Virtua Tennis Preview

Ok... preview number two.  This is actually the Vita game that I was convinced I wouldn't get, but has turned out to be the one I can't wait for the most.  Virtua Tennis 4.  Now, I haven't played a Virtua Tennis title since the Dreamcast, but really enjoyed the two entries that I played.  Somehow, this game looks and plays better than any other Vita title.  Don't get me wrong, I have the First Edition Bundle coming on Wednesday along with release date copies of Uncharted: Golden Abyss and wipEout 2048 (stay tuned for that preview which will go up tomorrow).  But Virtua Tennis 4 seems to have as much content if not more than any of those and truly visually is the best Vita launch title hands down.  Everything from the presentation to the video cut scenes to when a player gets a power shot off (watch the video, I explain the whole mechanic in it) just shine on the OLED screen of the Vita.  According to reports that I have read online, the reason why Virtua Tennis looks so good is that it runs at the Vita's native resolution, something that even Uncharted: Golden Abyss doesn't do.

Also, some people think that tennis games are nothing but glorified Pong.  While sometimes that feels true, this title has tons of content.  Create your own player, level him/her up like with a classic RPG feel, travel around the world playing opponents, train to get better, and continue year after year.  But there is so much more to this title.  First off, there are a number of mini-games that are completely separate.  I assume like in previous titles, these will be the training session used to level up skills.  But they are playable as standalone mini games for those short bus/subway rides.

This title also has some smooth touch controls, but I was much more comfortable and had better control with the D-pad.  I think this is a feature that people will try out, but am not sure how successful it will be in the long run.

I hope that the online play is as solid and smooth as the single player was in the demo.  And remember, I was only playing the demo!  Tweaks to smooth out kinks should be incorporated in the final build that ships to consumers.

If you were uncertain about picking this one up, be sure to check out the demo now - or when the Vita launches should you not be near a Social Club.  This title is now the game that I will likely be sinking more time into than any other for the foreseeable future.

-Evan