Pete Sampras Tennis

Pete Sampras Tennis, released in 1994 for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, is a tennis game developed and published by Codemasters. The game was programmed by Andrew Richards, while the graphics were made by Stephen Dietz. The title is notable for carrying the endorsement of tennis champion Pete Sampras, whose name and likeness appear in the game. It stood out not just for the celebrity branding but for offering a well-rounded and accessible tennis experience during a time when sports titles on consoles were rapidly evolving.

The game features a diverse range of modes, including Challenge, Tournament, and World Tour. Players can choose to compete in singles or doubles matches, with the added bonus of a unique “J-Cart” cartridge — a special Codemasters format that allowed two additional controllers to be plugged directly into the cartridge, enabling four-player doubles matches without any extra hardware. This was an innovative feature for its time, making Pete Sampras Tennis particularly appealing for multiplayer sessions. With the emulator, it is not possible to play with the J-cart, of course, but you can play vs two computer opponents.

The gameplay emphasizes arcade-style action rather than simulation. The control system is simple and responsive, with buttons used for lobs, slices, top spins, and smashes. While it doesn’t aim for deep realism, there’s enough control and nuance to make rallies satisfying. The ball physics are generally solid, although sometimes they veer into the exaggerated, especially during smashes or quick exchanges near the net.

The graphics are clean, with cartoonish character models and a colorful palette. The courts vary in surface type — grass, clay, and hard court — each affecting ball bounce, though the gameplay differences are not as pronounced as in more realistic tennis sims. The animation is fluid enough, with characters moving smoothly around the court. Pete Sampras himself is one of the selectable characters, and several other famous (or less famous) tennis players of the time, men and women, are also available.

The AI is competent, offering a good challenge in later rounds, but it can feel repetitive over time. The game’s longevity is largely due to its multiplayer component. The sound is ok, with simple crowd effects, racket hits, and short musical cues between points. It gets the job done without standing out.

Pete Sampras Tennis received positive feedback upon release. It wasn’t seen as the most realistic or technical tennis sim available, but it delivered fast, fun, and accessible gameplay with a strong emphasis on multiplayer. It remains a fondly remembered sports title, especially among those who enjoyed Codemasters' distinctive approach. If you enjoy tennis games, this is a great competitor to Great Courts 2 and Super Tennis Champs.