There's no surer way to ensure a fresh, innovative experience than by creating a game that combines elements from multiple genres. Some of the most critically acclaimed titles defy simple classification. For example, the universally lauded Deus Ex is neither pure shooter, nor RPG, nor stealth game, but rather some fabulous amalgamation of the three. Using this winning formula, Mforma has struck gold with its sports RPG, Tennis 2003. The numerical ending of the title alone is heartening because it suggests that future installments are pending.
In Tennis 2003, you create your own ball-smashing machine from the bottom up, tweaking statistics (power, speed, and skill) as you gain experience points. The ball's in your court, baby. Your character starts out in 20th place, at the bottom of a ladder of tennis professionals. You're like Andre Agassi right after he got married to Brooke Shields. Eventually, though, you, like Agassi, shed the weight and rise to the top.
Surprisingly, Tennis 2003's gameplay is none too shabby. Use the directional pad to run and the select button to hit a forehand, a backhand, or an overhead smash, depending on your position relative to the ball. Depending on your statistics and your opponent's statistics, you'll need to employ varying play strategies. The 0 button lobs the ball, which is useful when your opponent rushes the net. If your opponent is really skillful with ball placement, you might want to serve and then immediately rush the net, which makes volleying much easier. If your opponent is a power hitter, good ball placement is key, so line up properly before taking a swing. You might be turned off by the slow speed and unresponsiveness of your character in the early stages of play, but, as you pump up the speed statistic, this problem soon disappears.
It may best Smartphone's Virtua Tennis in gameplay, but Tennis 2003 fails to measure up on the graphical end. Our protagonist looks more like a dachshund with a headband than a finely tuned athlete. There are some cool animations, such as when the ball rolls to the side of the court after hitting the net, but, sadly, Tennis 2003's graphics are not on par with its deep gameplay.
With numerous opponents to challenge and a gameplay system that actually resembles the sport it's attempting to re-create, Tennis 2003 will provide its users with hours of quality entertainment. You'll never have to go to the tennis club again, unless, for some reason, you want to work more than your fingers.
