Introduction: Known as Virtua Tennis 2 in Europe, this game was released in Europe in November 2002. In North America the game is called Sega Sports Tennis. You can play either by yourself or with 3 other people. Its a game created by Sega which may explain why it is a quality title.
Storyline: There is no main storyline. You do however compete in the World Tour mode creating a male and a female player. You can customise your players - choose their name, height, weight, hair colour etc. What you do in the World Tour is play mini-games and enter progressively harder tournaments with both players to become world number 1. The mini games include dodging red balls, serving to knock down pins like in bowlimng and hitting moving tanks with powerful shots whilst avoiding being hit by the balls coming over to your side of the net.
Gameplay: You can play as either one of 16 professional tennis players like Venus and Serena Williams. The control system is rather simple and responsive. Either lob, slice or topspin shots are the order of the day. As you improve you can do drop shots as well as smashes.
Whoever you play against will determine how you play against them. Lets say you have a strong forehand player, it is best to hit them to their backhand. Alternatively if you play a serve and volley player like Tim Henman you should try and keep him at the baseline so he can not use his strengths at the net.
To fully complete this game will take you quite a while. The World Tour is where the bulk of the single player experience is to be had but you can play in a Tournament or in an Exhibition. In single player mode you have to win 5 stages in a tournament and earn money for each stage you win or alternatively play a double match with 3 stages to contest with. Double matches include a mixed double option. Exbition matches allow you to challenge the COM or your friends to a match of tennis. For example play against your freinds in a doubles match and team up with another friend against them. It really is up to you in this mode who you play. Critical comments: In order to become the number 1 player in the World Tour is going to take a long time. To beat King/Queen in mixed doubles can be a bit of a nightmare. However if you persevere and level up though you will prevail.
When you play against the COM sometimes the opponent stops in their trcaks and does not even attempt to hit or get the ball the ball back. To avoid this it is best to play on the harder settings.
Overall I would score the game:
Gameplay: 9.5/10 - is very addictive when you get going and you just want to improve
Longevity: 9/10 - once you have levelled up King/Queen and become world number 1 there is little more to accomplish. Yet to complete all this in the first place is going to take you much time.
Sound: 7/10 - does a nice job. The crowd cheer for instance and players grunt. No commentary.
Graphics: 8/10 - not the best. Between points the graphics are a little jittery.
Overall: 8.5/10
Is the best tennis game available on the PlayStation 2 and as a sports title is only beaten by the likes of Pro Evolution Soccer 3, and Tiger Woods 2004.
Hope the review helps is you are looking to buy this PS2 title. It is definitely worthwhile and a challenge whilst it lasts.
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Virtua Tennis 2on PS2 adds nearly every element fans of the Dreamcast's excellentVirtua ... more
Tennislonged for. The game features eight female players, including the Williams sisters and Monica Seles, along with eight male players, including Patrick Rafter a...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Playable and fun, nice court-design, World Tour concept, training games Disadvantages: Matches last games rather than sets, only 16 players, can be completed in a matter of days, some long loading times
Advantages: Playable and fun, nice court-design, World Tour concept, training games Disadvantages: Matches last games rather than sets, only 16 players, can be completed in a matter of days, some long loading times
Advantages: Great realism of players and play styles, just great fun! Disadvantages: Gets slightly repetitive after 2 world tour modes, no online, lack of players.
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