Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Xbox 360
- Developers: Sega AM3
- Publishers: Sega
Virtua Tennis 4: A Fast-Paced, Action-Oriented Tennis Game
Virtua Tennis 4 is an action-oriented tennis game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega. It was released in 2011 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. The game is the fourth installment in the Virtua Tennis series, and it features a number of new features and improvements over its predecessors.
Gameplay
Virtua Tennis 4 is a fast-paced, action-oriented tennis game that focuses on fun and accessibility over realism. The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including a career mode, single matches, party mode, and arcade mode.
The career mode is the heart of Virtua Tennis 4. In this mode, players create their own custom character and guide them through a four-season journey to the top of the tennis world. Along the way, players will compete in tournaments, train their character’s skills, and buy new equipment.
Single matches allow players to compete against the AI or another human player. Party mode is a collection of minigames that can be played with up to four players. Arcade mode is a survival mode in which players must win as many matches in a row as possible.
Controls
The controls in Virtua Tennis 4 are simple and easy to learn, but difficult to master. Players use the left analog stick to move their character around the court, and the right analog stick to control their shots. The A button is used to hit groundstrokes, the B button is used to hit volleys, and the X button is used to hit overheads. Players can also use the L and R buttons to perform special shots, such as lobs and drop shots.
Characters
Virtua Tennis 4 features a roster of 19 licensed athletes, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Maria Sharapova. The game also includes a number of unlockable characters, such as Sega’s own Sonic the Hedgehog.
Graphics and Sound
Virtua Tennis 4 features impressive graphics and sound. The character models are detailed and realistic, and the animations are fluid and lifelike. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and the soundtrack is catchy and upbeat.
Overall
Virtua Tennis 4 is a fun, fast-paced, and action-oriented tennis game that is perfect for casual and hardcore fans alike. The game’s simple controls, variety of gameplay modes, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-have for any tennis fan.
Detailed Gameplay
Career Mode
The career mode in Virtua Tennis 4 is a deep and rewarding experience. Players start by creating their own custom character, choosing their appearance, handedness, and playstyle. Players then embark on a four-season journey to the top of the tennis world.
During the career mode, players will compete in tournaments, train their character’s skills, and buy new equipment. Players can also choose to participate in special events, such as the World Tour and the Davis Cup.
As players progress through the career mode, they will earn experience points that can be used to upgrade their character’s skills. Players can also earn prize money that can be used to buy new equipment and clothing.
Single Matches
Single matches in Virtua Tennis 4 can be played against the AI or another human player. Players can choose to play on a variety of different courts, including grass, clay, and hard court.
Players can also choose to play with different rules, such as tiebreakers and no-ad scoring.
Party Mode
Party mode in Virtua Tennis 4 is a collection of minigames that can be played with up to four players. The minigames are designed to be fun and challenging, and they are a great way to practice your tennis skills.
Some of the minigames in party mode include:
- Target Practice: Hit targets with your shots to score points.
- Egg Catcher: Catch eggs with your racket to score points.
- Balloon Buster: Pop balloons with your shots to score points.
- Court Cleaner: Clean the court by hitting balls into the net.
Arcade Mode
Arcade mode in Virtua Tennis 4 is a survival mode in which players must win as many matches in a row as possible. The difficulty of the matches increases as players progress through the mode.
Players can earn rewards for completing arcade mode, such as new characters and equipment.
Characters
Virtua Tennis 4 features a roster of 19 licensed athletes, including:
- Roger Federer
- Rafael Nadal
- Novak Djokovic
- Maria Sharapova
- Andy Murray
- Serena Williams
- Venus Williams
- Caroline Wozniacki
The game also includes a number of unlockable characters, such as:
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- AiAi (from the Super Monkey Ball series)
- Ryo Hazuki (from the Shenmue series)
Graphics and Sound
Virtua Tennis 4 features impressive graphics and sound. The character models are detailed and realistic, and the animations are fluid and lifelike. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and the soundtrack is catchy and upbeat.
Overall
Virtua Tennis 4 is a fun, fast-paced, and action-oriented tennis game that is perfect for casual and hardcore fans alike. The game’s simple controls, variety of gameplay modes, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-have for any tennis fan.
Review Score
8/10