Tennis in the Face

Tennis in the Face is a single-player 2D physics-based, puzzle action-platformer game.

The game follows Pete Pagassi, a disgraced former tennis star seeking redemption after his career collapsed under the influence of Explodz, an addictive energy drink responsible for ruining his life and the city of Explodopolis. Determined to take revenge on the corporation that destroyed him, Pete uses the only skill he has left, his powerful serve, to fight back against waves of enemies, from corporate executives and riot police to clowns and scientists, all under Explodz’s corrupt influence. Each level represents a confrontation with these foes in the ruined streets and offices of the city as Pete smashes his way toward the company’s headquarters.

Gameplay is structured around short, self-contained levels where the player must eliminate all enemies on screen using a limited supply of tennis balls. Each shot is aimed manually and obeys realistic physics, bouncing off walls and objects until it loses momentum or reaches its bounce limit. Success depends on careful angles and timing: many enemies cannot be hit directly, requiring players to ricochet shots or trigger environmental chain reactions. Levels feature interactive elements such as glass panes, wooden barriers, explosive crates, trampolines, and vending machines, which can be used strategically to amplify damage or alter the ball’s trajectory.

Scoring is based on efficiency, with higher ratings awarded for clearing a stage using fewer balls. When all attempts are spent and enemies remain, the player must retry. The world map allows non-linear progression: completing adjacent levels opens new routes, and finishing a district unlocks the next area of the city with fresh challenges and enemy types. As Pete advances, new mechanics and hazards are introduced, such as bouncing projectiles, angled barriers, and destructible terrain, keeping puzzle-solving and precision aiming central to the gameplay.

Each area concludes with a themed “match” that tests mastery of the mechanics introduced so far. Progression across the city provides a sense of narrative escalation, reflecting Pete’s growing momentum in his quest to shut down Explodz once and for all.