Description
Dream Match Tennis is a 3D tennis simulation game released in 2006 by Bimboosoft, a small Japanese company from Saitama. Released for free in 2021, the game focuses on realistic gameplay, requiring skill to control direction and precision of shots, standing out from arcade titles due to its fidelity to the sport.
Main Features
Realistic Gameplay
- Uses a timing-based "swing" system: hitting the ball earlier results in cross shots, while hitting it later produces line shots.
- Preparation is essential for accuracy and power, but not for angles, reflecting real tennis.
- Five types of shots: Normal, Hard, Slice, Lob, and Drop Shot, with serve variations (normal, hard, and slice).
- Serves are highly effective, with powerful serving characters able to score up to 14 aces per set, depending on the opponent.
Game Modes
- Challenge: Tournaments against the computer.
- Exhibition: Friendly matches for one or two players.
- Tutorial: Teaches basic mechanics.
- Practice: Training without competitive pressure.
- World Tour: Career mode with 12 tournaments and 128 players, including singles and doubles, aiming to reach the number 1 ranking.
- Online Game: Allows creating or joining online matches with global players, featuring a lobby for interaction.
Characters
- 13 playable characters, each with unique abilities, inspired by real tennis players but with altered names:
- R. Ford (inspired by Roger Federer): Versatile, serves up to 128 mph, good volleys.
- A. Richmond (inspired by Andy Roddick): Powerful serve (up to 150 mph), weak backhand and volleys.
- S. Gibson (inspired by Steffi Graf): Only female character, with shots considered weak.
- J. Mason (inspired by John McEnroe): Fast, precise volleys, but weak in groundstrokes.
- Each character requires specific strategies, with variations in speed, serve power, volleys, and groundstrokes.
Court Surfaces
- Seven surfaces: three hard courts, two carpet courts, one grass court, and one clay court, each affecting ball behavior.
Controls
- Supports keyboard and joystick, with joystick recommended for greater precision.
- In player vs. player mode, at least one joystick is required.
- Directions on the D-pad or analog stick adjust the trajectory and angle of the shots (e.g., holding forward generates long shots; backward generates short shots with angle).
Graphics
- Simple graphics, with detailed players and courts, but the audience is rendered as "cardboard."
- The collision system can cause a delay between the shot and visual contact with the ball, affecting perceived accuracy.
Multiplayer
- Supports local (player vs. player) and online matches. In online mode, players create or join matches without character restrictions, unlike the Online version.
- Seven difficulty levels for AI opponents in local mode.
System Requirements
- OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
- CPU: 1 GHz
- RAM: 256 MB
- DirectX: 9.0c
- Video Card: DirectX compatible (GeForce FX 5200 128MB or equivalent)
Pros
- Deep gameplay, rewarding skill and practice.
- Robust career mode (World Tour) and support for online matches.
- Variety of characters and surfaces, adding strategic depth.
- Free, with full access to all features.
- Faithful to tennis, correcting flaws of arcade games, such as unrealistic angles.
Cons
- Outdated graphics, especially for the audience.
- Imprecise collision system, affecting the experience.
- Steep learning curve, which may deter casual players.
- Only one female character, limiting diversity.
- Compatibility with modern systems may require adjustments.
Conclusion
Dream Match Tennis Pro is ideal for fans of tennis simulations who prioritize realistic and strategic gameplay. Its emphasis on timing, variety of shots, and game modes like World Tour and online matches offers an engaging experience. Although simple graphics and the learning curve may be barriers, the free access and depth of the game make it an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts.