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Steven
Colbert from the Daily Show hosts this rude and crude
outlaw sports game but it appears he didn't bring
his best writers along for the outing. For a series
that relies heavily on its humour, Outlaw Tennis is
going to have to rely on its gameplay more than any
thing else.
The
Outlaw franchise has raped and pillaged volleyball
and golf and seems to have used up most of the gags
in the process. What we're left with here is a series
of racial stereotyping, scantily dressed babes, off-color
language and some sophomoric middle-of-the-road gags
that are inane, corny and cliché. It's like
a combination of Animal House and Rhoda and a porno
starring Ron Jeremy's cousin Oliver.
In
all actually the gameplay is quite good. The other
saving grace is the interesting variations of the
gameplay including tournaments, off and online double
matches and a host of mini games. There's lots to
do it you enjoy doing it.
 Unlike
other tennis games, your position in relation to the
ball will affect your shot. If you're on top of the
ball you won't get any power in your return. Conversely,
if you're within reach for a good backhand you can
send it into the other court like a missile. Slice,
lobs, top spin and flat shots can be added to the
ball. There is even a turbo meter to make your missile
shot more deadly. The AI will be at a disadvantage
to return it. The shoulder buttons facilitate the
turbo and extra spin.
Serves
can be regulated by following the meter which indicates
the level of strength that you will serve the ball
to your opponent. The AI is pretty darn smart and
will soon catch on to your style of play and counter
it if you always use the same moves. To win, you have
to mix up the shots. Try some sneaky drop shots and
then let 'em have it with a few turbo shots to the
back of the court. If you're getting outplayed you
can always opt to fight - fisticuffs style. Just mash
the right buttons and you'll be hammering away at
your opponent's head in no time.
Mini-games
are plentiful and fun. They are called drills and
will help to improve your overall skills and stats
which include endurance, speed, power and accuracy.
The Tournament mode involves all of the crazy characters
in 80 different events which don't always resemble
classic tennis. There is baseball tennis, ping pong
tennis and even pinball tennis which consists of hitting
the ball into a court filled with bumpers. Variables
such as the weather, bombs and a moving shot glass
that blocks shots will interfere with your match from
time to time. It's more fun than annoying because
thanks to the decent physics you can actually compensate
for these distractions and continue to play a decent
game of tennis or whatever the hell you want to call
it.
 The
online play is smooth with virtually no lag. The animation
is smooth and the camera affords some great perspectives
that rival a televised match. The sounds are nicely
spread throughout the stereo spectrum so that you
can tell where the ball makes contact your eyes closed.
If
you're pining for Virtual Tennis you might find some
comfort in Outlaw Tennis if you can look past the
cheesy buffoonery. It's not that I don't like rude
and crude but if you're going to do it, do it right
and really get down and nasty. Where's Dave Chappelle
when you need him?
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