Tennis is always a popular sport at this time of year thanks to the scorching sun and general willingness of everyone to be outside instead of indoors, however for those of an allergic to being away from their TV screens nature, you can still get your tennis fix thanks to SEGA and Virtua Tennis 2009.

 

What I’ve always loved about the Virtua Tennis series is that it is so easy to pick and play and this year’s version is no exception due to it being based on the same engine. The fast pace feel is still there as is the arcade style gameplay, so anyone looking for a tennis game that is fun rather than stifled by being too much of a simulator will love this.

 

 

The tennis matches and tournaments has not really changed much from previous versions, sure the play has been slightly refined but other than that it is essentially the same game and therefore anyone who is a fan of the series should be able to dive straight in. One of the changes you will notice is to the roster which has been updated with players such as Andy Murray, whose stats are set to match their current form.

 

The main area of the game that you will probably play through is the World Tour mode and again anyone who played this before will feel right at home. In this mode you basically create your own tennis player, train him up though a mixture of training, friendly matches and training games all while entering and winning tournaments to help him climb up the World rankings. To assist you in your quest to become number one, Tim Henman has been assigned as your tennis coach, therefore throughout the game he will give you helpful advice and generally try to make you a better player.

 

While it’s all very well having Tim to point you in the right direction, the only way your player will really improve is by playing and one of the best ways to quickly improve your skills and have fun at the same time is by taking part in the available court games. These include games such as Alien Attack, where you have to attack the aliens on the other side of the court before they reach the barricade, Avalanche, where you need to dodge the huge tennis balls all while catching the fruit, to others such as Pot Shot, where you play pool style tennis using your serve as the cue. All of these games improve your stats in one way or another and are very enjoyable to play, especially if you are after just after a quick blast on your console in between living your life.

 

Another good way to improve your character and perhaps the most obvious is by taking part in friendly matches or training. While the friendly matches explain themselves, the training is a bit more complex. Basically your practice is split into three techniques, Ground Strokes, Footwork & Technique and Serve & Volley and within each of these sections you will find various challenges which help improve your stats in these areas. Once you have completed the challenges which include things like performing cross court shots and drop shots, you will then be able to move on and select a play style.

 

In between training and playing matches the game also gives you the ability to have a rest and go shopping, resting is of course important as it will help your character regain lost stamina and also give him time to spend some of his in game cash at the clothes and sport accessories store. The store has all of the options you would expect it to, therefore if you want to buy your character a new racket or blue trainers, then go knock yourself out. It is also worth mentioning that when you win a tournament, the court pass will be unlocked for that venue and placed in the store, although you still need to buy it.

 

 

Getting your character to number one obviously does take time and it can be quite boring at times as you win a match, raise a few points in the rankings and then do the same again. Things do improve when played online though thanks to the Online HQ option, here you can take part in the games various modes such as the SPT Online Tour which lasts one week real time and allows you to play in as many matches as you like, with the medals being awarded to the eventual winners. The game also allows you to take part in one off ranked matches against opponents of similar skill, though you cannot use any player you like here only your offline created character.

 

Graphically Virtua Tennis 09 is as polished as you would expect, the courts and players look wonderful and the action runs very smoothly despite the break neck speed of the game. The sound is also very authentic, offering a real life feel to the on court action.

 

Virtua Tennis 09 doesn’t really innovate and perhaps some people think that this version should have, however in saying that it is still a real fun game to play and at the end of the day for arcade and tennis fans that should be all that counts.