We’ve come a long way since the days when digital tennis meant twisting a knob to move a paddle in an attempt to hit a square block across the screen. But it’s no surprise that one of the most popular early games replicates tennis, albeit in a primitive form.
As one of the most popular sports in the world, tennis appeals to players and spectators because it is so fast-paced and fun. While there have been peaks and troughs in the game’s popularity, the physical act of hitting a ball with a racket has such a universal appeal that almost every culture has at least some version of the popular game.
Games that have big fan bases in the real world tend to attract a lot of players when it comes to their digital or even virtual counterparts. While things have moved on significantly since the glory days of Pong, there are still plenty of games that are hugely popular with tennis fans, such as Wolf Gold Slot from Virgin Games.
As technology has evolved and improved, the games have become more and more realistic, giving players even more opportunities to enjoy their favorite games. Over the years, a number of tennis games have been developed, some with the goal of recreating the real game as realistically as possible, and some just using tennis as the basis for an engaging game.
Among the most notable games for tennis fans are:
Top Spin 4
Widely regarded as one of the best tennis games ever, Top Spin 4 evokes fond memories for those who were around when it was first released. Some would argue that it has never been surpassed in terms of the quality of the gameplay, although the fact it is now more than ten years old means that it does seem a little dated.
One of the things that was so appealing about Top Spin 4 was the roster of players that were included in the game. Fans could play as one of the most impressive legends of their generation such as Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer.
Fans of the game have often bemoaned the fact that it has become all but obsolete as the consoles it can be played on have fallen foul of the march of time and been retired. However, there is a light at the end of the tennis-simulator tunnel as it was announced in January 2024 that there are finally plans for a follow-up to be released next year, set to be called TopSpin 2K25 and with a huge fan base eagerly anticipating a top-notch gaming experience.
AO Tennis 2
As a follow-up to the popular AO Tennis, this sequel has surpassed its predecessor’s reputation. Tennis fans who were underwhelmed by the original’s gameplay have been impressed by how much the second attempt has improved this game.
One of the main things that has improved the game has been the addition of community-created content generated by the original game. With a license to represent the Australian Open, it could feel a little limited, but fans have diligently created additional elements that make the second version much more varied and enjoyable.
Players can opt for career mode, honing their skills through training drills and earning prize money from lower-level tournaments. They can invest in leveling up their character or paying support staff to help them achieve their goals.
One of the most appealing things about this game is that the real players’ style is captured in the game, so Rafael Nadal delivers strong baseline hits whereas John Isner has a killer serve. The different courts deliver different gameplay, making it more realistic than many other games, and there are plenty of difficulty levels, from rookie to grand slam, so there’s enough to challenge even the most well-practiced player.
