Beach Spikers: Virtua Beach Volleyball

"Play some v-ball with some very pretty girls."

It seems that volleyball is making a comeback on the next gen consoles. First there was Beach Spikers and now coming DOA Extreme beach volley ball and Outlaw Volleyball. Well Segas first entry into this new genre of volleyball is very good. The other games are focusing on sex appeal and I hope they concentrate on the game play as strongly as they do on the women.

The Game,

The game starts of with you choosing the country you wish to represent and you have the ability of choosing the profile of your players. You have a huge selection of faces, hair styles, skin tones and swim suits. The graphics are extremely good and really make you take notice of how realistic these games are becoming. You start of with a pretty basic partner who's ball volley ball skills are nil but as you progress through the game you are able to increase certain skills. The game also uses how you well you play together depending on how you react to your partner you can bolster her with compliments or rip her apart depending on your method your team skills will either rise or lower. You participate through varied tournaments and as you progress so does your partners skills.

The Graphics,

The graphics are unbelievably well done. Every contour on the players is done realistically. The sand to the movements of the players are done with such detail you will be amazed. From the leaping to get the ball to the little details as they are waiting for you to serve are all painstakingly done to the most minute detail.
The sand is done well as you fall into it you see the indents your body makes to when you get frustraded and kick the sand up. The locations you play at are also done very well each being different locations and different times of the day. From the glaring sunlight to the sunset at night are very convincing. This game definitely pushes the cube's hardware and is a real pleasure to watch.

The Sound,

The sound is done pretty well but in my opinion is where this game drops from a 9 to an 8. The sound of the players is ok but the game should have incorporated some good tunes even some tracks from various groups not just the usual video tunes. The grunts and voices are well enough but if they would have put some extra effort into this area it would have been a GREAT game not just a good game.

Controls,

They hit the nail on the head here the controls are bang on. There is a tutorial mode where you are taught the basics and can learn some extra moves. The controls are simple but not to simple, timing is the main thing you need to learn and get your partners skills increased to become competitive. The button layout is very easy, any button does the same function which allows you to focus on your timing.

Replayability,

For one player this game does not have the greatest replayability but does offer some with being able to upgrade your team mate. With multi player this game has a lot of replayability almost endless and is a great game to entertain friends or family get togethers. The game is very good and has a lot of strong points including uncovering unlockables which help with the replayability.

Overall,

If you like games that take advantage of multiplayer ability this game is right up your alley. If you are a volleyball enthusiast this a a great game to buy. This is a good rental for a get together with frieds and should considering buying it if you have a lot of friends.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/13/03, Updated 01/13/03