Tennis 2K2

"An Excellent Tennis Game for Everyone"

Back when Sega launched Virtual Tennis, there was immediate popularity. There have been few Tennis games, likewise for GOOD Tennis games. Virtua Tennis introduced full 3D players with excellent gameplay and replay value.

And now, Sega Sports Tennis 2K2, more commonly known as Virtua Tennis 2.

So what does this game have that Virtua Tennis doesn't?

First of all, there are no computer generated players. All players are real and are current players, unlike Virtua Tennis, in which players like the old Jim Courier and false players were used to fill in spaces. New players include Magnus Norman, Pat Rafter, as well as the old faces of Tommy Haas, Tim Henman, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, and others.

But most noticeably is the presences of FEMALE players, among whom include Lindsay Davenport, Jelena Dokic and the Williams Sisters (sorry, no Anna Kournikova, but that comes later ^_^).

The animation in Tennis 2k2 is a LOT more fluid that Virtua Tennis. Everything from different serving techiques,to running animation, to hitting balls...everything is more smooth and realistic. No longer do players repeat the same shot over and over again, no longer do they move robotically.

The Gameplay is a lot more better too. Virtua Tennis eventually got tedious and ultimately games were just volley contests with the occasional break. Now, stroke and serves also count. The Lob shot has been toned down, and is no longer lethal to volley players. The Dive has been improved too. Players don't leap forward slowly, but instead perform a short, swift dive, with fast recovery. The control is tighter too. Serving is no longer pressing in the preferred direction. Doing that in Tennis 2K2 results in the ball landing on the other side of the court. Timing is now a requirement.

The amount of courts and stages available are enormous. 28 in total. Everywhere from Australia to England, Morocco to Brazil. There's even a rooftop skyscraper court, and a yacht.

Tennis 2K2 offers excellent multiplayer gameplay. But there are times when you have to play alone. The single player World Tour mode cuts this brilliantly. You now create your OWN character instead of using an existing player (thats right, make your own Kournikovas). You now control TWO players (male and female) and train in more minigames, play more matches and even go shopping for clothing. World Tour mode will leave you playing for a long time. After that, you can used your created player against your friend's players for extreme fun and enjoyment.

Overall, an excellent title to purchase for all people, possibly one of the best games for the dying Dreamcast.

Visual 10/10
Audio 9/10
Gameplay 10/10
Originality 10/10
Replay 9/10

Overall : 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/09/01, Updated 12/09/01