Computer game design

In the screwball world that is CGW, we tend to see some pretty bizarre things on our Microsoft Outlook appointment calendars from time to time. Case in point: A few months ago, we were shown back-to-back press demos of Monte Cristo’s Medieval Lords: Build, Defend, Expand and O3 Entertainment’s World Championship Tennis. Somehow, this meeting made its way onto our calendars as Medieval Lords of Tennis. The more we think about it, the better it sounds.

Picture this: Four armor-clad knights run around on a makeshift tennis court, batting severed heads back and forth with weird-shaped swords in a 2-on-2 match to the death. You might even have different types of “rackets”—or, even better, different types of heads. The jester’s head might not get the same degree of topspin as the unruly peasant’s head, but the added weight from that stupid jester’s hat probably makes it drop at a steeper angle. Think of the strategy involved here!

Then there are all the little bells and whistles, such the Monty Python-esque announcer, the variable gore levels, and all the hot damsels cheering you on from the stands. And let’s not forget the obligatory career mode, where you’ll compete to become the Tennis King. Hey, it might not be Wimbledon, but it sure beats jousting.

Copyright ?? 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Computer Gaming World.