manning umpires to choose from.
Also making the grade are some sizable gameplay offerings, with a pick-up-and-play Quick Play mode; Challenge Mode, where you’ll be cracking into that never-ending vault of unlockables (characters, costumes, umpires, and courts, this time around) whilst progressing through seven classes; and for mastering those serves/volleys/overhead smashes/shot timing/shot angles… there’s a Training Mode.
Head-to-head singles, player vs. AI, doubles, four-player doubles… yep, it’s all here, not to mention authentic court surfaces like hardcourt, clay and grass and just a few (ok, 11) vibrant locales to throw down in, from tropical beaches and ancient ruins. It’s not that dissimilar to real tennis, now is it?
"Hot Shots Tennis draws from Clap Hanz's success with the Hot Shots franchise by providing a social gaming experience that will appeal to casual players and tennis gaming fans alike," heralds Jeff Reese, Director, Software Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Whether it's playing head-to-head or in a four-player doubles match with family and friends, this is a game that PlayStation 2 fans of all ages can enjoy."
And enjoy it they will when the game touches down this July. Best part? It’s $29.99, so don’t give that aging brick up just yet! Keep ‘er here for further details and some expected new screens.
Behold, Hot Shots Tennis, the team’s latest off-the-wall take on a sport of etiquette. In stark contrast to its putt-putt predecessor, players will hit the courts with rackets a-blazin’, with fast-placed gameplay that unites arcade-style action with a strategic twist. Controls will put a strong emphasis on shot direction and rallies, whereas more skilled players can up their finesse by utilizing button timing and shot angles. The game’s cast sports 14 wacky characters, each with his/her own unique attributes (say, speed) and styles of play (some play the net, some play the baseline), along with five chair-manning umpires to choose from.
Also making the grade are some sizable gameplay offerings, with a pick-up-and-play Quick Play mode; Challenge Mode, where you’ll be cracking into that never-ending vault of unlockables (characters, costumes, umpires, and courts, this time around) whilst progressing through seven classes; and for mastering those serves/volleys/overhead smashes/shot timing/shot angles… there’s a Training Mode.
Head-to-head singles, player vs. AI, doubles, four-player doubles… yep, it’s all here, not to mention authentic court surfaces like hardcourt, clay and grass and just a few (ok, 11) vibrant locales to throw down in, from tropical beaches and ancient ruins. It’s not that dissimilar to real tennis, now is it?
"Hot Shots Tennis draws from Clap Hanz's success with the Hot Shots franchise by providing a social gaming experience that will appeal to casual players and tennis gaming fans alike," heralds Jeff Reese, Director, Software Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Whether it's playing head-to-head or in a four-player doubles match with family and friends, this is a game that PlayStation 2 fans of all ages can enjoy."
And enjoy it they will when the game touches down this July. Best part? It’s $29.99, so don’t give that aging brick up just yet! Keep ‘er here for further details and some expected new screens.