Virtua Tennis is a sports game like no other. Its a perfect representation of what this awesome sport is all about. Virtua Tennis manages to captivate people with the worst thoughts of this sport due to its ponglike gameplay. The game can be played by both normal gamers and the hardcore. Different modes allow you to play with your particular skill level and the amazing simulation mode similar to games such as GT3 allow you to compete to be the worlds best!!!
The games Graphics really prove how good dreamcast games can look. the player models look amazing and the detail on the courts looke awesome. I pretty much felt like I was in an actual tennis game. Cool detail on the courts like water bottles with the Evian sign on it really show how hard Sega worked to add to the realism of the game. Companys such as Omega(a watch company) and Yonex(a racket company) have their names listed all over the tennis courts just like the real think. These kind of things add to the realism of this game.
The Gameplay is quite impressive. the way the players move and hit the ball will really make you feel like a Tennis star. I mean lets face it, the game rules! Each character has their own particular skill and weakness. While one player is good at volleys, another is good at having a lot of speed. This is good for determining what kindof player you are. This game is a game that doesn't get old thats for sure. Features like the simulation mode mentioned before adds to the overall fun of the game. This mode allows you to win new players and courts and also allows you to change your characters attire. Plus cool Training levels like Tennis bowling and dropshotting in all of the cans on the opposite court make this mode a blast.
Probably the greatest thing in Virtua Tennis is the fact that its one of the best multiplayer games. When your parterning up with a friend in a doubles match you'll find that your being really serious and determined to win. While playing with a friend, you will mostlikely cuss at him(her) in rage because you guys will havelost against the CPU on the highest difficulty setting. If you play a lot of multiplayer games with friends, this game is a must!!!!! Believe you me!
The sound in the game is something that could be worked on. When the ball is hit it seems like it was struck by a drum or something. Fortunatley this is nothing big and it doesn't degrade the overall value of the game.
Because I know a lot about Tennis, I was suprised that no big name tennis players were in the game. No Pete Sampras, no Agassi, no Roddick, and no Rafter!! This might seem like its not that big of a deal to you but all I can say is that it is to me! Fortunatley the sequal to Virtua Tennis, Tennis 2k2 has Rafter and other star players. But if you don't really know that much about tennis, keep your eyes on Virtua and not on Tennis 2k2. Virtua is about 20dollers cheaper and basically the same thing, just with out net play and less great players. at 8bucks, its a must.
Overall, Virtua Tennis is probably the best Sega Sports game. Its pure gaming bliss! If you don't have it and desparatley need a great Dreamcast game, well then get it! Hopefully you will understand how amazing this game is if you get it. you will get it. Won't you? Virtua Tennis is a sega masterpiece.
9.5/10
-Jeff
I whole-heartedly agree with jeff on this one, I insist you buy it if you have a Dreamcast. And it's only for $8!
