TieBreak – Hubbie vs Alcaraz (6-3) / Expert (EA7) / A Hard Fought Victory

TieBreak – EA7 - Hubbie vs Alcaraz 6-3 (Expert)

Hi all, I’m a casual gamer that mainly plays FM, but after finding this gem of a game I’ve decided to upload some TieBreak content for viewing.

Following the EA7 update, after trying to get to the stage of not embarrassing myself with the new service mechanic (which the idea of, I really like) in addition to being made aware of the compete nerf of top spin with the flat shot now superior along with the increased gameplay speed, I have now tried again to play on the Expert difficulty setting - whilst continuing the only way a novice using a joypad can play – shorten the points, serve and volley =)

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In a single set shootout, this game was closely contested – and for the first time since the update, I didn’t make a double fault in a full set of tennis! (In part thanks to Hubbie with his serving expertise)

The game definitely feels a little more difficult than it was previously (a good thing), and I think if I was making the same number of double faults I was originally then this is a game I would lose. (I was at a point of losing my own games purely by double faults!)

But by at least having a chance to actually get into a rally, it made this match a bit more enjoyable to play.

**With the update, it is an improvement but the balance of game play when it comes to variety of shot usage needs some balancing.

I would like to see the game speed toned down a little as currently it now plays less realistically.

This would further give the player that split extra second to choose an optimal shot type during the course of a closely contested rally, and bring more tension (and enjoyment) within them, where a well chosen and played shot is able to change the course of a rally to ones advantage.

At the moment, I feel there is less room for this due to the greater use of flat shots / topspin nerf, and too fast a gameplay speed to bring a more tactical element to the game.

Furthermore, if there was an improved AI that misses less frequently on some easier shots, then I think this game will then start to play very nicely at the core, and making the game a bit more challenging to those craving this.**