Virtua Tennis (DC) (Virtua Tennis (DC))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Virtua Tennis (DC)
Date:	07/10/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics

Disadvantages: Some audio

"Virtua Tennis" is a video game which was released for the Sega Dreamcast in 2000 by Sega. It is a sports game with tennis being represented. In the United States, the title received a rating of "E" which deemed it suitable for all ages.

Virtua Tennis first saw its success in the arcade room as a freestanding device. The concept of the game is to select from sixteen available players, eight representative of real players and eight entirely fictitious, and play through a series of five matches to win the tournament. Players of this title also have access to quick exhibition matches, training modes and the world circuit. The latter world circuit makes up the bulk of the Dreamcast title. Here, players select their character and begin with a rank of 300. They must then continually progress through the ranks in order to achieve the first place position by winning matches and completing training exercises to show prowess. Each progressing stage increases in difficulty but the game is a simple one to master. As with most tennis video games, two action buttons are required with one controlling a standard swing and another controlling a lob shot. This is true of Virtua Tennis and should not pose any significant challenge to newcomers.

I find this game to be varying in terms of its appeal. The gameplay is rather standard to what one might expect from a tennis game. It is, after all, a tennis release wherein players will compete in tennis matches. Virtua Tennis features no cartoon appeal or other longevity tactics which other sports released have implemented. For these reasons the lasting impressions for me have been minimal. It has become more of a video game which is played on rare occasions to pass time as opposed to one which grips me for extended periods.

The graphics of this game are what keeps me interested. The game is presented from a standard isometric perspective which features either the front or rear of the player depending on court position and from this angle most of the player's general body features and attire can be seen with ease. After each play, a replay will be presented which closes in on the action and shows the finer details of each character; teeth, fingers and eyelashes are all visible. I did not find the audio to be particularly noteworthy. The game boasts minimal effects with the popping of the tennis ball against the hard court and squeaking of tennis shoes being the bulk of what is heard.

Overall, Virtua Tennis provides an acceptable gaming experience to those interested in tennis. I would recommend it to prospective buyers with slight hesitation due to the lack of extended interest.

Summary: Thumbs up