Super Slam Ping Pong

Do you enjoy playing table tennis but find it hard to locate a free table or an opponent tough enough? Then why not give Super Slam Ping Pong a go?

In fairness, this game’s nothing quite like the sport which is rather championed by the Orient in the Olympics. Instead it is more of an entertaining experience which details the rapid exchange of shots in a rally in a rather comic-style.

You take control of ‘The Hammer’ who’s an up and coming champion in the ping pong circuit but it’s up to you to help him claim what’s rightfully yours and his, the title! Take your pick of playing the tournament, versus or tutorial mode, depending upon your interest.

What you must do is use your reactions, skills and luck in equal amounts to beat your opponents. The controls are simple, left and right move your player from side to side. Pressing the select button will do a normal shot, whereas pressing up will add top-spin to the ball and by pressing the down button you’ll put back-spin on the ball.

To complicate this matter a little more, you are given the super smash shot which is achieved by pressing the * button when your power meter’s been filled up. To charge your special shot you must successfully return the shots of your opponent. However, if you are in the wrong position, fail to use the same spin they use or simply lose the point, your power bar will be drained.

When you play the circuit mode you’ll have a real test with several opponents giving you a thorough challenge. In the earlier stages you’ll have a pretty easy fight on your hands, but soon enough this will progress into a much more difficult series of matches.

Your opponents range from a caricature of a gnome, to a psychotic Hannibal Lector-alike. These opponents have a variety of special skills, some will use two power shots one after another against you, others will make you run from side to side – meaning your position plays a vital role in saving a point and even winning the round.

In truth the game is reliant on your capability to stay in the game and slug it out until you’ve managed to charge up your special power bar to then unleash the unstoppable shot.

You’re ultimately given a fantastic challenge and the game does keep varied enough to keep you entertained for quite a while. Should you lose your game you have unlimited attempts in order to clear that level and to progress to the next stage. So you’re able to just focus on having fun and claiming the crown.

Rating 88%

Positives

Entertaining and challenging but thoroughly fun

Good animation and graphics

Focuses on the important parts of the game but not all the other dull stuff

Some fun banter between you and the opposition

Negatives

A little repetitive

Easy in the earliest stages

The game has some slow moments due to the intro scenes of your opponents