Virtua Tennis 360 Review

Virtua Tennis 3
Sega

 Basic overview

Grab someone who remembers Pong and show them what years of video game progress can lead up to. Though video game tennis barely resembles that age-old precursor, the premise remains unchanged: two or four players hit a ball back and forth over a net until someone breaks the rules. In Sega's newest version of its tennis franchise, players can take on the role of real life superstars like Federer, Sharapova, Roddick and Nadal to battle it out in an arcade style tournament format. For those who want to build from scratch, world tour offers your custom character a chance to hone their skill through mini-games and practice modes to take on the best and gain the top ranking.

 Tennis virtual style

 Tennis purists might balk at the five-minute rallies, behind-the-back shots made easy and all the dive shots a pixelized player can handle, but VT3's approach seems content with its balance of simulation mixed with an arcade approach that opens it up for anyone to pick up a controller and get their swing on. In world tour mode, which brings with it RPG-like mechanics, players can simulate and design their avatar's physical features and play style. Customized. Mini-games, an academy and practice matches with computer characters help would-be stars build up their skills to take on the world's best in tournaments. Use the calendar to see upcoming events and plan accordingly -- stamina measures how well your character will stand up to the pressure of becoming the world's best. Rest or face injuries -- an overzealous tennis star might have to hang up their tennis shoes for weeks at a time to recuperate.

 Earning rankings through wins will net invites to tournaments and the challenges grow steep as players must prove themselves by testing the weaknesses of their opponents and building up their own strengths. Players like Federer are "All Around" meaning their strengths lie in their ability to do basically everything well. Nadal possesses superhuman speed and Blake thunders shots across court. Play the net or sit behind the baseline -- virtual tennis gets rough when rankings come into play.

 Tennis to go

 For those seeking instant gratification, tournament mode allows players to choose between 20 real life characters or a custom character developed in the world tour mode. Games are played in singles or doubles matches against computer opponents and players are scored after each match with a letter grade and money.

 Tennis, anyone?

 Xbox Live capabilities might excite competitive players, but the downer comes when a player actually logs. Until more Xbox 360 owners get into the game, matches will remain few and far between. Those who'd rather watch can spectate through channels that allow Xbox Live subscribers the ability to watch ongoing matches between real life people or player vs. computer.

 Technically...

 VT3 can boast that it's one of the first games to offer native 1080p support. On a 720p LCD television, the game played beautifully with vibrant colors and detailed turfs. Clay and grass courts looked like they would in real life with ambient lighting and audiences that look less like cardboard cutouts and more like, well, audiences. If anything, the graphics did seem a little too vibrant and the color contrast might be a bit much for the eye, but it's a minor gripe that's more contrived and not much of a problem. 
 Play mechanics overall held up despite a tendency to be less virtua and more super-powered -- in VT3, tennis becomes a contact sport with players constantly hitting the floor making diving shots. The learning curve isn't that steep as players get the hang of timing shots and getting the ball to go in the right direction.
 Given that tennis is a world sport, VT3 stays true to the sport by remembering the world speaks different languages. Announcers will state the score in their own language depending on the arena. Disappointing is VT3's lack of license. You won't find Wimbledon or the U.S. Open though you'll find renamed counterparts. 
 Still, VT3's tennis world is immersive and time in the real world will pass quickly while you're playing.