Virtua Tennis

"Who knew a two-button game about tennis could be so addicting!"

In this age of arcade games barely lasting two minutes, Sega managed once again to make an addicting arcade game that can and will make you stay in the arcade for hours. Here's a more in-depth analysis of why it is so addicting:

Graphics: 9
Sega made some nice graphics once again on its famed NAOMI cabinet. The courts in the game are well-detailed as well as the players, although, I do have a little problem with their teeth. (Apparently, Sega thought tennis players do not know what a toothbrush is.)

Controls: 10
This game controls perfectly! Sega went old-school with the control scheme and gave it two buttons and a stick and it works well. It makes this game an easy pick up and play experience that arcades are known for. The controls are very responsive as well which helps the gameplay.

Gameplay: 9
This game can just be so addicting. It features 8 tennis players and 5 courts to play on. I will admit something bad about VT, it is not very deep. If you are good, the solo game should take about an hour to beat. Remember, most arcade games, though, are not deep in gameplay and probably take about an hour to beat as well. VT comes with an
awesome multiplayer mode, to add to gameplay, so you can whip up on your friends (or be whipped by them).

Sound: 8
Well, the sound is similar to watching tennis on TV, which could turn off people to the concept. There is a PA announcer and of the sounds of the ball and the crowd, and well that's about it. The sound, though, is authentic to real tennis (without the annoying commentary done on tennis telecasts) which gives it an 8.

Overall: 9
I don’t know why, but this game just kept me coming back for more. There’s only two reasons to not play this game: 1. If you have the Dreamcast version (and that is only because that version is more deeper in characters and gameplay). 2. If you hate tennis to the point that you do not even want to play it in the arcade. With great gameplay and 8 tennis players including Jim Courier, this is the ultimate arcade game for tennis fans. If you want an awesome arcade experience, Virtua Tennis is also for you. Remember, do not spend all your money
on this game, and just remember to have fun and do not destroy the machine like tennis great John McEnroe.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/29/03