Code Masters
£2.99

You can't be serious! The ball was in! All the atmosphere of the real game has been captured in Pro Tennis Sim with the usual moves available to the player, and a choice of court surfaces to play on, including grass and clay.

Many past tennis games have been almost impossible to play, with complicated key combinations needed just to hit the ball back at the other player. This is much simpler and should appeal to a wider audience. Graphics are of a good standard, with large animated tennis stars and well drawn and coloured surroundings to the three courts. It takes a bit of practice to learn when to hit the ball and judge where the other player is going to hit it but once mastered you can be on your way to the top of the league.

The two player option is really fun, especially if you get someone to play against who hasn't got a clue. Smashing the ball so they can't reach it is tremendously satisfying! One of the better tennis games around, I just wish it simulated cool drinks after each match!

BARGAIN BASEMENT

As those modern philosophers Status Quo once said, "Down down deeper and down, down down deeper and down." MARCUS BERKMAN trips in the stairwell...

CodeMasters
£2.99
Reviewer: Marcus Berkmann

Yes, it's that magic word, Spec-chums - but are simulators still stimulators? Actually this is just another common or garden tennis game, and, as it's a while since we've seen anything like that, it's not unwelcome. In programming terms, there's probably not a lot you can do with such a familiar format - other than make it extremely playable, which Pro Tennis Sim certainly is. Controls are simple, and happily the computer assumes you're a rather better player than you really are by, for instance, letting you serve properly most of the time. Too kind. Meanwhile there are three skill levels to battle against, and a rather fetching red clay court to play on (green comes along later, I believe). No Pro Tennis Simulator is not at all bad. But "Absolutely brilliant"? it seems darling David's been forgetting to take his pills again. A good solid bargain title - nothing more, nothing less.