Family Tennis [WiiWare] - First Impressions

Ah, yet another Family title. My, Arc System Works, how do you do it?

First boot up of the game. I wasn't intending on getting this until I saw a vid of it after it hit Japan and it caught my interest and after reading some more thoughts on it after it hit our catalogue this week, I decided to get it in the end. First off, it's clear that Arc System Works is actually listening! The presentation and graphics have improved significantly, the game is actually challenging and fun!

All the menus were translated and localized for our territory but it's weird that they kept the voices in the original form (even without an option to turn them off). I still don't get how Pirate Party features the ability to change the name of the characters and in every other Family game, it's absent? What gives? It's a great addition!

Anyway, it's very interesting to see how I react to this considering I can't stand Family Table Tennis. This game, however, is actually fun and feels more fleshed out. The AI is definitely challenging and that certainly helps here even for a tennis game vet like myself. The setup is pretty straightforward and the controls are easy enough to get the hang of. It reads motions pretty well -- could be better, but well enough, especially considering it doesn't feature WM+. The game features special shots from Table Tennis except they're more useful and they make the game more of a challenge. They can be used both offensively and defensively as in other tennis games. The offensive shots, though, are rather devastating but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

More vids are on the way but until then, I'm definitely digging this title so far even though I'm still kinda sore about the fact that Card Games didn't come before this one -- and that's the one I actually care about. Perhaps they're working out the kinks with the online play, who knows?

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• Family
• Tennis
• WiiWare
• Quick
• Look

[lanafire7]

*shocked* nintendolife said they didn't. for the cam, I might actually get it. what did you think about it? more exciting then wii sports b/c of the cam? is there any control on aim is it better or worse controls then wii tennis? or it is just hit on time or fall on your face? I couldn't read the menu at all, not that the pop-up of the family in front of it was helpful. ;oP

[KnuxSonic8]

Nintendo Life said what?

The game's only 500 Points so I doubt you'd dislike it if it appeals to you. The thing is, I can't stand Family Table Tennis and I find it incredibly shallow and not very fun at all but this is actually both challenging and fun. You can control your characters but only to a small extent. Most of the movement is done automatically. Timing is very important here.

More exciting than Wii Sports? Definitely. Then again, so is NPC! Mario Power Tennis and SST.

[AtobeTanhausser01]

Reminds me of prince of tennis O.o

[KnuxSonic8]

In some places over here in Canada, you could even find it new for $9.99. But yeah, get SST.

Yes, Family Tennis is faster and more challenging but SST can be challenging too. Try facing Dr. Eggman on the Special Match at the end of the Tournament Mode (if you come in 1st on all match-ups prior to it).

If you love tennis games, I also recommend NPC! Mario Power Tennis.

[lanafire7]

@KnuxSonic8 - would be kinda rude, buy used for $10 at gamestop. the better graphics, more settings, mini games & characters aside that are obviously better then this game. which pace of game play is better & controls? this looks faster which may be up my alley. it's not like I need the time to run to the ball :oP but wii sports tennis has surprisingly sensitive controls like lob, etc.

[KnuxSonic8]

Well I LOVE SST's first person view. You should get the game back if at all possible!

[lanafire7]

I'm upset I had sega supstars tennis but I got bored w/it & gave to a friend. I read manuals & never knew it had very close 3rd person ciew like this does. which do you think has the better cam this or SST?

even sega virtua tennis 2009 & EA grand slam doesn't & they bored me to tears.

[KnuxSonic8]

Sure does! I was surprised they included it but I'm glad they did. I love the first-person camera in SEGA Superstars Tennis and it works really well here too!

[lanafire7]

this has first person cam in GAMEPLAY???