Virtua Tennis 2009 (PS3)

...always preferred the more Arcade-ish Virtua Tennis to the more tennis sim game Top Spin, so when Virtua Tennis 2009 was released I bought it on the release date.


=== - Gameplay - ===

The gameplay is virtually identical to the original Virtua Tennis, with the main change being instead if diving for a shot just out of reach - you now stumble at it.

There is no flat shot, which leaves with only ...
...disappointing.

It's very easy to get the hang of the game, as all you have to do is either use the directional buttons or the analogue stick to get you to the ball then press one of the action buttons to hit it. You don't have to get your timing perfect or anywhere near it, but if you do you will play a better show.


=== - Graphics - ===

The graphics in this game are shocking. The pro players ... more

I've always preferred the more Arcade-ish Virtua Tennis to the more tennis sim game Top Spin, so when Virtua Tennis 2009 was released I bought it on the release date.

- Gameplay -

The gameplay is virtually identical to the original Virtua Tennis, with the main change being instead if diving for a shot just out of reach - you now stumble at it.

There is no flat shot, which leaves with only slice, top spin or lob - which is a bit disappointing.

It's very easy to get the hang of the game, as all you have to do is either use the directional buttons or the analogue stick to get you to the ball then press one of the action buttons to hit it. You don't have to get your timing perfect or anywhere near it, but if you do you will play a better show.

- Graphics -

The graphics in this game are shocking. The pro players do look like their real selves, but there is no detail. Whereas the created players all look very similar and again have no detial.

The surroundings are also very simple with very little detail in them and the clothes that you wear don't move - which I found quite annoying. I thought the bottom of your shirt would move up and down a bit as you hit a shot or ran, but no.

- Career Mode -

This is extremely boring. You start off as number 100 in the amatuer tour and have to work your way up to gain access into the pro tour. Each tournament you win generally generally moves you up 2-3 places in the rankings. So it takes about 30-35 tournaments before you can go pro.

Once you make it o the pro tour you start off in 150th and you basically do the same thing all over again.

So far I'm halfway up the pro rankings and have yet to lose a match - that is why the game is so boring. It takes forever to reach number 1 but if your willing to stick at it, even someone who has never played a tennis game before (maybe even a games console) can do it.

The other aspect of Career mode is training. You can train by either playing the mini-games (the best thing in the whole game) or by going to the tennis academy where you are taught by Tim Henman.

You can also buy new equpiment through your career, but to unlock it you must win a sponsorship match each year, which is important. The only way you can lose at this game is if you lose your sponsorship match and therefore can't buy a new racket.

- Mini-Games -

You can play these either by yourself or against a friend (on the same console). These game are by far the high-point of the game.

My favourite games include :

Avalanche - collect fruit rolling down a ramp, whilst avoiding giant tennis balls.

Pirate Wars - sink pirate ship with tennsi balls, whilst avoiding cannon balls.

- Online Play -

This was the main thig missing from the original game and has been included this time around. However, it wasn't really worth it in my opinion.
The ranking system is quite confusing and there isn't that many people playing online.

Also, the games are very jumps and there is usually a short delay just before your oppponent hits the ball.

- Overall -

Very similar to the original and I honestly don't know what the game's creators were doing between release, there is very little difference.

Anyone playing the career mode will no doubt quit before reaching No. 1 unless like me you like collexting trophies (thats the only reason I'll continue playing).

Bit of a let down 6/10

 

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