Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tennis Elbow delivers a deep and varied tennis simulation that caters to both casual players and die-hard tennis enthusiasts. The heart of the game lies in its World Tour mode, where you can compete in 90 distinct events against over 250 AI-driven opponents. This ensures that every match feels fresh, whether you’re entering a Grand Slam-style tournament or a smaller regional cup.

The controls strike a balance between accessibility and skill ceiling. Using just two action buttons and the directional pad, you can execute a full repertoire of shots—slices, three types of lobs, power drives, and delicate drop shots. The learning curve is gentle, but mastering timing and positioning is essential to outplay volleyers, punchers, defenders, or all-rounders you’ll face.

Beyond standard singles and doubles, Tennis Elbow introduces unconventional match types like “dirty up” and “dirty down,” where two players team up against one. This oddball format adds a layer of chaos and fun, especially in local multiplayer sessions. Surface variety—grass, clay, flexi, and cement—further spices up tactics, forcing you to adapt footwork and shot selection on the fly.

Graphics

Visually, Tennis Elbow adopts a clean, functional style that emphasizes clarity over flash. Courts are rendered with distinct textures: the soft give of clay, the tight bounce of grass, and the slick uniformity of flexi and cement. These subtle visual cues help you anticipate ball behavior and plan your next move.

Player models are straightforward but well-animated. Each character type—volleyer, defender, puncher or all-rounder—has unique running animations, stroke mechanics, and even idle tics that reflect their playing personality. While you won’t find hyper-realistic sweat or crowd close-ups, the animations capture the essence of high-level tennis really well.

One of the game’s standout graphical features is its action replay system. After a spectacular passing shot or a tense rally, you can instantly rewind, slow down, or speed up the camera angle in third-person view. This not only lets you admire your best plays but also study your mistakes and refine your tactics.

Story

Although Tennis Elbow doesn’t offer a cinematic narrative or character dialogue, it weaves its own “story” through the World Tour progression. You begin as an unproven rookie, customizing kit colors and stats, and gradually build your reputation across four surfaces and dozens of venues. Each victory inches you closer to the top of the ranking board.

The evolving rivalry system adds an unofficial drama to your journey. Face the same AI slugger multiple times, and you’ll notice subtle increases in difficulty and aggression. By the time you meet them for a “final” showdown, every rally feels like a high-stakes championship clash, even without cutscenes or voiceovers.

Player progression itself becomes a narrative driver. As your avatar’s serve speed, shot accuracy, running agility, and jump height improve, you truly feel the payoff of your hours on the court. This organic growth replaces the need for traditional storytelling, making each tournament win feel personally earned.

Overall Experience

Tennis Elbow stands out as a robust tennis sim that rewards practice, strategy, and adaptability. Its wide range of events and match types ensures long-term replay value, while the simple yet deep control scheme keeps matches exciting from the first rally to the final set.

While graphics aren’t cutting-edge, they serve the gameplay perfectly, emphasizing readability and performance over photo-realistic details. The action replay feature further elevates the experience, allowing you to relive highlight points or analyze key moments with full control over speed and angle.

For tennis fans seeking a comprehensive, customizable, and endlessly engaging experience, Tennis Elbow delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re grinding through a global World Tour, perfecting a killer drop shot, or teaming up in chaotic two-versus-one matches, this game gives you everything you need to feel like a true tennis pro.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10