Family Tennis is a big step forward for the Family line of games. For the first time, Aksys seems to have focused on creating a challenge for experienced game players. Although the game is still intended only to be played in small doses, players will find far greater reward for their time investment here than in its predecessor. Although this game offers only a few tweaks on the formula set by Wii Sports, it offers just enough variety and extra challenge to make it worth your while once you have played Nintendo's pack-in to death.
Some eShop games have made it on the actual 3DS eShop’s “Coming Soon” page, which probably means that a release date is coming very soon; even their prices were given!
Overall, the "Family" series of WiiWare releases from Aksys Games and Arc System Works is still performing under par -- but, as a franchise, it's getting a bit better recently. Family Slot Car Racing was a decent design, and now Family Tennis is also fairly worthwhile. It's not extraordinary, and it's also hard to justify spending five dollars on a simple motion-control tennis game when every Wii owner has a free one of those already courtesy of Wii Sports. But there are a few new ideas included here, making this design just one step up in complexity from that freebie (though still not as complicated as full-on retail releases like New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis).
Presentation - 6.0
Graphics - 7.0
Sound - 6.0
Gameplay - 6.5
Lasting Appeal - 7.0
Overall -
The family featured in the long line of Family sports titles really knows how to have a good time. In the past couple years, they've competed in everything from air hockey, to mini-golf, and even slot car racing. Sure, the dad may be excessively competitive, and the daughter often cries when she loses, but there's no doubt that they've proven their ability to put the "fun" in "dysfunctional family".
