Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Pocket Tennis delivers a straightforward yet surprisingly engaging tennis experience. With two distinct modes—Exhibition and Tournament—the game caters both to quick pick-up-and-play sessions and longer competitive runs. Exhibition mode allows you to challenge either the computer or a friend via link cable, selecting from eight unique characters, each endowed with different skills. Whether you favor a powerful serve or agile court coverage, you’ll find a character that matches your style, and the option to choose between one, three, or five sets keeps each match as brief or as extended as you like.

On the exhibition courts, you can pick from four different surfaces—five if you’re playing on the color version—each subtly affecting ball bounce and rally speed. These nuances add strategic depth, as clay-like courts slow the game down in contrast to the faster “grass” analog. Even though controls are simple, mastering timing and shot selection becomes crucial when facing tougher opponents, especially if you and a friend go head-to-head. The link cable multiplayer feels like an early precursor to modern handheld social gaming—challenging, immediate, and rewarding.

Tournament mode strips away the choice of court and set length but ramps up the stakes with a three-match bracket: quarterfinal, semifinal, and the final showdown. Here, the challenge is purely against AI opponents whose skill levels steadily increase. You choose your character but must adapt to whatever court style the game throws at you, making each round a fresh trial of adaptability and endurance. This mode provides a satisfying sense of progression as you fight your way through the bracket, culminating in a tense final that tests your sharpened reflexes and honed tactics.

Graphics

Pocket Tennis’s visuals are a showcase of Game Boy-era charm. On the original monochromatic handheld, the sprites are crisp and easily distinguishable, with simple character animations that still convey the swing of a racket or the anticipation of a serve. While the lack of color limits visual flair, the developers cleverly use contrasting shades to define court lines, player attire, and net details, ensuring gameplay clarity at all times.

Upgrading to the color version brings additional vibrancy, enhancing each court with distinct palettes—pastel greens for grass-like surfaces, muted oranges for clay, and cool blues for hard courts. The backgrounds are minimalist but effective, with just enough detail to evoke a stadium setting without cluttering the screen. When playing in fast rallies, the running animations and quick camera shifts keep the action readable, though at times the pixelated ball can blur against similarly shaded backgrounds.

Despite hardware limitations, Pocket Tennis nails consistency in its visual presentation. Character portraits during menu screens lend personality to each player, hinting at different playstyles through accessories and color schemes. The scoreboard overlays and set counters are cleanly integrated, allowing you to focus on the match rather than squinting at your GBA or Game Boy screen. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay perfectly, delivering both function and a dash of retro warmth.

Story

True to its arcade sports roots, Pocket Tennis offers minimal narrative beyond the thrill of competition. There’s no career-building plot or deep character backstories—your journey is defined solely by your performance on the court. For many players, this is a welcome focus on pure gameplay rather than scripted cutscenes or exposition.

However, the tournament bracket can evoke a sense of personal achievement akin to a real-life tennis career. Each victory in the quarterfinals or semifinals feels like a stepping-stone toward glory, and chasing the title in the final match can stir up genuine excitement. Without a sprawling story, the game relies on the inherent satisfaction of winning close sets and mastering an opponent’s patterns.

In the end, the “story” you craft in Pocket Tennis is entirely your own. Memorable matches against friends over the link cable often become personal anecdotes—whether it’s a last-set overtime victory or a surprising upset against the AI. The lack of a formal narrative might deter those seeking a single-player journey with plot twists, but for tennis purists, the blank canvas allows every point to feel significant and every comeback to become part of your personal legend.

Overall Experience

Pocket Tennis may appear modest at first glance, but it strikes a fine balance between accessibility and depth. Its dual modes accommodate both social multiplayer sessions and solo tournament runs, while the character variety and court differences ensure that no two matches feel identical. The crisp controls and straightforward mechanics make it an excellent entry point for newcomers, yet mastering the timing and court strategy provides enough challenge for seasoned gamers.

The game’s audiovisual package may not rival later, more sophisticated handheld titles, but its simplicity is part of its enduring charm. The clean graphics and snappy sound effects keep the focus firmly on the court, where every volley and smash takes center stage. Players looking for a tennis experience to carry in their pocket will appreciate how Pocket Tennis respects both hardware constraints and the player’s time.

Ultimately, Pocket Tennis stands out as a solid, no-frills sports title that continues to entertain thanks to its well-designed modes, responsive controls, and retro appeal. It’s perfect for tennis enthusiasts craving quick matches, collectors of classic handheld games, or anyone seeking a compact competitive experience on the go. If you have a Game Boy or similar device in your hands, this little tennis gem is well worth the serve.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10