Sony, Clap Hanz Announce Hot Shots Tennis

Sony has announced that it is expanding on its beloved Hot Shots Golf franchise by bringing the series' cartoon style and over the top gameplay to tennis courts in Hot Shots Tennis, expected to ship this July exclusively for the PlayStation 2. Created by Hot Shots Golf franchise developer Clap Hanz, Hot Shots Tennis will see the return of the same dramatic replays and cute characters popularized by the Hot Shots series of golf games. However, few characters will make the leap from the golf franchise to this new game, with the majority of Tennis' cast being created specifically for this new title. According to Sony, the game will include “a deep feature set allowing players to practice a variety of strokes, enter challenge modes, and play singles or doubles with up to four players.” The upcoming title will feature 14 selectable characters, as well as five different umpires, eleven distinct locations, and three different court surfaces, including hardcourt, clay, and grass. Hot Shots Tennis will also reportedly feature gameplay that will be accessible to all skill levels, something which no doubt has contributed to Hot Shots Golf's longstanding appeal. In addition, the game's longevity will be extended through a host of unlockables, including new characters, costumes, umpires, and courts. "Hot Shots Tennis draws from Clap Hanz's success with the Hot Shots franchise by providing a social gaming experience that will appeal to casual players and tennis gaming fans alike," said Jeff Reese, director of software marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Whether it's playing head-to-head or in a four-player doubles match with family and friends, this is a game that PlayStation 2 fans of all ages can enjoy."