Virtua Tennis 3

"Better than Virtua tennis 2"

I'm not a big fan of tennis. I can watch it TV. And that's about it. I really didn't care for Virtua Tennis 2 but decided to give 3 a chance. I'm glad I did because things seem more polished this time around.

Graphic wise the game is impressive. Not mind blowing but I was impressed with the colors and character models. Create a character is still a bit lacking but it gets the job done.

The sound in the game is good. I didn't notice music but to be honest I was really focused in the game. No voice work either but it is a sports title. The sound effects are really good. The smack of the ball and just the sound of the sneakers alone made my ears drool, if that was possible of course.

The control is pretty easy to get the hang of. I was far from understanding the entire control scheme but I was able to play it well enough in the tournament mode to win. I did find that online my skills were very lacking and I think it's because I didn't fully grasp the controls. I guess that's what happens when you get a game on-line and it doesn't come with a manual.

Same as before we have the basic modes. Tournament, which also offers the create a player. We also have just quick matches and on-line play.

The tournament mode is where it's at. The mini games are interesting and not too hard, for the most part. The UFO one plays like Space invaders but you need to hit the tennis balls into the shooters. There is one where you need to stop the balls from hitting the prizes behind you. One where you need to grab fruit and dodge giant balls. It varies from there but they are fun and not too hard... The map and everything is also easy to navigate in this mode.

The on-line play in the game is lacking in its interface but the game play itself is solid. Loading a bit long but there was people online and you can either do a quick match or a tournament which is cool. I was royally handed my butt in an on-line match so be warned, the other players are rather good.

The game may lack true depth but the experience itself is really solid. Fans of the series will find that it's more of the same but more fine tuned. New comers may want to rent this because it isn't for everyone but it is a solid game.

Story - N/A
Graphics - 8/10
Sound - 8/10
Control - 8/10
Game Play - 9/10
Replay value - 7/0

Final Score - 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/02/07