Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis embraces an arcade-style approach that emphasizes fast-paced rallies and over-the-top special moves. At its core, the game offers two practice modes—stroke practice and rally practice—that help newcomers master the basics before jumping into higher-stakes competition. Once comfortable, players can dive into exhibition matches, Grand Slam tournaments, or the more casual Street Tennis events, each with its own court surfaces and rule tweaks.

Tournament victories award world ranking points, which serve as currency for unlocking a diverse roster of characters and bizarre items. From traditional rackets to the physics-defying “wave racket” that floods your opponent’s side of the court, these unlockables add a layer of strategic variety. Each character boasts unique attributes—speed, power, spin—and special skills, meaning you can tailor your lineup to suit your preferred playstyle.

For those looking to up the chaos factor, the four-player modes introduce an all-new dimension of fun. In addition to standard doubles matches, bomb ball mode pits four competitors against each other with live explosives. You must volley the bomb away at breakneck speed and avoid being the nearest player when it detonates—an uproarious twist on traditional tennis.

Graphics

Visually, Smash Court Tennis leverages its arcade roots with bright, colorful courts and exaggerated special effects. Character models are detailed for the era—Anna’s likeness is especially well-crafted—and the inclusion of guest stars like Pac-Man or Heihachi Mishima from Tekken adds nostalgic flair. Each court surface (grass, clay, hard court, and street) features distinct visual cues, from dust particles flying off a well-placed slice to water splashes when using certain items.

Animations are fluid and responsive, thanks to motion-captured tennis moves that feel weighty without sacrificing speed. Power serves and overhead smashes are accompanied by dynamic camera shifts and slow-motion replays, heightening the drama of match points. Special-item activations trigger unique visual sequences—flooded courts, massive raindrops, or electric barriers—that reinforce the game’s playful tone.

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive, with clear indicators for stamina, special gauge, and item availability. Menus load quickly, and match intros feature slick transitions. While not as realistic as simulation-focused tennis titles, Smash Court Tennis strikes an appealing balance between accessibility and visual excitement.

Story

As an arcade-oriented sports title, Smash Court Tennis does not center around a traditional narrative campaign. Instead, progression through tournaments creates a loose storyline: you start as an up-and-coming player and climb the ranks to face increasingly challenging opponents at Grand Slams. Anna Kournikova acts more as a mascot and host than a protagonist, offering tips and cheering you on between matches.

Street Tennis events inject personality by setting matches in urban environments—rooftops, back alleys, and city parks—giving an urban ‘underground’ feel. Unlocking cameo characters like Pac-Man or Heihachi Mishima further enriches this whimsical world, as each crossover match feels like a special exhibition event with its own sense of occasion. Though there’s no cutscene-driven plot, the unlocking sequence provides a satisfying reward loop.

The real narrative momentum comes from player-driven goals: achieving world No. 1 ranking, collecting all characters, and mastering every item. This meta-story of personal improvement and collection serves as the game’s primary hook, motivating continued play long after the opening rounds.

Overall Experience

Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis excels as a bite-sized, highly replayable arcade tennis experience. Its varied modes, from structured Grand Slams to chaotic bomb ball battles, ensure that matches rarely feel repetitive. The unlockable roster and item system add strategic depth, encouraging experimentation with different playstyles and court gimmicks.

While purists seeking a true tennis simulation might find the special-item mechanics and exaggerated physics a bit jarring, most players will appreciate the accessible controls and immediate fun factor. The four-player split-screen is especially recommended for group gatherings, where rivalries can form over who becomes the last one standing in bomb ball mode.

In summary, this sequel builds on the foundation laid by the original Smash Court Tennis, amplifying its strengths with wilder special moves, guest-character cameos, and a robust multiplayer suite. If you’re looking for a lighthearted sports game that rewards both skill and creativity, Smash Court Tennis delivers hours of memorable matches.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10