Free tennis MMO launches
Yeah, we all know free MMOs usually suck (the only exception coming to mind is
Guild Wars, and you still have to buy that), but for tennis fans, Smash Online actually looks pretty darn awesome.
It's got a full-out anime-style look, which is something I've never seen in a tennis game before, and it seems to work very well here. There's also a certain vibrancy which is reminiscent of
Jet Grind Radio.
Like my personal favourite tennis game,
Mario Tennis: Power Tour, it appears to have a lot of customization options, not just in look, but in skills and equipment.
The game has been in beta since February, and Korean developer gamigo AG is ready to launch the commercial English version today, which you can download through the alt source! A trailer can be found there as well.
Since the start of the English Beta Test in February, the Korean developers have improved the game in numerous ways, responding to player feedback. Much increased network performance and stability are complemented by features such as a global lobby chat, missions that offer additional rewards and new game modes. A European ranking has been added to the games website and through national flags players can now instantly spot from which country their competitors are coming from. The just added club system allows players to found and manage individual clubs who with the fall update will compete for control over their own tennis courts. Player-created tournaments as well as new game modes, maps and skills are also scheduled for the next update.
"During its beta period, Smash Online has already drawn interest by over 50,000 players", explains Sven Ossenbrüggen, CEO gamigo AG. We have received valuable feedback, turning some community requests already into reality and others will soon follow, making Smash Online the ultimate Online Tennis experience!
I think I'd definitely have to recommend a controller for it though..course I'm still getting used to the keys. Either way, very fun.