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> Results: Virtua Tennis 3
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The Virtua Tennis series started out on the Dreamcast and was an amazing game that seemed to redefine video game tennis. Years later, there have been other contenders, such as Top Spin, and even new editions of the game for the PS2 and PSP. Now the series is back with a vengeance, releasing a new version synced across next-generation consoles and handheld platforms. So should you hop on the court? The answer depends on what platform you're using and whether you already have a recent game.
The PSP version is the easiest call - if you have Virtua Tennis World Tour, then you can feel comfortable skipping this one. There is just too little difference in the versions to make it worthwhile - and you still have to unlock the mini-games for multiplayer use, something many assumed would be included based on feedback from the original game. If you have a PSP and are looking for a tennis fix - Virtua Tennis 3is a great choice. The console games are very well done - the graphics are stunning and the controls flow perfectly. There hasn't been a ton of enhancement to the gameplay, but the Court Games are mostly new and loads of fun. The PC and XBOX360 can use online multiplayer but the PS3 is limited to local multiplayer only. This is an oversight that makes the PS3 version less desirable. Overall Virtua Tennis 3 is a very nice package that is definitely the best game of tennis currently available - but if you already have a tennis game on your system there is little reason to clamor for this one. If you have a next generation console and are looking for some gorgeous tennis action, this certainly looks nicer than playing older games on your new console - but the gameplay isn't much different.  
Tennis is a wonderful game in all of its many forms from the real-world court game to Pong through a variety of video games on just about every system ever made. Some sports have games made that mess with the basic concept, including adding more adult elements to make it more 'cool'. Virtua Tennis stays away from the trend to add 'street cred' in the form of violent themes and strong language to games to make them more appealing. There is absolutely nothing inappropriate about the content in this game. Virtua Tennis series is more of a friendly arcade game than a 'technically accurate' tennis game, but it still stresses doing your best, learning from your mistakes and using teamwork at times. This is the type of game that kids will enjoy that is also a nice lesson ﾖ you are rewarded very well for taking your ﾑout of the spotlight' practice seriously.
Other Platforms Xbox360: Absolutely gorgeous, great controls, online multiplayer. PS3: Absolutely gorgeous, great controls, no online multiplayer. PC: content identical to the XBOX360 version, but $20 cheaper. PSP: fewest features, least different from previous version, still excellent. Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Virtua Tennis 3 |
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