The world of tennis video games in the early '90s was dominated by the likes of Super Tennis, Smash Tennis and Final Match Tennis, but there were numerous also-rans and challengers; rivals which sat on the fringe of greatness but never quite managed to get through to the final.
As much as it pains us to say it, Jimmy Connors Pro Tennis Tour is one such title. Developed by Blue Byte – a German studio more famous for its Battle Isle and Settlers series than its sporting releases – the game was a decent enough simulation of tennis (and it had a four-player option with a multitap) but wasn't quite in the same league as the mighty Super Tennis – which, we'd argue, remains one of the best digital recreations of the sport ever made, even by modern standards.
When Jimmy Connors Pro Tennis Tour was released in the west, publisher Ubisoft was understandably keen to leverage the fame of Connors and had his face on the cover. Oddly, for the Japanese release of the game, a bespoke image was used which doesn't feature Connors' likeness at all (he's relegated to the rear of the box). Despite this, we massively prefer it to the western version.
Comments 2
Misawa? There was a company that announced a few other western games for publication in Japan, but the only one I knew made it out was SNES Addams Family.
That is sure some different Japanese cover art.
Though not the most bizarre. That would probably be Super Strike Eagle. That publisher knew what they were doing by selling a fighter jet simulation game with probably-NSFW boxart.
One of the best tennis simulator ever made.
Difficult to learn but man, one you got it the matches could be epic.
I remember playing matches for hours, 5 sets, fighting for every point.
For me, super tennis is nowhere near.
With the masterpiece (in its complexity and simplicity at the same time) Top Ranking Tennis for the Game Boy, my favourite tennis game of all time. And I have played a few.
Actually, the jimmy connors card is the one in my retro freak right now.
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