Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

NGT: US Open 2002 delivers a robust tennis simulation that balances accessibility with depth. You can choose from six game modes—arcade, training, exhibition, career, endurance, and multiplayer—each offering unique challenges. Rookie players can jump into exhibition or training to master the four shot types—topspin, no spin, backspin, and lob—while veterans will appreciate the layered mechanics behind shot timing, power, and direction.

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The career mode forms the heart of the gameplay experience. Starting as an unranked hopeful, you use cash prizes from small tournaments to upgrade your gear and train key attributes such as serve speed, stamina, and shot precision. Unlockable content in arcade mode—new courts, players, and gear—adds a compelling meta-game. Fans of progression will find satisfaction in gradually building a champion, while those looking for quick thrills can hop into exhibition or endurance matches.

Controls are intuitive yet nuanced: arrow keys let you move around the court, and combining a directional key with a shot button aims your stroke. This system feels natural, but mastering it takes practice, especially on higher difficulty levels. With 17 different courts—ranging from clay to hardcourt for both Roland Garros and the US Open—you’ll need to adapt your style to varied surfaces, bounce behaviors, and weather conditions.

Multiplayer support further extends the gameplay lifespan. On PC, you can link up to four players via LAN, while the PlayStation 2 version accommodates four players through the multi-tap. Whether you’re teaming up in doubles or battling your friends one-on-one, the multiplayer modes deliver tense, back-and-forth rallies that rival any local party game.

Graphics

Visually, NGT: US Open 2002 stands out among early-2000s tennis titles. Character models are detailed and sport realistic animations, from the wind-up of a serve to the recoil after a heavy topspin return. While not photorealistic by today’s standards, the game’s crisp textures and smooth frame rates—especially on PC—keep the action feeling fluid and responsive.

The official licenses for Roland Garros and the US Open allow for authentic stadium representations. You’ll recognize the distinctive red clay courts of Paris and the blue hardcourts of New York. Crowd models and ambient animations—like ballkids chasing loose balls and line judges stepping in for tight calls—enhance immersion and atmosphere.

Lighting and shading techniques vary between platforms. On PlayStation 2, the game uses softer shadows and slightly muted color palettes, whereas the PC version showcases sharper contrasts and more vibrant hues. Reflections on polished hardcourts and the subtle dust clouds kicked up on clay courts are small touches that add visual flair.

Player attire and racket designs pay homage to the era’s top pros, with four officially licensed athletes and six fictional contenders. Customization options unlocked through arcade mode allow you to deck out your avatar in new outfits and equipment, making each match feel fresh and personalized.

Story

While tennis games rarely focus on narrative, NGT: US Open 2002 weaves a motivating storyline through its career mode. You begin as an unknown hopeful on the European clay circuit, striving to earn enough prize money to enter higher-profile tournaments. Each victory brings you closer to the US Open main draw, creating a satisfying sense of upward momentum.

Between matches, in-game cutscenes and brief voice-over commentary highlight your progress. Sponsors take notice, offering endorsements that bolster your cash reserves, while regional rivalries—such as clay-court specialists versus hard-court power hitters—inject a hint of drama. Though not Hollywood-scale, these narrative beats give purpose to your on-court efforts.

Fictional players each have distinct personalities and playing styles. Facing off against “The Baseline Baron” on Roland Garros’ red clay feels different from dueling “Ace Machine” under New York’s bright stadium lights. This variety in opponents lends each match a mini narrative, making victories feel earned and upsets all the more thrilling.

The endurance mode, essentially a gauntlet of successive matches, further enhances the story of your rising star. Battling through fatigue and limited recovery between rounds tests both your in-game stamina and your strategic planning, turning each set into a chapter of your athlete’s saga.

Overall Experience

NGT: US Open 2002 offers a comprehensive tennis package that caters to casual players and simulation enthusiasts alike. With six distinct modes, a career progression system, and both Roland Garros and US Open licenses, the game feels complete from the first serve to the championship trophy presentation.

Accessibility is a strong point: the control scheme is easy to pick up, but shot nuances and surface-specific strategies provide room for growth. The unlockable courts, players, and gear in arcade mode give you goals beyond mere match wins, while multiplayer options ensure lasting replay value when competing with friends.

Graphically, the game holds its own for the period, with authentic stadium atmospheres and detailed player animations that make each rally engaging. The audio design—commentary cues, crowd reactions, and court–specific sound effects—rounds out the immersive experience.

Whether you’re aiming to relive the 2002 tennis season, climb the rankings in career mode, or simply enjoy fast-paced arcade matches, NGT: US Open 2002 delivers a satisfying blend of realism and fun. It remains a standout title for anyone seeking a rich and varied tennis simulation on PC or PlayStation 2.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10