Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

International Tennis delivers a straightforward yet engaging tennis experience that caters to both casual players and competitive enthusiasts. With support for up to four players, you can rally with friends or family on the same screen, making it an ideal party game. Whether you opt for singles or doubles, the variety of match types—from five-set men’s singles to three-set women’s singles, and mixed doubles—keeps each session fresh.

The inclusion of three distinct courts—grass, clay, and asphalt—adds a strategic layer to every match. Each surface alters the ball’s bounce and pace: grass courts tend to produce faster, lower bounces; clay courts slow the game and yield higher rebounds; asphalt courts strike a balanced middle ground. Mastering these subtle differences is key to outmaneuvering your opponents and elevating your gameplay.

Control options are flexible. You can take charge of every player on the court or sit back and watch CPU-vs-CPU matches to study tactics and shot placement. The third-person perspective offers excellent visibility of court dynamics, allowing you to anticipate your opponent’s moves and position yourself for powerful serves or well-placed volleys.

Graphics

For its era, International Tennis showcases crisp and colorful visuals that clearly differentiate between the three court surfaces. The lush green of the grass, the muted red of the clay, and the stark gray of the asphalt are rendered in vivid hues that help you instantly recognize and adapt to each playing environment. Character sprites are expressive enough to convey the tension of a tight rally or the satisfaction of an ace serve.

Animations are smooth, with players transitioning seamlessly between forehands, backhands, and volleys. Ball movement is particularly well executed, tracing realistic arcs and speeds that reflect the chosen court’s properties. The game’s frame rate remains stable even during four-player matches, ensuring that rallies feel fluid and responsive.

While there are no high-definition textures or advanced lighting effects by modern standards, the clean, arcade-style art direction gives the game a timeless charm. Crowd animations, though simple, provide just enough atmosphere to make each match feel like part of a larger tournament event.

Story

International Tennis doesn’t offer a traditional narrative campaign or character-driven storyline. Instead, the game focuses on delivering pure tennis action, letting players create their own stories through match play. Each victory can feel like a grand slam win, and each defeat can be a lesson in strategy and timing.

The absence of a scripted storyline means there’s no progression tied to cutscenes or dialogue. However, this minimalist approach allows for quick match setups and immediate action, making it perfect for pick-up-and-play sessions. You dictate the drama on court, turning epic five-set battles or thrilling mixed doubles encounters into your personal highlights.

That said, players who crave a deeper career mode or narrative arc might find this title lacking in long-term goals. If you’re looking to follow a rising star’s journey or customize your player’s backstory, you won’t find it here. Instead, think of International Tennis as an open canvas where each match is its own mini-story.

Overall Experience

International Tennis shines as an accessible and fun-filled sports game, offering varied match types and court surfaces that keep gameplay engaging over extended play sessions. Its pick-up-and-play simplicity makes it approachable for newcomers, while the strategic elements of court choice and shot timing will satisfy more seasoned players.

The multiplayer component is the game’s standout feature. Rallying with friends in doubles or spectating CPU matches adds a social dimension that few tennis games of its time capture so well. Even solo players will appreciate the flexibility to test different strategies against the computer across all three surfaces.

Although it lacks a formal story mode, the core tennis mechanics are polished and enjoyable. Whether you’re aiming for a quick two-set match or a grueling five-set showdown, International Tennis delivers consistent, responsive gameplay. For fans of classic sports titles and anyone looking to serve up some fun with friends, this game is a solid choice.