Games Database
PC
Sport: Tennis
| Also for: | PS2, Xbox | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Sport: Tennis |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Carapace | Soft. Co.: | Carapace |
| Publishers: | Wanadoo
(GB) |
Released: | 30 May 2003
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Control Pad | ||
Summary
Following 2002’s successful release of Next Generation Tennis from Wanadoo, developer Carapace has updated the series by bringing NGT 2003 to the PC platform.
In many respects it’s similar to watching a match on the TV. The game features slow-motion replays, umpire comments, player behaviour and crowd noises and reactions. The obvious difference of course is that you’ll be on the virtual court, fighting for the title of champion.
Physical gameplay in NGT 2003 is very much like every other current tennis game, whereby you have buttons for slicing and lobbing and you can set direction by aiming the control stick in the direction you want the ball to go. A good strategy is to keep your player centred in the court to increase your chances of hitting a difficult ball, but ultimately it’s your call. Real tennis is a game for quick-thinkers and those with good instincts, and the video game equivalent is very much the same.
The only potential problem the PC version possesses is poor controls. It’s difficult to get a good degree of control from a keyboard, and some may even find the use of the mouse a little tricky. Ideally, players should have an analogue controller of some sort for maximum playability. Other than that, the PC version excels over its PS2 counterpart in almost every department.
There are seven game modes altogether that include an extensive career option, singles matches, doubles matches and tournaments. Fulfilling certain criteria can in some cases unlock hidden extras such as new outfits, new players, new locations and wacky courts. NGT 2003 is by no means short on longevity; it’s one of those games you can always come back to for a quick thrash.
NGT 2003 doesn’t stand out in a crowd of tennis simulators, but it is a fine game and excels in its multi-player offerings. We’re sure you can expect another update sometime next year.
In many respects it’s similar to watching a match on the TV. The game features slow-motion replays, umpire comments, player behaviour and crowd noises and reactions. The obvious difference of course is that you’ll be on the virtual court, fighting for the title of champion.
Physical gameplay in NGT 2003 is very much like every other current tennis game, whereby you have buttons for slicing and lobbing and you can set direction by aiming the control stick in the direction you want the ball to go. A good strategy is to keep your player centred in the court to increase your chances of hitting a difficult ball, but ultimately it’s your call. Real tennis is a game for quick-thinkers and those with good instincts, and the video game equivalent is very much the same.
The only potential problem the PC version possesses is poor controls. It’s difficult to get a good degree of control from a keyboard, and some may even find the use of the mouse a little tricky. Ideally, players should have an analogue controller of some sort for maximum playability. Other than that, the PC version excels over its PS2 counterpart in almost every department.
There are seven game modes altogether that include an extensive career option, singles matches, doubles matches and tournaments. Fulfilling certain criteria can in some cases unlock hidden extras such as new outfits, new players, new locations and wacky courts. NGT 2003 is by no means short on longevity; it’s one of those games you can always come back to for a quick thrash.
NGT 2003 doesn’t stand out in a crowd of tennis simulators, but it is a fine game and excels in its multi-player offerings. We’re sure you can expect another update sometime next year.
