System: X360, PS3
Dev: SEGA / AM2
Pub: SEGA
Release: March 20, 2007
Players: 1-4 (16 online)
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Review by Jonathan Marx

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The single player game is quite fun when played through the World Tour mode. This is simply the career mode which has the gamer create a tennis professional that will practice and play his or her way to the top of the World Tour ranks. You start out ranked 300th but will quickly acquire the skills necessary to challenge the sport's very best players. Mini-games and a tennis academy will help hone your skills while providing some interesting diversions to the rigors of tournament play. The mini-games are especially interesting as they are unlike any standard tennis drills. You'll find yourself hopping from side to side picking up fruits for points whilst dodging giant tennis balls intent on fouling up your rhythm and overall score. There are games that have you knock over barrel pyramids with a powerful groundstroke, or knock over giant bowling pins with a well-placed serve. These are pretty fun and do a good job of mixing things up a bit.

Online multiplayer, sadly, is not supported on the PS3. This is truly unfortunate because it is the highlight of the 360 version. The ability to play and be ranked against all other V.T. players is a wonderful element that's missing and makes the PS3 version much less of a game than that of the Xbox 360. Multiplayer in your living room will still be a blast but it's not always possible to play with your friends. That's the beauty of online matches that the PS3 just won't give you.

Sega's Virtua Tennis 3 is a first-rate game that would be an excellent addition to your sport-game library. The multiplayer games are phenomenal, and the single player mode isn't half bad either. This is definitely one to look for at your local game shop. This is a great party game, especially if you're looking to break up the monotony of first person shooters. I know, I know, Gears of War is sweet, and yes, Call of Duty 3 is epic, but Virtua Tennis 3 has its fair share of fun in a decidedly kid friendly package.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Freelance Writer

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