Sega Genesis is one of the most iconic consoles of all time, and it has a plethora of games that still manage to bring joy to gamers today. One of those gems is David Crane's Amazing Tennis (USA), a game that was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this classic game, its features, and more importantly, its age rating.

Amazing Tennis was created by none other than David Crane, who is also known for his work on other popular games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game and Alien Crush. Released in 1991, the game was designed to be a sports game that focused on tennis, but with a twist - it was designed to be fast-paced and action-packed.

One of the standout features of Amazing Tennis is its unique gameplay mechanics. Unlike traditional tennis games, which often focus on realism and strategy, Amazing Tennis is all about speed and excitement. Players can use a variety of shots, including forehands, backhands, and volleys, to outmaneuver their opponents. The game also features a variety of power-ups, such as the "super serve" and the "decoy", which give players an edge over their opponents.

The graphics and sound design in Amazing Tennis are also noteworthy. The game features colorful and cartoonish characters, with detailed animations that bring the tennis matches to life. The sound effects are similarly impressive, with crisp and clear sound that immerses players in the action.

But what really sets Amazing Tennis apart is its accessibility. Unlike other sports games of the time, which often required a high level of skill and strategy, Amazing Tennis is surprisingly easy to pick up. Players can start playing immediately, without needing to learn complex rules or mechanics.

In terms of gameplay, Amazing Tennis is all about speed and timing. Players must use their reflexes to hit the ball back and forth with their opponents, while also using power-ups to gain an advantage. The game features a variety of modes, including tournament play and singles matches, which offer players plenty of options for playing against other opponents.

One of the most interesting aspects of Amazing Tennis is its influence on the sports gaming genre. Released in 1991, the game was one of the first tennis games to be released on console, and it helped pave the way for future sports games. The game's unique blend of speed and strategy also influenced the development of other sports games, such as the popular Virtua Tennis series.

In terms of age rating, Amazing Tennis is suitable for players of all ages. The game's ESRB rating is E (Everyone), which indicates that it is suitable for players of all ages, including children. However, parents should note that the game does contain some mild violence and competitive elements, which may not be suitable for younger players.

The game's developer, Sega, also released a number of updates and patches to fix bugs and improve gameplay over time. These updates helped ensure that the game remained stable and enjoyable for players, even years after its initial release.

In recent years, Amazing Tennis has experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the rise of retro gaming. The game's availability on platforms such as the Sega Genesis Mini and Steam has introduced it to a new generation of gamers who may not have been aware of it otherwise.

However, despite its enduring popularity, Amazing Tennis remains somewhat forgotten in the annals of gaming history. This is perhaps due in part to the fact that it was released during a time when sports games were not as popular as they are today. Additionally, the game's unique gameplay mechanics and accessibility made it stand out from other sports games of the time.

Despite its relatively low profile, Amazing Tennis remains an important part of gaming history. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and accessibility helped pave the way for future sports games, and its influence can still be seen in modern games today.

In conclusion, David Crane's Amazing Tennis (USA) is a classic game that continues to entertain gamers today. With its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and sound design, it remains an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. While it may not be as widely known as some other classic games, Amazing Tennis is definitely worth checking out for anyone interested in retro gaming.

Rating: 8/10

Why it's worth playing:

• Fast-paced gameplay that's easy to pick up
• Colorful and cartoonish graphics
• Innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other sports games
• Suitable for players of all ages

Who it's not suitable for:

• Young children due to mild violence and competitive elements
• Players looking for a more realistic tennis experience

Platforms: Sega Genesis, Steam, Sega Genesis Mini