 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? | 
