Virtua Tennis

"Tennis anyone? Virtua Tennis anyone?"

One of Dreamcast’s strong points are the sports titles. Virtua Tennis is indeed one of the shining sports games that will sure to become the console’s instant classic.

First of all, the tennis stars looked astoundingly realistic! Every move, every twitch, and every emotion is captured very well. It’s so realistic that it scares me. And who knows, maybe Virtua Tennis 2 will push the console’s capabilities to the limit (and I thought this game really pushed the console to the limit) and flash us with even more “real-than-real life” visuals.

Control seems to be a problem with most sports titles. In Virtua Tennis, the controls are smooth as ice. It’s like controlling a real game on TV! Wow! The movement of the players seems so real. Just run back and forth and you’ll see how smooth it is. Shots, serves, passes, smashes, and drives are very easy to perform. If you pushed the button real hard you will hit the ball with a great force and drive the ball away. If you tap it lightly, your shots are gentle and short. In fact, the gameplay and control is so simple that would you believe that you only use two buttons and the analog stick? Controls are easy to learn and easy to master.

There are several tennis players to choose from, each with their own special strengths. For example, Tommy Haas has a strong forehand while Thomas Johansson is a fast runner. Pick your favorite and go compete in one of the three modes: Arcade, Exhibition, and World Circuit. The tennis courts in this game affects the gameplay too. For example, grass courts does not let the ball bounce high while carpet courts lets the ball bounce in unexpected directions. You can also purchase tennis outfits, extra players, and extra courts. You can even practice your skills in various training areas.

Music in Virtua Tenis is great too but you’ll be so into the tennis matches that you’ll ignore the background music playing. Most tunes are hard rock and usually fast-paced. There’s also a BGM selection in the options menu for your listening pleasure.

Sounds in the game are sweet. It’s nice to hear the ball hit against your racket. The commentator is not annoying to listen to and that’s good since tennis is a quiet game does not require frequent commentating. In fact, there are different commentators around the world and each of them speaks their own different language and accents. A nice change from the usual English.

This is game is very addictive even if you are not a fan of tennis or a fan of sports titles. It’s very fun to play alone against the CPU or with your friend(s). Multiplayer in this game boosts the replay value up to the max. You will not get tired of this game. Want to have a good time? Buy this game and play it. You will not be disappointed.

Graphics: 10/10
Controls: 10/10
Gameplay: 10/10
Music/Sound: 9/10
Replay Value: 10/10
Fun Factor: 10/10

OVERALL: 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/29/01, Updated 03/23/03