Super Tennis Champs

Super Tennis Champs, published by Audiogenic Software in 1995 for the Amiga, is one of the platform's best tennis simulations ever created. The game was designed and programmed by Elton Bird using the Blitz Basic programming language.

At a time when many sports games leaned towards arcade-style simplicity, Super Tennis Champs aimed for a more refined and immersive experience, blending accessibility with a surprising depth of gameplay mechanics.

What immediately stands out about the game is the excellent control system. Players can choose from different shot types — including top spin, slice, lobs, and smashes — which take time to master but offer great satisfaction once you learn how to use them effectively. There is a lot of room for skillful play. Timing is essential: hitting the ball too early or too late affects direction and power, just like in real tennis. The game also allows for angled shots and precise positioning, which rewards players who learn how to read their opponent's moves and adapt their strategy mid-match.

Another highlight is the variety of game modes. Super Tennis Champs offers quick exhibition matches, full tournaments, and even a career mode where players can guide a custom athlete through rankings, competitions, and a full tennis season. The inclusion of doubles matches, both with human and computer partners, adds an extra layer of complexity and fun.

Graphically, the game uses cartoon graphics and smooth animations. The players move fluidly, with realistic footwork and swing animations. The courts vary from clay to grass to hard court, each with distinct visual styles and subtle differences in how the ball behaves, further enhancing realism. The sound design is simple but effective, with crowd noises, ball hits, and umpire calls that help build the atmosphere.

User reviews consistently praise the game for its realism and depth. Many still consider it superior to other tennis games of the time, such as Super Tennis on the SNES or Pete Sampras Tennis on the Megadrive. Players appreciated the learning curve and the fact that success came from mastering techniques rather than button mashing. The AI opponents are well-balanced, with a difficulty curve that challenges newcomers without overwhelming them.

The game supported joypads and simultaneous four-player matches via a parallel port joystick adapter, which was pretty amazing.

Super Tennis Champs is one of the Amiga’s late-era gems — a perfect example of how thoughtful game design and brilliant programming can deliver a compelling and lasting sports experience.