Smash Court Tennis 3

A good tennis game for the dedicated player looking for a sim-like gaming experience. But for most, Virtua Tennis 3 is more appealing, accessible and, ultimately, fun.

It's certainly decent enough, but it's not good enough to unseat Virtua Tennis from its position as the best game of tennis on the PSP.

Smash Court Tennis does a good job of building a functional career mode with sponsors, fan letters, challenges on the court, and an experience point system that allows you to mold your own style of player. It’s just too bad that the actual tennis can’t keep up the same level of quality.

Don't get this game for the variety of modes. Get it for the simulation.

It's a bit strange that the best part is found in the mini-games, but SCT3 manages a decent all-around game that, while it won't set anyone's world on fire, won't disappoint the tennis fans either. [Oct 2007, p.62]

Smash Court wants to deliver a realistic tennis experience; no one shouts anything cute or falls down when the ball hits them, and there is an element of strategy in preparing your shots. That is satisfying, but also a bit frustrating... But if you are willing to work through initial frustrations, the game is worth it.

Smash Court Tennis 3 scores decent marks for its excitement level but loses points on gameplay responsiveness, problematic AI, and a troublesome presentation.

Smash Court Tennis 3 is a decent game that plays it safe and doesn't bring much new to table.

Sure it has a ton of great options and modes, but it simply doesn't have the action packed excitement of the Virtua Tennis series.

It's a decent enough shot at the title, but there are better tennis games already on court. [July 2007, p.64]

If goofy, over-the-top minigames are appealing, then Virtua Tennis is the only game in town. If you happen to take the sport of tennis seriously and want more of a simulation, then Smash Court Tennis 3 fills the bill well enough. The only problem I have with both of these games is their overall refusal to advance the genre beyond what we've seen countless times before.

Competent, tight and good looking but lacking the satisfying gameplay to make it a must. [July 2007, p.68]

Smash Court isn't resoundingly bad, by any means -- it just feels a bit irrelevant.

If you don't have Virtua Tennis, that's the tennis game to get. If you have Virtua Tenis and you absolutely must play Pac-Man Tenis, I guess this is the game for you.

A poorly created tennis sim that just doesn't hold up to repeated play. [Issue#154, p.74]