Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Image Works
Passing Shot (1988)
Passing Shot is a tennis video game released in 1988 for the Sega Master System. It is a conversion of the Sega coin-op game of the same name, and was developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega.
The game features realistic tennis gameplay, with a variety of shots and strategies available to the player. Players can choose to play as one of eight different characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game can be played in singles or doubles mode, and there are four difficulty levels to choose from.
Passing Shot was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best tennis games ever released. It was praised for its realistic gameplay, challenging AI, and variety of options. The game was also a hit in arcades, and helped to popularize the sport of tennis among video gamers.
Gameplay
Passing Shot is a top-down tennis game in which the player controls a tennis player from behind. The player can move their player around the court using the D-pad, and can hit the ball using the A and B buttons. There are a variety of different shots available to the player, including topspin, slice, lob, and drop shot. The player can also choose to charge their shots for more power.
The AI in Passing Shot is very challenging, and the game can be difficult to master. The computer-controlled opponents will use a variety of strategies to try to defeat the player, and they will adapt their play style based on the player’s strengths and weaknesses.
Graphics and sound
The graphics in Passing Shot are very good for a Sega Master System game. The characters are well-animated, and the courts are detailed and realistic. The game also features a variety of different weather conditions, which can affect the gameplay.
The sound in Passing Shot is also very good. The crowd noise is realistic, and the sound effects are well-done. The game also features a variety of different music tracks, which help to create a lively and exciting atmosphere.
Reception
Passing Shot was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic gameplay, challenging AI, and variety of options. The game was also a hit in arcades, and helped to popularize the sport of tennis among video gamers.
Passing Shot has been ranked as one of the best tennis games ever released. In 2009, IGN ranked the game as the 10th best Sega Master System game. In 2017, GamesRadar ranked the game as the 25th best retro game of all time.
Legacy
Passing Shot is considered to be one of the most influential tennis games ever released. It helped to popularize the sport of tennis among video gamers, and its realistic gameplay and challenging AI set a new standard for tennis games. The game has been followed by a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Virtua Tennis and Top Spin.
Overall
Passing Shot is a classic tennis game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a variety of different options and features. If you are a fan of tennis games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Passing Shot.
Tips for playing Passing Shot
- Use a variety of shots to keep your opponent guessing.
- Charge your shots for more power, but be careful not to overcharge them.
- Pay attention to the wind direction and speed.
- Use the lob shot to get the ball over your opponent’s head.
- Use the drop shot to surprise your opponent and win a point.
- Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you lose a few games. The more you play, the better you will become.
Review Score
7.5/10
