Rackets & Rivals (Europe)

Rackets & Rivals on the NES is a unique sports title that combines two popular racket sports: tennis and squash (or racquetball). Players will experience intense and engaging competition in both disciplines.

When playing tennis, you control your athlete on the court, using the D-pad for agile movement and the A or B buttons to execute different shots. Button A typically performs a power shot, while Button B might be used for a lob or slice, depending on the timing and ball position. The objective is to hit the ball over the net in such a way that your opponent cannot return it, scoring points according to traditional tennis rules. The game requires players to have good positioning skills and quick reflexes to intercept the ball, while also choosing the correct shot type to challenge the AI opponent.

For the squash segment, the gameplay shifts to an enclosed court with four walls. Here, you must hit the ball against the front wall so that it bounces back, and your opponent cannot touch it before it bounces twice. The controls are similar to tennis, but the strategy is entirely different. Players need to utilize the walls to create unpredictable shots, placing the ball into tricky corners where the opponent can't react in time. The pace of the match is often faster and demands greater agility.

The game offers single match modes or tournament play, allowing players to challenge themselves through multiple rounds against opponents of increasing difficulty. The simple yet clear 8-bit graphics, along with characteristic NES sound effects, provide a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for fans of classic sports games.