Final Match Tennis (Japan)
What is Final Match Tennis (Japan)?
Final Match Tennis is a sports title for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 (known as PC Engine in Japan), released in 1991. This Japan-exclusive entry focuses on realistic tennis simulation, a standout genre for the platform. Its developer is not widely documented, but the game earned a reputation as one of the finest tennis games of its generation, praised for its smooth controls and satisfying pace.
Players engage in tennis matches against computer opponents or a second player. The core gameplay revolves around positioning your athlete, timing swings, and choosing shot types - such as lobs and slices - to outmaneuver the opponent. The controls emphasize precision and quick reactions, with a top-down or side-view perspective depending on the court angle. Matches follow standard tennis rules, requiring players to win points, games, and sets to claim victory.
Today, Final Match Tennis remains a gem for retro sports fans, especially those who appreciate arcade-style accuracy over flashy power-ups. Its tight mechanics and AI challenge make it a worthwhile playthrough, even if the menu text is entirely in Japanese. For collectors of TurboGrafx-16 sports games, this title stands among the best, though its region-locked release means emulation is the most accessible way to experience it.
How to Play Final Match Tennis (Japan) Online
Getting Started: Final Match Tennis is a straightforward tennis simulation. After booting the game (and possibly skipping a title screen with Enter), you'll reach a menu in Japanese. The first option typically starts a single-player match; the second may be versus. Use the arrow keys to navigate and X (A button) to confirm. If you want to change settings, look for a mode select or difficulty screen - often the third or fourth menu item.
Once in a match, your character moves automatically to the ball's general area, but you must manually position with the D-Pad. Press X to swing a standard shot; holding the direction while swinging can produce different shot types (lobs or slices). The S button is often used for a power shot or special move, though in Final Match Tennis it mainly affects timing. The core loop is rallying with the opponent: you serve first, then return shots, aiming to hit the ball past them or force an error. Winning points, games, and sets leads to victory.
Because the menus are in Japanese, you can experiment by pressing buttons to understand options. If you get stuck, try selecting the topmost option first - it usually begins a quick match. The game remembers controller positions, so a second player can join by pressing Start on their controller during the versus mode selection. Enjoy the crisp 16-bit tennis action!
Final Match Tennis (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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