Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

All Star Tennis ’99 delivers a surprisingly deep tennis experience that balances accessibility for newcomers with enough nuance to satisfy seasoned fans. You can choose from eight celebrated ATP and WTA professionals—Michael Chang, Gustavo Kuerten, Mark Philippoussis, Richard Krajicek, Conchita Martínez and Jana Novotná among them—alongside four creative fictional players. Each character boasts unique strengths, whether it’s Chang’s lightning-fast baseline play or Kuerten’s heavy topspin, giving every match a distinct flavor.

The control scheme is straightforward but allows for advanced tactics like lobs, volleys and overhead smashes, making each point feel dynamic. A responsive directional stick combined with timing-based shot buttons gives players the freedom to execute pinpoint passes or surprise drop shots. AI opponents adapt to your style as you climb the tournament ladder, forcing you to vary your game plan and adjust to different playing surfaces.

Multiplayer is a standout feature, with both singles and doubles support for up to four players. The 2-on-2 mode creates memorable couch matches where teamwork and communication are vital. Whether you’re teaming up with a friend to cover the net or competing head-to-head in a fierce baseline rally, the game maintains a brisk pace that keeps everyone engaged.

Graphics

For a late-’90s sports title, All Star Tennis ’99 offers pleasant visuals that effectively capture the energy of professional tennis. Player models are recognizable enough to convey each pro’s signature stance and unique animation quirks. Courts exhibit subtle wear lines on clay, glossy reflections on hardcourts, and lush grass textures, which enrich the overall immersion.

Motion-captured animations deliver fluid footwork and realistic swings. You’ll notice a clear progression in movement from slow, deliberate builds on clay to explosive bursts on grass, underscoring the game’s commitment to authentic surface differences. Camera angles transition smoothly between wide court shots and tight player close-ups at pivotal moments like break points and match-clinchers.

While the audience AI remains static in the background, the dynamic lighting—especially during evening matches—adds atmosphere. Courtside banners and sponsor logos decorate the stadiums, helping to evoke the feel of a real tour event. All told, the graphics might not push modern hardware, but they hold up remarkably well for their era.

Story

Though All Star Tennis ’99 doesn’t deliver a cinematic narrative in the traditional sense, its career progression acts like a silent story of ascent. Starting as an underdog or choosing one of the established pros, you navigate a global calendar that takes you from clay-covered European tournaments to sun-soaked Australian hard courts. Each event unlocks new challenges and rankings, creating a natural arc of growth.

The lack of cutscenes or voice-acted dialogue is a deliberate choice to keep the focus on the sport itself. As you string together victories, you feel the tension build—unlocked courts and higher-tier tournaments serve as chapters in your competitive journey. It’s a minimalist approach, but it lets the gameplay define your personal narrative of triumphs and upsets.

Fictional players slot neatly into this structure by offering fresh rivalries and unpredictable matchups. Beating a legend like Krajicek in a rain-delayed grass semifinal or staging a comeback against Martinez on clay adds memorable moments that feel like plot beats. In the end, the story is what you make of it, shaped by each hard-fought point and tournament trophy.

Overall Experience

All Star Tennis ’99 strikes a fine balance between arcade-style fun and a realistic simulation of professional tennis. The learning curve is welcoming, thanks to intuitive controls and adjustable difficulty levels. At the same time, mastery of lobs, slices, and net rushes rewards players who invest time in refining their tactics.

Multiplayer remains the game’s crown jewel, transforming a solid single-player campaign into a social spectacle. The 2-on-2 doubles mode will keep you and your friends on the edge of your seats, especially when you develop effective strategies like poaching at the net or executing perfectly timed cross-court drives.

Minor drawbacks include a lack of audio commentary and occasional camera shifts that can feel abrupt during fast rallies. However, these issues are easily overshadowed by the game’s tight mechanics, diverse roster and well-realized court environments. For anyone seeking a classic tennis title with both depth and pick-up-and-play appeal, All Star Tennis ’99 remains a compelling choice.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10