[{"TitleName":"Match Point","Publisher":"Sinclair Research Ltd","Author":"Steve Kelly, Ann Hughes","YearOfRelease":"1984","ZxDbId":"0003074","Reviews":[{"Issue":{"Name":"Crash Issue 8, Sep 1984","Price":"£0.85","ReleaseDate":"1984-08-30","Editor":"Roger Kean","TotalPages":112,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Roger Kean\r\nConsultant Editor: Franco Frey\r\nProduction Designer: David Western\r\nArt Editor: Oliver Frey\r\nAdventure Editor: Derek Brewster\r\nStaff Writer: Lloyd Mangram\r\nContributing Writers: Matthew Uffindel, Chris Passey\r\nClient Liaison: John Edwards\r\nSubscription Manager: Denise Roberts\r\nCirculation Manager: Tom Hamilton\r\nAll circulation enquiries should ring [redacted]\r\n\r\n©1984 Newsfield Limited.\r\nCrash Micro is published monthly by Newsfield Ltd. [redacted]\r\n\r\nGeneral correspondence to: [redacted]\r\n\r\nTelephone numbers\r\nGeneral office [redacted]\r\nEditorial/studio [redacted]\r\nAdvertising [redacted]\r\nHot Line [redacted]\r\n\r\nNo material may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent from the copyright holders.\r\n\r\nPhotosetting by SIOS [redacted]\r\nColour origination by Scan Studios, [redacted]\r\nPrinted in England by Carlisle Web Offset Ltd (Member of the BPCC Group), [redacted].\r\nDistribution by COMAG, [redacted]\r\n\r\nSubscriptions: 12 issues £10.50 (UK Mainland post free)\r\nEurope: 12 issues £17.50 (post free).\r\n\r\nWe cannot undertake to return any written or photographic material sent to CRASH Magazine unless accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.\r\n\r\nCover by Oliver Frey"},"MainText":"Producer: Psion/Sinclair\r\nMemory Required: 48K\r\nRetail Price: £7.95\r\nLanguage: Machine code\r\n\r\nSo many of the better games this summer seem to be sports simulations of the active kind rather than the strategic armchair sort, of which type Match Point is a supreme example. We've come to expect rather special programs from Psion and Match Point doesn't disappoint. It points up the advances in Spectrum programming which underlines to some extent comments made by Crystal/Design Design programmer Simon Brattel in this issue about the versatility of the video display of the Spectrum encouraging programmers to write better and better looking programs. Match Point would have been almost inconceivable this time last year, so too would Database's Micro Olympics.\r\n\r\nThere is an arcade version of tennis which does look good, but apart from the coloured sprites of the players there is little that Psion's Match Point can't do to match the arcade original, and in fact the perspective view is more realistic.\r\n\r\nThe game is for one player against the computer or two players against each other, although the flexible front end allows you to enter not only your own name but also that of the computer so if you want to you can have the thrill of beating McEnroe (or being beaten by him of course!) or Navratilova if you prefer.\r\n\r\nThe screen display, prominently green naturally, shows the tennis court from the 'commentators' box' position, looking straight along the centre of the court from one end. At the 'back' is the scoreboard, and to either side are spectators who convincingly turn their heads to follow the movement of the ball. The two players are fully animated and the movement of the ball results in its shadow being seen on the grass to help you judge its position. Further detail is added by the ball boy who runs in to collect net serves.\r\n\r\nGames and scoring are quite authentic for lawn tennis, a match being played over three or five sets with the winner being the player to win either 2 or 3 sets respectively. Six games make up a set, the winner having a clear lead of 2 games, although a tie-break comes in automatically should the score reach six games each, except in the final set when play continues until one player achieves a two game lead. As you can see, stamina is required. Game scoring follows full rules including deuce and advantage. Players change ends of court automatically at the correct moment and service follows the accepted pattern.\r\n\r\nThe game can be controlled by keys or joysticks with fire being used to serve and change racket swing. The movement, speed and position of the ball can be determined by type of swing, where the ball hits the racket and at what moment during the swing the contact is made. All this adds up to an extremely realistic program.\r\n\r\nCOMMENTS\r\n\r\nControl keys: selected: (2 players) S or J/D or K move left/right, 1 or 0/Q or O move up/down, CAPS/SPACE swing racket. But all keys may be user defined\r\nJoystick: ZX 2, Kempston\r\nKeyboard play: responsive\r\nUse of colour: sensibly used without attribute problems\r\nGraphics: very impressive, smooth and fast with a deal of realism\r\nSound: not much at all, but hardly affects play\r\nSkill levels: you may play quarter, semi- or finals, entering at any level, each increasing in speed and computer skill\r\nOriginality: highly original from the programming point of view to have achieved the level of this game","ReviewerComments":["At last someone has had the guts to reproduce the game of tennis on the Spectrum, and they have made an exceptionally good job of it. Every detail has been really polished even down to the spectators' heads moving left and right with the ball. Ball boys do a great job as they run realistically across the court. This must be the ultimate yet in sports simulation. A great feat of programming. Great!\r\nUnknown","Match Point is an interactive tennis game where the players move about and hit the ball very well. A point against the game is that the automatic change from forehand to backhand and vice versa can cause more problems than it's worth. I would prefer to be in complete control. Forced changeovers can cause problems! Generally, though, this is a very playable and addictive game. It is certainly a vast leap over the very first tennis games. Remember them - the first TV arcade games with two flat bats and a ball in black and white?\r\nUnknown","If you become worn out - and you will - then you can sit back and watch the computer play an exhibition match played by middle, senior or top seeded tennis stars until you feel well enough to take the court again. The colouring of the graphics is sensible rather than exciting, black figures on the green background, but the animation and speed with which they move more than makes up for any disappointment caused by Spectrum colour problems. Match Point calls for considerable skill in placing the ball where you want just as in the real thing, and I can't imagine anyone becoming bored with it very quickly. Addictive in fact.\r\nUnknown"],"OverallSummary":"General Rating: Excellent and addictive to play, so much so that it's rather high price seems well justified.","Page":"7","Denied":false,"Award":"Crash Smash","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Unknown","Score":"","ScoreSuffix":""},{"Name":"Unknown","Score":"","ScoreSuffix":""},{"Name":"Unknown","Score":"","ScoreSuffix":""}],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"What the deuce, take advantage of the sun and serve an ace."}],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Use of Computer","Score":"87%","Text":""},{"Header":"Graphics","Score":"92%","Text":""},{"Header":"Playability","Score":"90%","Text":""},{"Header":"Getting Started","Score":"87%","Text":""},{"Header":"Addictive Qualities","Score":"92%","Text":""},{"Header":"Value For Money","Score":"86%","Text":""},{"Header":"Overall","Score":"89%","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Crash Issue 18, Jul 1985","Price":"£0.95","ReleaseDate":"1985-06-27","Editor":"Roger Kean","TotalPages":132,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Roger Kean\r\nAssistant Editor: Graeme Kidd\r\nTechnical Editor: Franco Frey\r\nArt Editor: Oliver Frey\r\nProduction Designer: David Western\r\nSoftware Editor: Jeremy Spencer\r\nAdventure Editor: Derek Brewster\r\nStrategy Reviewer: Angus Ryall\r\nStaff Writer: Lloyd Mangram\r\nContributing Writers: Matthew Uffindel, Chris Passey, Robin Candy, Ben Stone, John Minson\r\nClient Liaison: John Edwards\r\nSubscription Manager: Denise Roberts\r\nMail Order: Carol Kinsey\r\n\r\n©1985 Newsfield Limited.\r\nCrash Magazine is published monthly by Newsfield Ltd. [redacted]\r\n\r\nSubscriptions [redacted]\r\nEditorial/studio [redacted]\r\nAdvertising [redacted]\r\nHot Line [redacted]\r\n\r\nColour origination by Scan Studios, [redacted]; Printed in England by Carlisle Web Offset Ltd (Member of the BPCC Group), [redacted].\r\nDistribution by COMAG, [redacted]\r\n\r\nCirculation Manager: Tom Hamilton\r\nAll circulation enquiries should ring [redacted]\r\n\r\nSubscriptions: 12 issues £14.50 post included (UK Mainland); Europe: 12 issues £21.50 post included. Outside Europe by arrangement in writing.\r\n\r\nNo material may be reproduced whole or in part without written consent of the copyright holders. We cannot undertake to return any written material sent to CRASH Magazine unless accompanied by a suitably stamped addressed envelope. Unsolicited written or photo material which may be used in the magazine is paid for at our current rates. The opinions and views of correspondents are their own and not necessarily in accord with those of the publishers.\r\n\r\nMICRONET:\r\nYou can talk to CRASH via Micronet. Our MBX is 105845851\r\n\r\nCover by Oliver Frey"},"MainText":"Use of Computer: 87%\r\nGraphics: 92%\r\nPlayability: 90%\r\nGetting Started: 87%\r\nAddictive Qualities: 92%\r\nValue for Money: 86%\r\nOverall: 89%\r\n\r\nMatch Point is a 3D tennis simulation that can be played with one or two players. The view of the green court is from the commentator's box. At the back of the court is the scoreboard showing all the relevant details about games, sets and matches. On the eight hand side of the court is the umpire and on either side of the net are the ball boys.\r\n\r\nThe game closely follows the rules of lawn tennis, a match being played over three or five sets and the winner winning two or three sets respectively. You must win at least 6 games and have a two game lead to win a set. If both players win six games then a tie break comes into being automatically except in the final set when play continues until one player has at least a two game lead. Scoring, changing ends and service all follow the accepted rules of lawn tennis.\r\n\r\nThe game can be controlled by either keys or joysticks, the fire button being used to serve, to change racket swing and hit the ball. The height of the ball and its speed are determined by how the ball is hit and with what swing.\r\n\r\nMatch Point was incredibly advanced for its time, it still outshines many of today's sports simulations. The graphics and animation of the players and the ball are superb, the only niggle being on first playing the game you tend to think there are two balls because of the shadow. There isn't much sound but you get so engrossed that you forget all about it. Quite a bit of skill is required to gain full control over your character but as with all games practice makes perfect. If you like sports simulations then this is certainly worth buying.\r\nRC\r\n\r\nMatch Point is THE tennis simulation for the Spectrum. Even by today's standards it is a very good game. The graphics are excellent and put many recently released simulations to shame. It takes a while to get used to the way you control your character but once you have sussed it out it becomes quite easy. Addictive qualities are quite hard to judge on sports simulations of this kind because you can play two player games which means that you can always have plenty of competition but if your opponent is useless at the game then you can get bored of it. Of course you can play against the computer but it is only a matter of time before you can beat it on the harder levels of play. Match Point should go down as one of the Spectrum classics, it is a pity that Psion don't release more games.\r\nLM\r\n\r\n(Rob) Looking at the rating now I am tempted to put the Use of Computer up by about 5% because you can cater for most joysticks with user definable keys. I am also tempted to put the Overall up by about 2% because I think it is a great game that is well worth buying.\r\n\r\n(Lloyd) I wouldn't quarrel with the ratings at all, Match Point is simply a classic!","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"46","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Robin Candy","Score":"","ScoreSuffix":""},{"Name":"Lloyd Mangram","Score":"","ScoreSuffix":""}],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":null,"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Sinclair User Issue 30, Sep 1984","Price":"£0.85","ReleaseDate":"1984-08-16","Editor":"Bill Scolding","TotalPages":148,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Bill Scolding\r\nDeputy Editor: John Gilbert\r\nConsultant Editor: Mike Johnston\r\nStaff Writer: Chris Bourne\r\nIllustrator/Designer: Craig Kennedy\r\nAdvertisement Manager: John Ross\r\nDeputy Advertisement Manager: Louise Fanthorpe\r\nProduction Assistant: James McClure\r\nEditorial Assistant: Colette McDermott\r\nSubscriptions Manager: Carl Dunne\r\nAssistant Publisher: Neil Wood\r\nPublisher: Gerry Murray\r\n\r\nSinclair User is published monthly by EMAP Business & Computer Publications\r\n\r\nTelephone\r\nAll departments\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nIf you would like to contribute to Sinclair User please send programs or articles:\r\nSinclair User\r\nEMAP Business & Computer Publications\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nOriginal programs should be on cassette and articles should be typed. We cannot undertake to return them unless a stamped-addressed envelope is included.\r\n\r\nWe pay £10 for the copyright of each program published and £50 per 1,000 words for each article used.\r\n\r\nAll subscription enquiries to\r\nMagazine Services,\r\nEMAP Business & Computer Publications\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\n©Copyright 1984\r\nSinclair User\r\nISSN NO. 0262-5458\r\n\r\nPrinted and typeset by Cradley Print PLC, [redacted]\r\n\r\nDistributed by Spotlight Magazine Distribution Ltd, [redacted]"},"MainText":"ANYONE FOR TENNIS?\r\n\r\nMemory: 48K\r\nPrice: £7.95\r\nJoystick: Sinclair, Kempston, Cursor\r\n\r\nWimbledon has gone and strawberries are out of season but the Psion Match Point tennis game for the 48K Spectrum will be popular all the year round.\r\n\r\nThe simulation has more than the classic quality and style of Chequered Flag, the Psion racing game, and provides some of the most spectacular graphics for the Spectrum.\r\n\r\nThe screen display shows Centre Court at Wimbledon. The panorama provides a view of the net, umpire, crowds moving their heads, and even the benches on which the players sit after a game.\r\n\r\nYou can play either a quarter-final or semi-final if you are inexperienced, or a final if you want to be thrashed soundly by the other player. If you have no human friend with whom you can play, the computer will always be on hand for a game.\r\n\r\nWhen you start to play you may have difficulty distinguishing between the ball and its shadow. Once you have played a few games, however, the effect falls into place and adds a three-dimensional quality to the game. The shadow of the ball is the only unrealistic feature of the display as, in real life, the players cast the shadows and not the ball.\r\n\r\nPsion can be forgiven for introducing the shadow, as the game outclasses most other sports programs for the computer. Unlike most of the other games available it can be described as a true simulation.\r\n\r\nIt is a game for all the family and not only for the sports enthusiast. Although it does not replace the real thing it is a worthwhile program, as it is a simulation which provides an exhibition mode which you can sit and watch while two computer-generated players go through the motions. It might even teach the beginner something about the skills required in the game.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"36","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"John Gilbert","Score":"9","ScoreSuffix":"/10"}],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Gilbert Factor","Score":"9/10","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) Issue 10, Jul 1988","Price":"£1.5","ReleaseDate":"1988-06-03","Editor":"Peter Connor, Steve Cooke","TotalPages":132,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Future Publishing [redacted]\r\nTelephone [redacted], Fax [redacted], Telecom Gold 84:TXT152, Prestel/Micronet [redacted]\r\n\r\nCo-editors: Peter Connor, Steve Cooke\r\nReviews Editor: Andy Wilton\r\nProduction Editor: Rod Lawton\r\nStaff Writer: Andy Smith\r\nArt Editor: Trevor Gilham\r\nArt Team: Angela Neale, Sally Meddings\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Jonathan Beales\r\nAdvertising Sales Executive: Jennie Evans\r\nPublisher: Chris Anderson\r\n\r\nSUBSCRIPTIONS\r\nAvon Direct Mail [redacted]\r\n\r\nSPECIAL OFFERS\r\n(Christine Stacey) [redacted]\r\n\r\nCOLOUR ORIGINATION\r\nWessex Reproduction [redacted]\r\n\r\nDISTRIBUTION\r\nSM Distribution [redacted]\r\n\r\nPRINTING\r\nChase Web Offset [redacted]\r\n\r\nCopyright - FUTURE PUBLISHING LTD 1988 - No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without our permission."},"MainText":"Available on Game, Set and Match\r\nAmstrad, £12.95cs, £17.95dk\r\nC64, £12.95cs, £17.95dk\r\nSpectrum, £12.95cs\r\n\r\nNot a game to be loaded up lightly, this racket-wrangler features three of the toughest opponents this side of Wimbledon. Viewed in 3D from one end of the court, the action is trickiness itself as you struggle to position yourself properly and time your swing just right. Its not enough to reach and hit the ball you've got to try hitting it away from the computer player, and that takes vast amounts of practice. Very frustrating stuff, especially for those games where you're playing at the far end: try the two-player option if you'd like to win now and then!","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"79,81","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":null,"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"C&VG (Computer & Video Games) Issue 35, Sep 1984","Price":"£0.85","ReleaseDate":"1984-08-16","Editor":"Tim Metcalfe","TotalPages":140,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"CREDITS\r\n\r\nEditor: Tim Metcalfe\r\nAssistant Editor: Eugene Lacey\r\nEditorial Assistant: Clare Edgeley\r\nStaff Writers/Reader Services: Robert Schifreen, Seamus St. John\r\nArt Editor: Linda Freeman\r\nDesigner: Lynda Skerry\r\nProduction Editor: Mary Morton\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Rob Cameron\r\nAssistant Advertisement Manager: Louise Matthews\r\nAdvertising Executives: Bernard Dugdale, Sean Brennan, Phil Godsell\r\nAdvertisement Assistant: Melanie Paulo\r\nProduction Assistant: Roy Stephens\r\nPublisher: Rita Lewis\r\n\r\nEditorial and Advertisement Offices: [redacted]\r\n\r\nCOMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES POSTAL SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE. By using the special Postal Subscription Service, copies of COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES can be mailed direct from our offices each month to any address throughout the world. All subscription applications should be sent for processing to COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES (Subscription Department), [redacted]. All orders should include the appropriate remittance made payable to COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES. Annual subscription rates (12 issues): UK and Eire: £14. Additional service information including individual overseas airmail rates available upon request. Circulation Department: EMAP National Publications. Published and distributed by EMAP National Publications Ltd. Printed by Eden Fisher (Southend) Ltd, [redacted]. Typeset by Camden Typesetters Ltd.\r\n\r\nCover by Blake Sears, Creative Consultants."},"MainText":"MACHINE: Spectrum\r\nSUPPLIER: Psion\r\nPRICE: £6.95\r\n(Sinclair/Kempston joystick compatible)\r\n\r\nBy the time you read this, the Wimbledon fortnight will be over. But if the sight those tennis champs has inspired you to take up this noble sport, why not have a practice sessions sin is latest release from Psion before you venture onto the real court?\r\n\r\nMatch Point is destined to become a sports simulation, bound for the high reaches of the C&VG Top 30. The graphics, although fairly simple, are excellent and the program extremely well designed.\r\n\r\nThere are several game options, including exhibition level and to Wimbledon quarter final status. At the start of each game, you can select which of the many options you want to play from the well presented and easy to understand menu screen.\r\n\r\nThe court is presented in 3D perspective style. The players are represented by fairly simple black graphic figures - but their movement is smooth and realistic. The movement as each player serves is a programming gem - smooth and accurate.\r\n\r\nAt the back of the court is a Wimbledon style scoreboard, complete with player names which you can input at the start of each game.\r\n\r\nScoring is exactly the same as the real game, complete with tie-breaks. Captions at the bottom of the screen provide further information on the game as you play. For example, the message \"First Service\" comes up if you fluff a serve, or the message \"Out\" if you go too wild. And there's no arguing with this umpire!\r\n\r\nYou can play the computer or a human opponent over 3-5 sets, again just like the real game.\r\n\r\nI played using the Spectrum keyboard - but a joystick would be a real asset. You just can't move your fingers fast enough when going for that crucial winning point!\r\n\r\nHaving said that, there is the facility to redefine the keys should you want to try out another configuration.\r\n\r\nOverall, Match Point is an extremely well presented and executed piece software which ensures Psion's reputation as a purveyor of good quality games.\r\n\r\nOne minor criticism - when playing for the first time, I thought there were two balls in play, until I realised that one ball was in fact a shadow on the floor of the court as the real ball bounced around between the players. A little confusing, but not enough to stop this becoming a seller!","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"28","Denied":false,"Award":"Game of the Month","Reviewers":[],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Getting Started","Score":"8/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Graphics","Score":"8/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Value","Score":"8/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Playability","Score":"8/10","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Personal Computer Games Issue 10, Sep 1984","Price":"£0.75","ReleaseDate":"1984-08-16","Editor":"Chris Anderson","TotalPages":132,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Chris Anderson\r\nDeputy Editor: Steve Cooke\r\nProduction Editor: Roderick George\r\nArt Editor: Ian Findlay\r\nStaff Writers: Peter Connor, Bob Wade\r\nEditorial Assistant: Samantha Hemens\r\nSoftware Consultant: Tony Takoushi\r\nCartoons: Kipper Williams\r\nScreenshots: Chris Bell\r\nGame-of-the-month poster: Jeff Riddle\r\nArt Director: Jim Dansie\r\nGroup Publisher: John Cade\r\nPublisher: James Scoular\r\nAssistant Publishing Manager: Jenny Dunne\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Mark Satchell\r\nAssistant Advertisement Manager: Jan Martin\r\nAdvertisement Assistant: Susie Cooper\r\nGroup Advertisement Manager: Peter Goldstein\r\nAdvertisement Production: Simon Carter\r\nSales Executives: Ian Cross, Marion O'Neill\r\n\r\nPublished by VNU Business Publications, [redacted]. Typesetting by Spectrum Typesetting, [redacted] Origination by Fourmost Colour [redacted]. Printed and bound by Chase Web Offset [redacted]. © VNU Business Publications 1984."},"MainText":"MACHINE: Spectrum 48K\r\nCONTROL: Sinc, Kemp, Keys\r\nFROM: Psion, £7.95\r\n\r\nI clearly remember the awesome feeling I experienced ten years ago when I saw my first ever tennis video game. A white line down the middle, which was the net, a little white square, which was the ball, and two little white lines at either end which were you and your opponent. You moved them up and down to keep the ball bouncing round the court, Ping... ping... ping... ping... Wow ! - wasn't it tremendous!!\r\n\r\nNow Psion have gone and ruined the fun. This isn't a game - it's the real thing. No longer can you enjoy imagining the crowd there cheering you on - you actually see them, yes, complete with heads turning left and right as the ball bounces across the court.\r\n\r\nInstead of a line you have an actual player, scurrying around the court with impressive animation.\r\n\r\nThe action is taken from a Wimbledon of the future where jumbo-rackets have been replaced by mega-rackets - the racket head is about half the size of the player. This is very useful if you want to actually hit the ball.\r\n\r\nMaking a stroke takes a little practice: you should stand waiting for the ball with your racket stuck out to the right (forehand position if you're right-handed) or to the left (backhand). As the ball comes over the net you move into position by running forward, back, left or right. Then at the right moment you swing the racket. Pow! The ball zings back over the net.\r\n\r\nBecause of the follow-through, every time the 'swing racket' key is pressed, the racket changes from forehand to backhand position, or vice versa. This means that if the ball is speeding the wrong side of you, you can execute a quick swing of the racket to your other side and then swing again to make contact.\r\n\r\nThe ball itself appears to have been in use an awfully long time, because it's black. But it moves beautifully around the court complete with a shadow to reveal its height. So you can tell when your shot is going to hit the net. And just watch when it does - a ball-boy runs onto the court and picks up the ball! This is one sight that's good for a giggle.\r\n\r\nThe game instructions say that it's possible to alter both the direction and pace of your shot, according to the timing of your swing, and whether you're moving when you hit the ball.\r\n\r\nI found this took considerable practice to achieve intentionally. But its remarkable how well the spirit of the game is captured. You can rush to the net, put in a couple of sharp volleys, strain to avoid being passed, and then wrong-foot your opponent.\r\n\r\nThe program's attention to detail is also impressive - you can play either against the computer, or against another human. The game is scored authentically, including tie-breaks if a set reaches 6-all.\r\n\r\nServing alternates correctly, and the players even change ends every two games, although fortunately they skip their one-minute rests.\r\n\r\nYou can play one, three or five-set matches, and there are three levels of play - quarter-finals, semis, and the final. On the higher levels the ball moves faster.\r\n\r\nI have to admit it, my 1974 version of video tennis has been improved upon. Game, set and match to Psion... but I wonder what computer tennis will be like in 1994?","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"50,51","Denied":false,"Award":"PCG Hit","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Chris Anderson","Score":"9","ScoreSuffix":"/10"}],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Graphics","Score":"9/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Sound","Score":"4/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Originality","Score":"7/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Lasting Interest","Score":"9/10","Text":""},{"Header":"Overall","Score":"9/10","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Sinclair Programs Issue 23, Sep 1984","Price":"£0.95","ReleaseDate":"1984-08-16","Editor":"Rebecca Ferguson","TotalPages":60,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Rebecca Ferguson\r\nConsultant Editor: John Campbell\r\nStaff Writer: June Mortimer\r\nDesign: Elaine Bishop\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Howard Rosen\r\nProduction Assistant: Jim McClure\r\nEditorial Assistant: Colette McDermott\r\nSubscription Manager: Carl Dunne\r\nAssistant Publisher: Neil Wood\r\nPublisher: Gerry Murray\r\n\r\nSinclair Programs is published monthly by EMAP Business and Computer Publications.\r\n\r\nTelephone [redacted]\r\n\r\nIf you would like your original programs to be published in Sinclair Programs, please send your contributions, which must not have appeared elsewhere, to\r\nSinclair Programs\r\nEEC Publications\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nPrograms should be on cassette. We cannot undertake to return them unless a stamped-addressed envelope is included. We pay £10 for the copyright of each program published.\r\n\r\n©Copyright 1984 Sinclair Programs\r\nISSN No. 0263-0265\r\n\r\nPrinted and typeset by: Cradley Print PLC, [redacted]\r\n\r\nDistributed by Spotlight Magazine Distribution Ltd, [redacted]\r\n\r\nAll subscription enquiries:\r\nMagazine Services,\r\nEMAP Business and Computer Publications\r\n[redcated]\r\n\r\nCover Design: Ivan Hissey"},"MainText":"The Psion sales team have a problem to combat with Match Point, which has nothing to do with the quality of the program. It is simply that, until now, tennis programs on the Spectrum have been very bad and experience leads Spectrum owners to be wary.\r\n\r\nThese fears, though, are totally unjustified. Match Point is an excellent game which puts most sport simulations into the shade, and places other tennis simulations firmly at the bottom of a large scrap heap.\r\n\r\nThe animation is excellent, and an extra dimension is added by a shadow beneath the tennis ball. Flicker-free characters move smoothly across the screen, and the only flaws in the realism occur when players are changing ends of court, a process which is best passed over as quickly as possible.\r\n\r\nOptions allow you to play in the quarter-finals, semi-finals or finals at Wimbledon, and long hours of practice will be needed before any player beats the computer in the final. Forehands, backhands, carefully angled shots and speed are all present as they would be in a real game.\r\n\r\nDefinitely another winner for Psion, Match Point is marketed by Sinclair Research Ltd and costs £7.95.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"32","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"June Mortimer","Score":"","ScoreSuffix":""}],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":null,"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Sinclair User Issue Annual 1985,  1985","Price":"£2.25","ReleaseDate":"1984-12-01","Editor":"Bill Scolding","TotalPages":140,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Bill Scolding\r\nDeputy Editor: John Gilbert\r\nConsultant Editor: Mike Johnston\r\nStaff Writer: Chris Bourne\r\nIllustrator/Designer: Craig Kennedy\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Martin Derx\r\nAdvertisement Secretary: Claudia Viertel\r\nProduction Assistant: James McClure\r\nEditorial Assistant: Colette McDermott\r\nSubscriptions Manager: Carl Dunne\r\nAssistant Publisher: Neil Wood\r\nPublisher: Gerry Murray\r\n\r\nSinclair User is published monthly by EMAP Business & Computer Publications\r\n\r\n96,271 Jan-June 1984\r\n\r\nTelephone\r\nEditorial and advertising departments\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nIf you would like to contribute to Sinclair User please send programs or articles:\r\nSinclair User\r\nEMAP Business & Computer Publications\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\nOriginal programs should be on cassette and articles should be typed. We cannot undertake to return them unless a stamped-addressed envelope is included.\r\n\r\nWe pay £10 for the copyright of each program published and £50 per 1,000 words for each article used.\r\n\r\nAll subscription enquiries to\r\nMagazine Services,\r\nEMAP Business & Computer Publications\r\n[redacted]\r\n\r\n©Copyright 1984\r\nSinclair User\r\nISSN NO. 0262-5458\r\n\r\nPrinted and typeset by Cradley Print PLC, [redacted]\r\n\r\nDistributed by EMAP National Publications Ltd."},"MainText":"MATCH POINT\r\n£7.95\r\nSinclair\r\n\r\nThe most exciting strategy war game of the year was Stonkers from Imagine, and the best simulation, by a long chalk, was Match Point, a game from Psion which followed past successes Flight Simulation and Chequered Flag. Released on the Friday before Wimbledon Fortnight Match Point was an instant best seller.\r\n\r\nThe screen display shows Centre Court at Wimbledon. The panorama provides a view of the net, umpire, crowds moving their heads, and even the benches on which the players sit after a game.\r\n\r\nYou can play either a quarter-final or semi-final if you are inexperienced, or a final if you want to be thrashed soundly by the other player. If you have no human friend with whom you can play, the computer will always be on hand for a game.\r\n\r\nWhen you start to play you may have difficulty distinguishing between the ball and its shadow. Once you have played a few games, however, the effect falls into place and adds a three-dimensional quality to the game. The shadow of the ball is the only unrealistic feature of the display as, in real life, the players cast the shadows and not the ball.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"49,50","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"John Gilbert","Score":"9","ScoreSuffix":"/10"}],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Gilbert Factor","Score":"9/10","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Your Spectrum Issue 7, Sep 1984","Price":"£0.85","ReleaseDate":"1984-08-16","Editor":"Roger Munford","TotalPages":74,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editor: Roger Munford\r\nManaging Editor: Bruce Sawford\r\nDeputy Editor: Tina Boylan\r\nTechnical Editor: Peter Shaw\r\nSub Editor: Sophie Wright\r\nEditorial Consultant: Andrew Pennell\r\nSoftware Consultant: Gavin Monk\r\nContributors: Ron Smith, Gavin Smyth, Simon Goodiwn, Henry Budgett, Ross Holman, Stevenage Computer Club, John Flenley, Ian Beardsmore, John Tydeman, Stephen Stratford\r\nArt Editor: Hazel Bennington\r\nArt Assistant: Steve Broadhurst\r\nGroup Advertising Manager: Jill Harris\r\nAdvertising: Shane Campbell, Nik Saha, Dave Baskerville\r\nTypesetters: Carlinpoint\r\nProduction Manager: Sonia Hunt\r\nGroup Art Director: Perry Neville\r\nPublisher: Steven England\r\n\r\nPublished by Sportscene Specialist Press Ltd, [redacted] Company registered in England. Telephone (all departments): [redacted]\r\nReproduction: Graphic Ideas, London\r\nPrinters: Chase Web Offset [redacted]\r\nDistribution: Seymour Press [redacted]\r\n\r\nAll material in Your Spectrum ©1984 Felden productions, and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publishers. Your Spectrum is a monthly publication.\r\n\r\nCover Illustration by Mark Watkinson"},"MainText":"GAME, SET AND MATCH POINT\r\n\r\nWell, the Wimbledon fortnight is long since past, but for those who just can't wait until next year, Sinclair Research has brought out a new tennis game called Match Point to help you while away those long winter hours.\r\n\r\n\"You cannot be serious...\", I hear you say! Yes, it's true. Menu options include a choice of one, three or five sets, playing human, versus human, human versus Spectrum or Spectrum playing itself in an exhibition match. Playing speed increases considerably as you proceed through the quarter-finals, semifinals and finals, and all the rules of tennis are obeyed. Some nice touches in the game include ballboys running out to collect balls from the net, the crowd looking appreciatively from end to end as the ball is played, and the loser throwing down his racket and clasping hands to head!\r\n\r\nThe graphics are very good and the Spectrum plays a very good, tactical game - even at the lowest level; in the higher levels, it even manages to somehow anticipate where you're going to hit the ball.\r\n\r\nOverall, this is an excellent and realistic j simulation, just as much as it's a very playable game. Priced at £7.95, Match Point is available from all Spectrum games retailers.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"6","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[],"ScreenshotText":[{"Text":"Anyone for tennis? Sinclair Research may have missed the Wimbledon deadline, but the game's well worth a look."}],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":null,"CompilationReviewScores":[]},{"Issue":{"Name":"Personal Computer News Issue 73, Aug 1984","Price":"","ReleaseDate":"1984-08-11","Editor":"Peter Worlock","TotalPages":50,"HasCoverTape":false,"FlannelPanel":"Editorial\r\nEditor: Peter Worlock\r\nSub-Editors: Harriet Arnold, Leah Batham\r\nNews Editor: David Guest\r\nNews Writer: Ralph Bancroft\r\nNews Writer/Sub Editor: Sandra Grandison\r\nFeatures Editor: John Lettice\r\nSoftware Editor: Bryan Skinner\r\nPeripherals Editor: Ken Garroch\r\nHardware Editor: Stuart Cooke\r\nPrograms Editor: Nickie Robinson\r\nArt Director: Jim Dansie\r\nArt Editor: David Robinson\r\nLayout Artists: Tim Brown, Paul Clarkson\r\nPublisher: Cyndy Miles\r\nGroup Publisher: John Cade\r\nPublishing Admin: Jackie Searle\r\n\r\nAdvertising\r\nGroup Advertising Manager: Peter Goldstein\r\nAdvertisement Manager: Bettina Williams\r\nAssistant Advertisement Manager: Sarah Barron\r\nSales Executives: Christian McCarthy, Laura Cade, Paul Evans, Tony O'Reilly, Yvonne Charatynowicz\r\nProduction: Noel O'Sullivan\r\nAdvertisement Assistant: Karen Isaac\r\nSubscription Enquiries: Gill Stevens\r\nSubscription Address: [redacted]\r\nEditorial Address: [redacted]\r\nAdvertising Address: [redacted]\r\n\r\nPublished by VNU Business Publications, [redacted]\r\n© VNU 1983. No material maybe reproduced in whole or in part without written consent from the copyright holders.\r\nPhotoset by Quickset, [redacted]\r\nPrinted by Chase Web Offset, [redacted]\r\nDistributed by Seymour Press, [redacted]\r\nRegistered at the PO as a newspaper"},"MainText":"NAME: Match Point\r\nSYSTEM: Spectrum 48K\r\nPRICE: £7.95\r\nPUBLISHER: Sinclair Research, [redacted]\r\nFORMAT: Cassette\r\nOTHER VERSIONS: None\r\nOUTLETS: Retail/Mail order\r\n\r\nTENNIS MENACE\r\n\r\nWimbledon may be over, but that doesn't mean you have to forget tennis for another year. Sinclair has just released Match Point to let you act out your favourite McEnroe fantasies.\r\n\r\nThe game closely resembles Atari's Tennis, and while you can't play doubles, you can play against your Spectrum or a human opponent, or just sit and watch an exhibition match.\r\n\r\nOBJECTIVES\r\n\r\nBeating your opponent is the name of the game and as this version is played according to standard lawn tennis rules this means winning a match which is played over three or five sets, the winner being the first to reach either two or three sets respectively. Within each set the winner is the first to win six games and have a clear lead of two. All the rules are clearly explained on the inlay and, as the computer keeps the score, there's no point challenging it.\r\n\r\nIN PLAY\r\n\r\nThe view over the green court is from the commentary box, the umpire sitting halfway down on the right and the ball boys crouching at mid-left. They even run onto the court to retrieve net shots. The players are very well drawn, though they're somewhat knock-kneed and their rackets on the large side.\r\n\r\nThe crowd is shown by simple blobs of colour in the spectators' stands, while the player's names, the previous sets, the current score etc, are displayed at the rear of the court and any linesman's calls are shown at the foot of the screen.\r\n\r\nChoosing skill levels means selecting the quarterfinals, semifinals or if you feel capable, the finals themselves. There is also the option to select the number of sets - one, three or five.\r\n\r\nControl is via keyboard or joystick, and while a joystick is really necessary to make the most of 'the game, you can customise the keyboard control for each player. The Psion program automatically sets your stroke to fore or backhand, but sometimes it seems a bit arbitrary as to whether you hit the ball or not. The type of shot is also varied according to your movement when you hit the ball, giving lob shots, volleys and drop-shots.\r\n\r\nVERDICT\r\n\r\nWith the two player option, the classy graphics and the number of options, Sinclair has produced a good'un - far better than some of its recent attempts to entice Spectrum owners.","ReviewerComments":[],"OverallSummary":"","Page":"38","Denied":false,"Award":"Not Awarded","Reviewers":[{"Name":"Clare Gurton","Score":"4","ScoreSuffix":"/5"}],"ScreenshotText":[],"BlurbText":[],"TranscriptBy":"Chris Bourne","ReviewScores":[{"Header":"Playability","Score":"4/5","Text":""},{"Header":"Lasting Appeal","Score":"4/5","Text":""},{"Header":"Use Of Machine","Score":"5/5","Text":""},{"Header":"Overall Value","Score":"4/5","Text":""}],"CompilationReviewScores":[]}]}]