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Family Tennis SP (Wii U) Review

by Daan Koopman - January 25, 2015, 9:22 am EST
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The family comes westward once more to give us the power of Tennis!

The Family series from Arc System Works is one like no other. Over the last number of years, they popped up on various Nintendo platforms and tried to deliver affordable fun. The franchise has had its successes, in particular on the Nintendo 3DS. Family Tennis and Family Golf were fun to toy around with and delivered on what they promised to do. Now the Family games return to the Wii U eShop, and they start off with an upgraded version of their biggest hit.

Family Tennis SP offers three different game modes and eight characters with all different statistics. The main appeal of the game is Tournament mode, where you can take on a solo run or with go with a friend through various computer opponents in four single or double matches. The journey will take you to various themed courts as you try to outsmart your opponents and become the winner. There are three difficulty settings to sink your teeth into and you will really struggle with the Pro competition. You will unlock some pictures in a gallery to thank you for your efforts. It is not amazing, but its something nice in return.

Then there is Free Play, in which you can play with up to with four people at the same time. You will be able to set your own rules and even choose the court where it will take place. It is sad that you can't play against with others over the internet, as this game would have been perfect for that. The final options can be found in the minigames section, which has three smaller experiences at hand. You can head for the Survival mode and try to defeat many opponents in a row, which is surprisingly entertaining. The other two options (Human Backboard and Roulette Play) do some neat things, but it is not likely that you will return to them often.

For a game as simple as Tennis, the controls go actually quite deep. By moving the stick in various directions and pressing certain buttons, you will able to pull off some nice stunts. Family Tennis' trick is to learn when to press said buttons, as you will keep your balance and can outsmart your opponent. The matches can also be won by using your special move effectively, for which you will build up a meter overtime. Unleashing it at the right time can make all the difference, as it mostly leaves the opposing family member confused. Players will be able to use every control scheme in the book, though the only thing weirdly missing is motion controls. It makes the playing field equal though, which I can appreciate.

Family Tennis SP looks quite alright on the Wii U. It does not bring a game with high numbers on the polygon counter, but its cartoony look brings a pleasant atmosphere. I really disliked the music of the game, however, and I think that it could have been a lot better. The style of the tunes didn't fit the feel of a Tennis game and I found myself turning off the sound more often than not. The sound effects were overly loud as well, though they never truly annoyed me.

Family Tennis SP does not promise overly much, but it is a decent little title for the Wii U eShop. With one friend or more, you will get a nifty tennis game with solid mechanics. The shift away from motion controls is an interesting approach as well, though it doesn't stop the music from being overly irritating. Family Tennis SP could also have benefitted from some online interactivity and the minigames won't last you for long. With the right folk though, there is a good time to be had with this Family entry.

Summary

Pros
  • Controls very nicely
  • Good variety of modes
  • Looks quite decent
Cons
  • Irritating music
  • Minigames don't have lasting appeal
  • Zero online functionality

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Genre
Developer Arc System Works

Worldwide Releases

na: Family Tennis SP
Release Jan 15, 2015
PublisherShin'en
RatingEveryone
eu: Family Tennis SP
Release Jan 15, 2015
PublisherShin'en
Rating3+

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