Sega’s arcade hit comes home to Dreamcast in a superb package. If you ever played this at the arcades, you’ll know what to expect. So far, this game has been sold out the moment the game hit the streets.  

The game is a direct arcade port of Sega’s arcade based on the infamous Naomi board. The game features eight internationally ranked players, although many fans won’t be able to recognize most of the characters since Sega wasn’t able to license the more popular players.  In addition to the basic arcade mode; a “world circuit” mode has been included in the game for additional replay. The main focus of this mode is to choose one of the tennis stars and compete against other competitors around the world. Sega added some entertaining mini-games such as Pin Crasher. The goal is to earn money to buy unlocked playable characters to use in arcade or exhibition modes. These characters are not real life tennis players. There are a total of nine hidden characters. You also have the option to buy new uniforms, unlock stages, and contract partners to aid you in the doubles tournaments. Kudos to Sega for including a feature that saves your game after every match during your quest in world circuit mode, other modes available are exhibition in which you can set up a doubles or singles match with a computer or human controlled player and arcade, where you can compete to win the Championship Finals.  

The graphics in Virtua Tennis are top-notch. Everything to the fingers on each character’s hand to the intricate strings on the tennis rackets is flawlessly displayed. The players move so smoothly and realistically, you’d swear you were watching a real life tennis match straight from center court. The game runs at a blazingly fast 60 fps, which is vital to the games' lighting fast game play. The tennis courts are realistically modeled and textured from the their real life counterparts which range from grass to clay to hard surfaces. Like most Sega games, colors are bright and vibrant and the graphics remain consistently sharp and detailed. This is another title that truly demonstrates the Dreamcast’s graphics capabilities. 

Sound on the other hand is standard fare. Music keeps the game upbeat with a rock like soundtrack. On the other hand, racket and ball noises are a bit flimsy.  

A beginner in their first game could literally learn the controls in minutes. You have the option to use the traditional D-pad and the analog stick. There are two buttons to use. One is a regular hit and the other is a lob.  You can use the pad to place the ball in any part of the court. It depends on the degree of power you place on the ball and the angle in which you are facing it. The game determines the type of hit you will execute. If the ball on your right side, the player will perform a forehand and if the ball is on the left side, he’ll execute a backhand. It could take days before a player is able to master this strategy. And you’ll need it because this game gets tough.  

Presentation is exceptional. Menus are easy to read and will guide you through the game. Setting a game in exhibition mode takes seconds and load times are virtually non-existent. During the game, a replay mode automatically captures a spectacular moment, usually a smash or a move to end a set. If you get this game, I must warn you, it is extremely addicting. It’s fast paced and the controls are very simple. These are the reasons why this game is so appealing. Your little sister could learn to beat you. A one or two player game is great fun, but nothing beats a four-player option. You’ll want to invite over you friends right away. Two control a pair of players versus another pair in a game of doubles.  You’ll want to have this game at every party.  Sega did a splendid job of porting the arcade masterpiece. 

I felt pretty lucky to have this game in my grubby little hands before it sold out.  The game not only appeals to the casual or hardcore game, but to the non-gamer. This game is sure to attract a lot of attention. And it’s another sign that Sega’s little white box may be around a little longer than you would expect.s true to the Ninja Stealth series.