Kings of the Beach - Professional Beach Volleyball (USA)

In Kings of the Beach - Professional Beach Volleyball for the NES, players dive into the vibrant world of professional beach volleyball. The primary objective is to overcome opponents, win various tournaments, and ultimately become the true "King of the Beach."

The gameplay of Kings of the Beach centers around two-on-two matches, where each team consists of two players. The player controls one of the two athletes on the court, while the other is either controlled by the computer AI or a second human player (in cooperative mode). This setup emphasizes crucial teamwork and coordination between team members.

The control scheme is intuitive yet demands precision. Players use the D-pad to move their athlete around the sand court. The A button is typically used for offensive actions such as jumping, spiking the ball, and blocking at the net. The B button is utilized for defensive and setup actions like setting the ball, digging it up, and performing a serve. Accurate timing is paramount to executing effective plays.

The game realistically simulates various aspects of beach volleyball. Players must learn to control the power and direction of their serves, position themselves to dig up powerful spikes, and time their own spikes to send the ball past the opponent's block. Diving saves are also a critical part of keeping the ball in play. An interesting element is the presence of wind, which can affect the ball's trajectory, requiring players to adjust their strategy accordingly.

Kings of the Beach features multiple distinct beach locations, each with unique backgrounds, offering a sense of variety to the player. The AI opponents increase in difficulty, providing a continuous challenge. The ability to play with a friend in two-player mode significantly enhances the game's entertainment value and replayability. With its characteristic NES graphics and sound, Kings of the Beach has cemented its place as a classic sports title beloved by many.