Top Rank Tennis (GB)

Top Rank Tennis (GB) is a tennis game developed by Nintendo R&D3 and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy system. This game stands out for its simple yet surprisingly deep gameplay, suitable for all types of players.

In Top Rank Tennis (GB), players control a tennis athlete through single or double matches. The control system is very intuitive: players use the D-pad to move their character around the court. The A and B buttons are used to perform different shots. The A button is typically used for powerful shots or forehands, while the B button can be used for slices or backhands. The timing of button presses is crucial to determine the power and direction of the shot. Players can execute lob shots to send the ball over the opponent's head or smash shots when the ball bounces high.

The game offers two main play modes: Tournament Mode and Exhibition Mode. In Tournament Mode, players participate in a knockout tournament, facing various opponents of different skill levels, from easy to difficult. The goal is to win all matches to become the champion. Exhibition Mode allows players to set up a quick match with options for the number of sets, games, and to choose an AI opponent or play against a friend via a Game Boy Link Cable.

Although the graphics of Top Rank Tennis (GB) are limited to the 8-bit monochrome characteristic of the Game Boy, the animations of the player and the ball are still quite smooth and easy to see. The sound in the game is also simple but effective, with the sound of the ball hitting the racket and footsteps creating a realistic feel. The AI difficulty is well-balanced, providing a suitable challenge without being overly frustrating. To master the game, players need to practice their movement, positioning, and timing for each shot. The simplicity in design combined with high replayability has made Top Rank Tennis (GB) a beloved tennis game on this handheld system.