Kings of the Beach

Kings of the Beach: Professional Beach Volleyball is a beach volleyball sports game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 under the Ultra Games label. Developed by Konami, the NES version brings the excitement of competitive beach volleyball to an 8-bit console, combining quick reactions, strategic positioning, and teamwork. Players can step into the shoes of professional volleyball stars Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos and compete for the title of King of the Beach.

The game offers three main modes: Practice, Match Play, and Tournament Play. Practice mode lets you work on individual skills, including bumping, setting, and spiking, before taking on tougher opponents. Match Play is ideal for quick games, while Tournament Play challenges you to progress through a series of increasingly difficult competitions across famous beach locations, including San Diego, Waikiki, Rio de Janeiro, and Australia.

Matches are played two-on-two, requiring players to move quickly around the sand and coordinate their attacks. You must serve accurately, position yourself to receive the ball, set up teammates, and time your jumps to block or spike the ball over the net. Strong attacks can catch opponents out of position, but good defense and anticipation are just as important. The game also includes different serving techniques and special moves that add variety to the matches.

One unusual feature is the ability to argue with the referee over certain calls. A successful protest can sometimes reverse a decision, but arguing too often may earn a warning or a penalty. The game supports up to four players with the appropriate multitap adapter, making it a lively choice for multiplayer sessions.

With its tournament progression, recognizable volleyball stars, and accessible controls, Kings of the Beach offers a distinctive sports experience for the NES. It captures the competitive spirit of beach volleyball while providing enough tactical depth to reward practice and teamwork.