Top Players' Tennis

Top Players' Tennis Featuring Chris Evert & Ivan Lendl
Also known as: World Super Tennis (JP), Four Players Tennis (EU) Developer: Home Data Publishers: Asmik (JP/US), Nintendo (EU) Platform: NES Released in JP: October 13, 1989 Released in US: January 1990 Released in EU: July 1992 This game has a hidden developer message. This game has regional differences.

Secret Message

A disabled secret message cheat is still present in the game. To enable this cheat, use Game Genie code XVUZILAV XVXZGLAV (US/Europe) or XOKZTLXO XVEZPZAV (Japan).

Then, during the game, enter the main menu by pressing Select and then enter "ADVICE". After Ivan or Chris finishes his speech, hold A on Controller 2 and press Up, Down, Left, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right on Controller 1.

Hidden Text

The following strings appear throughout the ROM in all versions of the game:

COPYRIGHT 1989 HOMEDATA

copyright1989homedata

Regional Differences

The US version starts with an announcer saying the names of Chris Evert and Ivan Lendl as the crowd cheers and their pictures move across the screen. The Japanese version lacks the announcer and has Lendl first, then Evert. The European version lacks their likeness altogether and just goes straight to the title screen. Oddly enough, despite missing this cutscene of sorts, the European title screen still has a brief transition to reset the title screen as the music doesn't loop otherwise. The game went by a different name in every region, this change extends to the background graphics in the ending as well.

Title Screen

Japan	US	Europe

Menus

As the European title hints, the 4-player modes were a selling point. Unfortunately Japan missed out on these modes. Additionally, the font is slightly different between regions.

Japan	US/Europe

The Japanese password system uses both Japanese and English, this was obviously changed when brought overseas.

Japan	US/Europe

The European version doesn't use the player's actual names.

Japan/US	Europe

Court

The first tournament was renamed from Japan Open to the Asmik Open and instead of taking place on Asmik's home turf, took place at the Ariake Colosseum.

Japan	US/Europe

Ending

Japan	US/Europe

All versions plug Cosmic Epsilon, which ended up only being released in Japan.

The Japanese version's ending text translates to:

Thanks!
Because of you all,
I am now the Grand Slammer.
To show my gratitude,
let me tell you something.
Asmik's next product is a
3D radial-scroller
called Cosmic Epsilon!!
Best regards!!