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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1. Version History
2. Introduction
3. Controls
4. Playing the Game
5. Top Rank Tennis
6. Conclusion
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1. VERSION HISTORY
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Version 1.0 - February 8, 2004
After going through the tennis rankings again on this game I feel that my
skills are at an ability to share with the readers. The grounds and
foundations are laid for this FAQ and all the basics for this game are
included.
This is tennis, where two or four people hit a ball back and forth over a
net. Top Rank Tennis is my most favorite tennis game for any system. In
1993 I received this game for my birthday but my brother played it more than
I did, and now I have found and dominated the Nintendo Tennis Rankings and
beat Master Joe many times. Now it is your turn for you to pick up your Game
Boy and pop in Top Rank Tennis and serve your way to the top of the
rankings.
A Button: Top Spin Serve
B Button: Flat Serve
Start Button: Slice Serve
Select Button: Underhand Serve
Control Pad Up (Tap twice): Pause Game
Control Pad Left and Right: Move player along baseline
GROUND STROKES
A Button: Top Spin Shot
B Button: Flat Shot
Start Button: Slice
Select Button: Top Spin Lob
Control Pad: Move player around court; direct shot
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The Serve
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In tennis, the serve is an important aspect of a player's game that can be
used to keep an opponent off balance. Powerful players use the serve to
collect aces, which are serves that pass the receiver without a return.
Even though aces are difficult to score, the server usually holds an
advantage over the receiver because he or she can begin the rally by serving
the ball to the receiver's weak side. This advantage makes it very
important that each player wins their service games and "breaks" his
opponent's serve whenever possible.
In this game, the service type is selected when you press a button to toss
the ball, not when you press a button to hit the ball. When you are ready
to serve, toss the ball into the air using one of the four serve buttons.
If you want to increase the angle of the serve, press left or right on the
control pad.
When serving, you need to hit the ball into the opposite service area to
begin the rally. If the ball hits the net or lands outside the service area
lines, the umpire will call a "Fault". The server will lose the point if he
or she serves two faults on the same point.
Occasionally, the ball will hit the top of the net and land in the opposite
service area. When this occurs, the umpire will call a "let". Unlike a
fault where the server is penalized one serve, the let disregards the
previous serve and allows the player to serve again.
If you often hit the net when serving, try hitting the ball higher when you
toss it in the air. If you consistently hit the ball beyond the service
area, try to hit the ball lower after the service toss.
___________________________
| | | |
| | | |
| |_____________________| |
| | | | |
| | Service | Service | |
| | Area | Area | |
|===========================|
| | Service | Service | |
| | Area | Area | |
| |__________|__________| |
| | | |
| | | |
|__|_____________________|__|
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The Ground Stroke
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The ground stroke is the shot most frequently used in tennis. The ground
stroke is a return shot that is hit after the ball bounces once on the
receiver's side of the court.
On the ground strokes, you can control the direction of your shot by
pressing the control pad when you hit the ball. Pressing up and down will
change the depth of your shot while left and right will change the angle of
your shot. However, if the timing of your ground stroke is off, you won't
have an opportunity to change the direction of your shot using the control
pad. Poor timing may also cause you to hit the ball weakly or lob the ball
to your opponent giving them an easy smash for a point.
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The Volley
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A volley is a return shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court.
Many players like to use volleys rather than ground strokes to speed up the
action and put the pressure on their opponent. In Top Rank Tennis, the
volley uses the same controller functions as the ground stroke.
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The Smash
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The overhead smash is a devastating shot that players use to quickly finish
a rally. The opportunity to hit this shot usually occurs when the opposing
player lobs the ball over the net. The smash also uses the same controller
functions as the ground stroke, however, the B button executes a powerful
smash that will be more difficult for your opponent to return.
To do a overhead smash when your opponent lobs the ball to you, it looks
like a high pop up, and when you get under the ball, you notice your
character changes form and readies himself for you to press the B Button,
wait too long and it will plop into the net, this shot can also be aimed,
and should be aimed away from the opponent but don't hit it out of bounds.
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Serve Types
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Top Spin Serve: This serve is the basic serve press A two times quickly to
serve successfully. This serve can be spotted by the throw.
Flat Serve: This is the power serve that is difficult to return when facing
people with shot level A. Press the B button and just as the ball starts to
drop from the peak hit it again for a devastating smash, many aces come from
this serve.
Slice Serve: For this serve the ball comes at you and cuts to your player's
right side. To notice the serve, this is a straight toss up and it is only
at medium height.
Underhand Serve: Pressing the select button gently tosses the ball shortly
above your head, and lobs the ball to your opponent, sometimes can catch a
human player off guard but I would never use this against a Computer
opponent as it gives them an easy opportunity to hit the ball in a precise
location, where you are not.
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4. PLAYING THE GAME
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After correctly inserting your cartridge into the Game Boy system you are
ready to power on the Game Boy! When the title screen appears bypass it by
pressing the Start or A button or you can watch them dance to the awesome
music. The next screen allows you to select how many players you want to
play. Since Top Rank Tennis is a Game Link game, 2, 3, or 4 players can
play with a Four Player Adapter.
Once you select the 1 - player game you'll have the option of playing the
singles (top 100 ranking) or the doubles (1 player + CPU vs. CPU + CPU)
modes.
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Singles Mode
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After selecting the singles game, you'll see the player selection screen.
If you haven't previously created a player, you'll need to do this now.
Your name can contain up to seven letters. Once you enter a name, select
shot power and foot speed ratings for your player. Your Top Rank Tennis
game pack uses battery backed memory to store information for 1 to 4
players. Select "Delete" if you wish to remove one of the existing
characters. On this screen, the B Button confirms a selection and the A
Button cancels your selection. Once you select your player, you can choose
to play an official or practice game.
To challenge a ranked player, you must select the official game. When you
win a game in this mode, you will exchange rankings with the player you just
defeated. If you lose, you will drop in the rankings. However, if you lose
to one of the Quarter Brothers, you will be dropped to the bottom of the
rankings. Your goal is to defeat all players in your path to the #1 ranking
and eventually win a match with the legendary Master Joe!
The practice game allows you to play a match against any of the opponents
you have previously defeated. You can practice on three different surfaces
and with varying match lengths (1, 3, or 5 sets).
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Doubles Mode
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The doubles mode is very similar to the practice game in the singles mode.
To play, first select the surface and the number of sets. Next, choose a
rating (A, B, C, or Handicap) for foot speed and shot power. If you select
handicap, an additional screen will appear that lets you individually alter
the shot power and foot speed for each player on the court. Finally, select
"OK" to begin your game.
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2 Player Game
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Using the Game Link cable, two players can play a singles match against each
other or play a doubles match with two computer players.
To play with two players you will need the following items:
2 Game Boy systems, 2 Top Rank Tennis game packs, 1 Game link cable (DMG-04)
Connect the game link and simultaneously turn both Game Boy units ON.
Once the demonstration begins on both Game Boy systems, one player can press
Start. The Mode selection screen should then appear on both units.
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Group Play
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For doubles action with three or four players, you will need the following
items:
3 or 4 Game Boy systems, 3 or 4 Top Rank Tennis game packs, 2 or 3 Game Link
cables, 1 Four Player Adapter (DMG-07)
Connect the first Game Boy unit to the four player adapter using the cable
attached to the four player adapter. Next, use three game link cables to
connect the remaining Game Boy units to the four player adapter.
Simultaneously turn on all the Game Boy units and select VS. and press Start
on the first Game Boy. The Mode selection screen should then appear on all
4 units.
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Rules of Tennis
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Point > Game > Set > Match
Each tennis match contains 1, 3, or 5 sets. To win the match, you must win
a majority of the scheduled sets. So if you are playing a 3 set match, the
first player to win 2 sets wins the match. Likewise in a 5 set match, the
first player to win 3 sets wins the match.
To win a set, you must win at least 6 games by a margin of at least 2 games
(i.e. 6 games to 4 game or 7 games to 5). To win a game, you must win at
least 4 points by a margin of at least 2 points.
If the set is tied after 12 games (6-6), then the winner of the set will be
determined in a tie-breaker. In the tie-breaker, the players will
accumulate points until one player has 7 points and at least a 2 point
margin of victory.
Points are awarded to the winner of a rally in a game and scored as follows:
15 = 1 point won
30 = 2 points won
40 = 3 points won
Deuce = Game is tied 40-40
Advantage = Advantage indicates that the specified player, server or
receiver, will win the game if he or she wins the next point.
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5. TOP RANK TENNIS
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After creating your player with speeds A and A for the best you will begin
your quest for Nintendo Tennis Domination, to seek out and be the best
ranked player. You will start unranked and have the decision to play the
last Quarter Brother or All of them, I will go ahead and list the stats of
all of them for completeness' sake and they are good practice for the
matches to follow. I tell you to give your character AA for the sake of the
Super Shot I have found in the game. To do the super shot when you are
serving on the right side of the baseline, move all the way to the right.
Press the B button and immediately start holding left while the ball is in
the air, and right when the ball starts to come down from the peak hit the
Select Button, you can see the ball spot hit off the line, but the referee
does not see it and it is practically un-returnable even to master Joe. So
this means that all you have to do is win one serve from the left side of
the Baseline and you will win all your Serves, then you will need to break
just one game on your opponent's to win the match.
Other ways to get aces for early opponents on the left side include: moving
all the way over to the left and step a little to the right and power a Flat
one landing right on the center line, but these can be returned. The other
one for late in the game includes going all the way to the right and
pressing A/A really fast for a top spin that usually induces the opponent to
crush the ball to the sideline giving you the point. You need to master
that one in case of ties for Master Joe and Mohawk.
Quarter Brothers:
After flopping as a band in Nashville, the Quarters are now trying to make a
name in tennis. Take advantage of their slow foot speed and cream puff
serves to improve your game and prepare for better players.
Jim Quarter
5' 9''
161 Pounds
Age: 20
Style: Baseline
Serve: Flat / Flat
Shot: C (Serve: 132 km/h)(Stroke: 93 km/h)
Run: C (100 m: 13.8 seconds
He says: Hard Court, 1 Set
Ken Quarter
5' 10''
154 Pounds
Age: 28
Style: Serve/Volley
Serve: Flat / Flat
Shot: B (Serve: 158 km/h)(Stroke: 103 km/h)
Run: A (100 m: 12.2 seconds)
He says: Clay Court, 1 Set
Pete Quarter
5' 9''
158 Pounds
Age: 28
Style: Baseline
Serve: Slice / Slice
Shot: B (Serve: 137 km/h)(Stroke: 105 km/h)
Run: C (100 m: 13.9 seconds)
He says: Clay Court, 1 Set
Dave Quarter
5' 10''
167 Pounds
Age: 23
Style: Baseline
Serve: Top Spin / Top Spin
Shot: C (Serve: 110 km/h)(Stroke: 95 km/h)
Run: B (100 m: 12.4 seconds)
He says: Hard Court, 1 set
John Stick:
John Stick is a methodical player who likes to sit back and take advantage
of his opponent's mistakes. However don't let his robotic play lull you to
sleep. Stick likes to rush the net when his opponent least expects it!
5' 10''
147 Pounds
Age: 27
Style: Baseline
Serve: Top Spin / Top Spin
Shot: B (Serve: 140 km/h)(Stroke: 110 km/h)
Run: B (100 m: 12.0 seconds)
He says: Lawn Court, 1 set
Ace Riley:
Ace Riley is a big hitter with lots of fan appeal. However, he lacks the
concentration needed to withstand long rallies and avoid silly mistakes. On
a good day, Ace can beat any player. On a bad day, he's pretty ugly to
watch. Beat him by noticing his serves when he tosses the ball in the air.
6' 2''
164 Pounds
Age: 34
Style: Serve/Volley
Serve: All Kinds / All Kinds
Shot: B (Serve: 179 km/h)(Stroke: 113 km/h)
Run: A (100 m: 10.9 seconds)
He says: Clay Court, 1 Set
Dewey Pond:
Pond is a former champion who still likes to rush the net even though the
game now features younger, more powerful players. Don't overlook Dewey;
he's still a crowd favorite. Press the Select button to lob the ball over
player's who rush the net.
6' 0''
167 Pounds
Age: 25
Style: Hard Hitter
Serve: Flat / Top Spin
Shot: A (Serve: 210 km/h)(Stroke: 140 km/h)
Run: B (100 m: 13.5 seconds
He says: Hard Court, 1 Set
Skippy Stork:
Skippy wins many matches by taking advantage of his opponent's unforced
errors. Even though Stork is tall and lanky, he's surprisingly quick.
You'll have more success if you play a serve and volley game against him.
6' 4''
212 Pounds
Age: 29
Style: Baseline
Serve: Flat / Slice
Shot: B (Serve: 192 km/h)(Stroke: 138 km/h)
Run: A (100 m: 11.3 seconds)
He says: Hard Court, 1 Set
Bobby Island:
Bobby Island is the most promising player on the circuit. At 21, he's
already a star and his game is improving with each match. Armed with a
blazing serve and plenty of foot speed, Island won't go down without a
fight. Being the fastest guy on the game he is the only one who has ever
returned the super serve, so be aware it will be returned fast to the left
of the center line. He only returns it when he is in position by the
randomness of his motions before the serve.
6' 3''
180 Pounds
Age: 21
Style: All Around
Serve: All Kinds / All Kinds
Shot: A (Serve: 200 km/h)(Stroke: 145 km/h)
Run: A (100 m: 10.3 seconds)
He says: Clay Court, 3 Sets
Sabrina Silk:
Though Sabrina plays well on all surfaces, she's absolutely unstoppable on
grass courts. To win this match, stay on your toes and use your lob shot to
keep Sabrina on her heels.
5' 6''
109 Pounds
Age: 18
Style: Silky Smooth
Serve: Flat or Slice / Flat or Slice (pick up on them by height of toss)
Shot: A (Serve: 188 km/h)(Stroke: 130 km/h)
Run: A (100 m: 11.2 seconds)
She says: Lawn Court, 3 Sets
King Mohawk:
King Mohawk is a former bodybuilder from Venice Beach, California. The King
uses strength and intimidation to over power his opponents. King Mohawk
likes to play then net so try using passing shots and lobs to burn him.
Note: He commits many faults on his Flat Serve.
6' 4''
212 Pounds
Age: 31
Style: Service Dash
Serve: Flat / Top Spin or Slice
Shot: A (Serve: 214 km/h)(Stroke: 155 km/h)
Run: A (100 m: 10.5 seconds)
He says: Hard Court, 3 Sets
Master Joe:
Master Joe is a former tennis instructor who still has a few tricks up his
sleeve. At 235 pounds, Joe's game features a rare combination of power and
speed. The winner of this match holds the top ranking!
6' 7''
235 Pounds
Age: 52
Style: Super Player
Serve: Flat / Flat
Shot: S (Serve: 240 km/h)(Stroke: 170 km/h)
Run: A (100 m: 10.4 seconds)
He says: Hard Court, 1 Set
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Master Joe Strategy
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Well here he is, for all the money one set winner takes the top spot. First
off, you get the first game and start on the right side and do your super
serve, which he cannot return back. When you move to the left side of the
court move all the way to the right and start trying to master the AA quick
serve and you will notice when it's done correctly he will smash it out of
bounds. That is how you win your servings. Now it is his turn to serve and
wow, is he a hard hitter. I play a little behind the line and use A to
return his serve if I get a good piece of it, and then start lobbing it over
his head when he tries to rush the net, and sometimes he will make a
mistake. Usually he wins his servings and you win yours and now the Set is
tied 6-6 and here comes the Tie breaker.
You _must_ win your serves at this point because it could be quite hard to
gain back one of his monster shots. At this point you keep going back and
forth until one time you return his serve and gain one of his points and
then you get your serves and you win the match. Basically; you ace him on
your serves and beat him _one_ time on his serve.
After the game you are congratulated by him for being the number one rank
and he writes you this message: S P O I L E R S ! ! !
Congratulations!!
You have displayed an amazing combination of power and speed to advance to
the top of the rankings. Even though I have held the title a long time, you
have won and proven to the world that you are the world's top ranked
player!!
-Master Joe
You may contact me at the address of "bryan_0326(at) hotmail (dot) com" for
any tips you have used and credit will be given. Comments on my guide or
any other guide I have may also be sent to the same address. A special
thanks goes out to CjayC for creating GameFAQs and the wonderful life it
has given me.
Copyright 2004 Bryan Heil
This may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal,
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other
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violation of copyright.
