Tennis Elbow 4
- June 4, 2021
- Mana Games
- 16h median play time
Get on SteamTennis Elbow 4 is a realistic tennis simulation game that offers a deep career mode and various court surfaces. It features a challenging opponent AI, extensive customization options for matches and players, and a physics-based shot system. The game also includes a match analysis tool and the ability to play online against other players.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Outstanding gameplay that feels realistic and dynamic, capturing the essence of tennis.
- Deep career mode with extensive customization options and a rich modding community.
- Developer is highly responsive and actively improves the game based on community feedback.
- Graphics and animations are outdated and need significant improvement.
- Steep learning curve with controls that can be unintuitive, especially for new players.
- AI behavior can be unrealistic at times, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- gameplay186 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Tennis Elbow 4 (TE4) is widely praised for its realism, depth, and mechanics that closely simulate actual tennis, making it a standout in the genre. While the initial learning curve can be steep, players find the experience rewarding and addictive once they grasp the controls and mechanics. Despite some graphical shortcomings, the focus on gameplay and the extensive career mode contribute to its reputation as one of the best tennis games available.
“The gameplay is majestic, a real simulator, the physics of the ball are truly awesome, and all this together brings the major satisfaction of a tennis game.”
“Great tennis simulation, the gameplay mechanics make it feel like playing actual tennis, with every point being a little battle of strategy, technique, and precision.”
“For the gameplay alone, I highly recommend this game.”
“Topspin looks great, and I don't hate it, but after 50+ hours of uninspiring gameplay that never felt like proper tennis, I decided to give TE4 a shot.”
“The initial learning curve is steep, especially since Tennis Elbow 4 plays differently than other tennis games on the market (shot mechanics are way different).”
“The gameplay is impossible / controls.”
- graphics106 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are not on par with modern AAA titles and can appear outdated or janky, they are sufficient for the overall experience. Most reviewers emphasize that the gameplay is the standout feature, often stating that the graphics should not deter potential players, as the immersive and rewarding tennis experience compensates for any visual shortcomings. Overall, while improvements are desired, the focus on gameplay over graphics is appreciated by those who prioritize a realistic tennis simulation.
“I read and saw a lot of this game being the best simulator of tennis, but I was a little skeptical about the graphics and man, was I so wrong.”
“Awesome game, the graphics are great and the avatar's movement is surprisingly smooth and realistic.”
“If you love tennis, if you see tennis, this is your game, trust me, overlook the graphics, you will not encounter any game of tennis better than this.”
“The graphics aren't going to wow you, but they are good enough.”
“Yet I feel like the animations of the players and the slightly out of date graphics will turn some players down, so it should be noted.”
“But I agree with the other reviews, graphics and animations need a lot of work before it is released.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized for issues such as inadequate heat dissipation leading to frame drops, occasional stuttering during gameplay, and minor graphical glitches on specific courts. Additionally, the commentary can be unhelpful, as it often mocks players' performance.
“Optimization has a little problem; the computer's heat dissipation is not adequate, making it easy to drop frames.”
“There is some stuttering between points and noticeable graphical glitches on certain courts.”
“The optimization issues lead to a frustrating experience, especially with the frequent frame drops.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers exceptional replayability, surpassing its competitors with engaging tennis gameplay and a career mode that provides significant goal-driven incentives for players to return.
“This game offers replay value far beyond its competitors.”
“The tennis gameplay easily outpaces modern competitors, and the career mode offers tremendous goal-driven replay value.”
“This gives the game replay value far beyond its competitors.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviewers express frustration with the current state of sports games, criticizing the heavy focus on microtransactions and corporate influences from major publishers like EA and 2K. Many feel that this shift has detracted from the quality and authenticity of the gaming experience, leading to a preference for simpler, less commercialized alternatives.
“I used to love sports games, but in recent years I gave up on them because they are either giant corporate offerings from EA/2K which are more focused on microtransactions and fluff, or they are cartoonish with simple gameplay.”
“I used to love sports games, but in recent years I gave up on them because they are either giant corporate offerings from EA/2K which are more focused on microtransactions and fluff, or they are cartoonish with simple gameplay.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by a lack of flashy graphics and licensed tracks, focusing instead on an enjoyable menu soundtrack that has received positive feedback from users.
“Great menu music.”
“No flashy graphics, no licensed music, no sponsors or ads.”
“No flashy graphics, no licensed music, no sponsors or ads.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is initially described as lackluster, with minimal audience engagement and applause. However, as the game progresses, the energy shifts, and the audience becomes more enthusiastic, significantly enhancing the overall atmosphere.
“The audience and its applause grew louder, the atmosphere rose.”
“I thought, well, that's some poor atmosphere on the court, barely any applause from the audience.”
“The audience and its applause grew louder, but the atmosphere still felt lacking.”
“The atmosphere was underwhelming, with minimal engagement from the audience.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players report that grinding for experience points and ranking can be highly engaging, often leading to hours of gameplay that pass by unnoticed.
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users report occasional stuttering between points and minor graphical glitches on specific courts, indicating that while the game generally runs well, there are some stability issues that can affect the experience.
“There is some stuttering between points and noticeable graphical glitches on certain courts.”
“I experienced stuttering during gameplay, which affected the overall experience.”
“The game suffers from occasional graphical glitches that disrupt the flow of play.”
