Flick
The ring, the two guides, the release. One touch, two decisions, and everything you need to read is on screen. The one the warm-up above is built on.
Warm-up with Duke: a playable demo
warm up with Duke, right here
a pocket version of Ace Flick's FLICK mode. the game adds the serve, the umpire, the narrator, and two more ways to swing.
How a flick works
one touch, two decisionsDuke hits. A ring appears.
It shows exactly where Alex's racket will meet the ball, and it starts closing in. No guessing where the contact is: it's drawn for you.
When you press picks the shot
On its way in the ring crosses two guides. Press before the orange one and you'll be holding long: POWER. Press after the blue one, a quick tap: TOUCH. In between: a safe DRIVE. Hold as long as you like; nothing swings until you let go.
Let go as it closes
That's the timing. Within a hair of the close is PERFECT. A little early pushes it long, a little late drags it into the net. Way off and she swings at air.
Three ways to swing
pick one in the corner, it remembersNormal
The original meter. Tap where you want the ball to land, then let go at the meter's middle: the closer, the flatter and faster the shot. Released off-centre, it loops long.
Easy
The game picks a smart target and shows its X; you only time the meter. A sloppy release can still land out, so it's easier, not automatic.
And the serve
Hold and she tosses and rises. The ball peaks at her racket just as a perfect release gets there: a big, flat serve. A bit off is solid. Way off and it floats in soft, if it goes in at all. ACE! or FAULT, the umpire will let you know.
Read Duke
the right shot is the one he isn't set forDuke reads you too. Drop shots pull him in, lobs and power push him back, and you can see it in where he waits. Pace rushes him: the faster it comes, the sloppier his timing gets.
he's back
Go touch: a drop shot with backspin that dies on the bounce. Then follow it in, because his reply might just be smashable.
he's in
Go touch again: when he's at the net it's a lob, right over his head.
neither
Drive it deep and safe, or go for power if your timing is on. Power is flat and fast, but it pays for sloppy timing.
Who's on the court
two players, two voices
You · left-handed
Alex
Grew up on the neighbourhood court. Visor on, ponytail flying, and a lefty forehand nobody's ready for.
The rival
Duke
Country-club rich kid. Navy polo, gold trim, crown logo, one-handed backhand, and an opinion about your court.
Still in the workshop
it's an early prototype. here's where it's at.ralliesServe, return, volleys, overheads, in/out/net, both players.
soundMusic, the umpire, the narrator, every hit and bounce.
a sky that changesMorning to night, clouds, storms, floodlights.
keeping scoreReal tennis, shortened: one set. Tiebreak at 6-6, probably.
a second serveFor when the first one finds the net.
spinTopspin and slice that actually curve.
Alex losing gracefullyShe doesn't have a defeat animation yet. Duke does.
a playtestOn the web first, behind a tester password.
FAQ
asked by at least one personWhen can I play?
Not yet. Ace Flick is an early prototype. The plan follows HoopFlick 2's: a private playtest on the web first, behind a tester password, then Android and iOS. Want in? Email [email protected].
Is it related to HoopFlick?
It's the tennis spin-off. Same idea, same side view, same one-touch press and release, with a racket instead of a jumpshot. See HoopFlick 2.
Why will it ask for a password?
While it's being built and balanced, the web version will be for testers only. If you're a tester, use the password Jan gives you.
Is it free?
The web playtest will be free. Pricing for the store versions hasn't been decided.
What do I play it on?
Phones, tablets and computers, in landscape. One thumb (or the space bar) is all it takes.
Does it collect any data?
No accounts, no ads, no analytics. The only thing it remembers is which way you like to swing, and that stays on your device. The whole story is in the privacy policy.