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Review of Sampras Extreme Tennis on PlayStation

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Jan 1996
Cover image of Sampras Extreme Tennis on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 1996
Genre: Sports
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters

Introduction

Welcome to the tantalizing world of Sampras Extreme Tennis, where agility and strategy meet in a pixelated court of glory. If you ever wanted your thumbs to go from zero to hero while serving stunning aces and maybe flubbing a volley or two, then this game is right up your synthetic alley. Let's serve some critiques hotter than a 130 mph fastball at a squirrel, shall we?

Gameplay

In Sampras Extreme Tennis, players enter the glamorous life of tennis legends like Pete Sampras himself. And as you make your way through the game, you'll spend hours deciding whether to whip out a backhand slice or a forehand smash like you're deciding between pizza toppings. How do you even choose? Let's break down the gameplay: you can compete in exhibition matches or enter tournaments that might make you feel like you're in the Wimbledon finals-except without the D-list celebrities or the strawberries and cream. You'll start off with four unseeded rookies, and your mission is to guide them towards becoming the next tennis sensation, basically turning them into your personal tennis success story. However, don't think that you can just randomly press buttons like you're trying to make a microwave work; subtlety is essential. Perfecting your timing for serves and volleys requires reflexes so sharp you might as well be auditioning for a knife commercial. If you want to claim the title of tennis god, you'll need serious dexterity, precise timing, and an emotional range that can handle the ups and downs of the entire season-as well as the occasional fit of rage when the AI decides your character should magically run in the opposite direction of the ball. Ah, yes, the AI! Playing against Computer Generated Opponents can be a workout, too. These opponents are sneaky, often making shots that send you diving around the court like you're auditioning for a role in a slapstick comedy. They'll keep you on your toes and, ultimately, humiliate your overconfident self when they snag points from your glorified oldies-flashback of movements. And just when you think you've got the hang of it, Knockout mode offers an electrifying dash of competition! Here, you can challenge up to eight of your friends in a round-robin showdown! Beware, though; friendships will be tested, alliances will be forged and broken, and someone could end up crying into their controller. Communication is critical in these matches, unless you prefer choking on the tension of silence, staring at the scoreboard, wondering how you let that match slip away. Ultimately, mastering Sampras Extreme Tennis is no walk in the park, and every little adjustment requires patience and practice. Some might say it's tennis; we say it's finger yoga for your survival. You need to devote time to practice to tweak your skills, especially if you want to beat that one friend who always claims to be the champ.

Graphics

Visually, Sampras Extreme Tennis hits that sweet spot of retro nostalgia. The graphics are what you'd expect from a PlayStation title of the '90s-think blocky characters and vibrant courts that could potentially blind you if you stare too long. Sure, the crowd looks like an impressionist painting that got caught in a rainstorm, but hey, it was the '90s; we forgive them. The courts, however, look slick and colorful-just don't sit too close unless you want to get sucked into the digital vortex where your entire sense of reality will be forever at risk. The interface is user-friendly, so it's easy to navigate, kind of like finding the bathroom in a busy bar-limited obstacles and you'll be good in no time!

Conclusion

Sampras Extreme Tennis serves a solid acai bowl of fun, nostalgia, and finger dexterity challenges, earning itself a respectable place in your sports gaming history. Though it's not the grand slam of tennis titles you might be looking for, it puts up a good fight. Sure, it has a few flaws-the AI can feel like a tennis-playing magician at times, pulling off impossible shots and leaving you looking foolish-but if you embrace the challenge and treat it like a workout for your reflexes (and your patience), you'll have a blast. In a world where most of us are running from responsibilities faster than a tennis ball during a championship match, sometimes you just need to hit the court, let your hair down (or in my case-let the baldness shine) and swing away. So grab your controller, unleash your inner Pete Sampras, and may your volleys be ever in your favor. Just be prepared to wipe the sweat off your brow after that massive ace you've finally mastered. Game on!

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