Smash Court Tennis 3 [PSP]

The game's depth is fully realized in the brand-new pro tour mode. Here, players can create their own character and send him or her on to the courts in a quest to become a champion. Just about every facet of the pro tour is tackled here; players even get fan letters from the adoring public after their appearances.

The role-playing game elements included in the pro tour are certainly a nice touch. A shop allows for the purchase of goodies ranging from hairstyles to special training, with the high-end merchandise serving to boost a player's skills. Skill points, won by successful play on the court, can be used to augment either a player's basic parameters (footwork play, backhands, ground strokes, etc.) or improve him in all facets ranging from grass court play to basic toughness. Sponsorships can be won to earn money. Partners can be enlisted for doubles and mixed-doubles matches. Tournaments can be entered weekly, and a player's fatigue must be managed to ensure he doesn't go onto the court as a sacrificial lamb. This is the best Smash Court has to offer; it's deep enough to swallow the masses whole...

Purists will appreciate the inclusion of 16 pro tennis superstars such as Roger Federer, Martina Hingis, and Maria Sharapova, although, to be truthful, the list thins out considerably after that. (Sania Mirza? Andreas Seppi?) No matter. Sharp-eyed tennis fans will no doubt delight that Smash Court takes its own liberties, allowing players to storm the courts with, for example, Anna Kournikova's distant, distant cousin A. Korukovets.

Multiplayer options sweeten the deal. Smash Court supports both ad hoc play and game sharing, allowing for two players at one time. Here, Smash Court could have done well to include four-player matches (as its PSP competition Virtua Tennis World Tour does), but the omission is not terribly damaging. Two goofy minigames based on classic Namco licenses Pac-Man and Galaga are also very welcome additions.

The package, then, is balls-out fine. It's a bumpy court to play on at times, but one that's ultimately rewarding. Game, set, and match to Smash Court.