Virtua Tennis 4 puts players in the shoes of the world’s best pros and asks them to hit the ball fast enough to win. Sega’s tennis series has spent years chasing realism, and this entry turns away from that path. The goal is simple: reach the top within four seasons, and the means to get there are arcade minigames, bought clothes, and matches against licensed athletes.
Trailer, via GameSpot.
Career Mode
The core of Virtua Tennis 4 is the career mode, where players build their own avatar. Progress comes through training sessions that double as arcade minigames, spending prize money on new clothes, and winning matches. The menu for this mode is built like a board game, giving players a clear path forward.
The goal is simple: reaching the top within four seasons.
Improving statistics takes practice, and the game rewards repeat play. Matches against real-world pros add weight to the climb, though the roster is limited to 19 licensed athletes plus retired players on the PlayStation 3 version.
Party Mode and Arcade
Beyond career mode, the game offers single matches, party mode, and arcade play. Party mode runs the same minigames found in training sessions, and arcade mode pushes players to win as many matches in a row as possible. Both modes keep the pace quick without demanding a full commitment.
Controls and Motion
The game supports the PlayStation Move controller on PlayStation 3, the Kinect on Xbox 360, and the Wii MotionPlus on Wii. None of these are required, though the Wii MotionPlus is needed for actual motion-controlled play on that platform. On Wii, players hold the Remote sideways if the accessory is unavailable.
In motion control mode across all three console versions, the player’s character moves sideways automatically based on where the ball approaches. Players control distance from the net by holding a button on Wii or adjusting physical distance from the TV screen on PS3 and Xbox 360.
Camera and Spin
A dynamic camera system lets players see the whole court when the ball is on the other side, then glides into a first-person view as the ball approaches. Players see their racquet in front of them and time their swing accordingly. They can twist the racquet to adjust its face at contact, letting skilled players apply spin.
Stereoscopic 3D is supported on PlayStation 3. The camera also pans out when the ball crosses the net, showing the player’s position clearly.
Platforms and Release
Virtua Tennis 4 launched on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Wii, and PlayStation Vita, where it appeared as Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition. This is the first main series Virtua Tennis game to not have an arcade release before its console versions.
An arcade version was released separately, powered by the PC-based Sega RingEdge arcade system. Two cabinet versions exist: an upright 4-player model and a deluxe 4-player model.
Verdict
Virtua Tennis 4 succeeds as a fast, easy-to-play sports title. Its career mode gives it depth, and the licensed athlete roster adds weight to single matches. The motion control support on Wii is a nice touch, even if it is required there.
The game’s ambitions are modest, and it does not pretend otherwise. It is not trying to be a simulator, and it delivers on what it promises. That focus on pace over depth is both a strength and a limit.
Key Facts
– Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360
– Career mode goal: top rank within four seasons
– Licensed athletes: 19 (plus retired athletes on PS3 version)
– Motion control: PlayStation Move, Kinect, Wii MotionPlus (Wii MotionPlus required on Wii)
Virtua Tennis 4 is a solid, straightforward sports game that knows its audience and sticks to it. It does not need to be more than it is, and it rarely tries to be. The career mode gives it replay value, and the licensed roster gives it presence.
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