Back in the 90’s, EA Sports games would boot up with, “If it’s in the game, it’s in the game“, referring to anything that was in real life sports would show up in the video game version.
I don’t think they use that anymore, but it’s a good way to look at Virtua Tennis.
As in, does Rafael Nadal run over all over the place? Check.
Is Roger Federer insanely good? When I was played Federer to gain the #1 ranking in career mode the first time, he whooped me 6-0, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. Insane shots that made me think, F*ck you Roger Federer, you stupid insane cheating bastard!
So, it really was in the game. Except for Martina Hingis and her cocaine habit (but I believe you Martina!).
I was a huge fan of Virtua Tennis for the Dreamcast. Then I played it some more on the PC. When Virtua Tennis 2, came out, I didn’t play it that much, preferring the original. I was going to bring back my Dreamcast to Vietnam with me, only to leave it behind because I was over the weight limit for the flight. But when I noticed there was VT3 for the PC…..gold!
I’ve played Top Spin for the XBox, and although I liked it, I was never that big a fan of it. Maybe the controls were too difficult for my weak-sauce hands, but I never really got used to the risk shots, and I liked the hold-button-for-better-shot style in VT. Top Spin uses the XBox’s left and right triggers so you can govern the risk and skill in your shots.VT is geared towards getting in position, and holding a shot button down to govern how effective your shot is. VT is much easier in terms of unforced errors; it’s very difficult to hit errors, but this makes it easier for you to focus on just playing and locating your shots.
I once heard that Virtua Tennis described as Ping Pong with better graphics. The original Virtua Tennis stood out because of great graphics, (the Dreamcast was the first generation of video gaming in which someone glancing at the system might think they were watching a real game), easy to pick up gameplay (again, Pong), and addictive career mode.
I’ve read reviewers say that VT3 is no different from VT 1 and 2. That’s true to an extent. The gameplay isn’t the exact same; the tactics and balance are different, but if you have the feel from VT1, VT3 replicates most of its great feel.
In terms of game modes, there are a few options. Multiplayer, Career Mode and Tournament Mode, and Exhibition Mode (quick-play) are menu options, everything you might expect normally. Career Mode is RPG Tennis Player, and could take a good 15-20 hours of your time. It’s damn fun and addicting. The Minigames that have been a core part of the VT experience are also in the game, and really are probably the most enjoyable part of the game, helping you learn how to play better as well as boosting your attributes when you succeed. Tournament Mode is straight tennis, but you can import your created player from Career Mode.
I really liked VT3’s graphics, playing in 1400 x 1050 resolution. The animation and courts are outstanding, and it runs fluidly (at least it did on my computer). I played with a XBox 360 controller that performed well and I think having analog control does make a difference, especially in serving.
Overall, VT3 is a really great game to always have around. You can definitely go too crazy with it in insane mini-game binges and tire of it, but you’ll always want to return to it later.
Here’s footage from the final match in the game (don’t worry, not really a spoiler), and yes, the image above is my created player, victorious. Also, gameplay is much faster than shown in the video. Video capture slowed the game a little because it’s CPU intensive.
Tags: dreamcast, ea, pc, Reviews, roger federer, sega, tennis, top spin, Video Games, virtua tennis, xbox
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