Virtua Tennis World Tour

By Kristan Reed Published 3 August, 2005

Net result? Brilliant.

The trouble with the PSP is that it's just too delicate to want to take it out of the house. One misplaced fumble and it's an unscheduled visit to the Tourettes clinic for you as the glorious slick black sheen of your handheld marvel is ripped asunder by the unforgiving abrasion of your local pavement. It's not even worth taking the risk - unless, of course, your PSP happens to have Virtua Tennis Word Tour strapped in amongst its willing innards.

In the case of SEGA's all-time classic, you're unlikely to want to play anything else for a very long time indeed, as you once again hone those tennis playing skills that you mastered all those years ago; five, to be precise.

Fresh cream

But while it's incredible to reflect that it's almost exactly half a decade ago that the original VT was sitting proudly at the top of the UK's All Format chart, it's even more incredible to note that this apparently ageing title hasn't aged a jot, and is still by far the most intuitive, most playable and easily the most addictive tennis title there has ever been.

To be precise, this pixel-perfect conversion is actually based on the even-more-brilliant sequel released a little over a year later (a.k.a. Tennis 2K2 on the Dreamcast or simply Virtua Tennis 2 for the inferior PS2 version released 18 months later), which added a more fluid playing style and the added bonus of female stars thrown into the mix. In essence, all Sumo Digital has done is port the game more or less wholesale, thrown in wireless multiplayer, and updated the roster to reflect the current balance of power within the tennis world. Not a bad idea, given that the game was definitely not in need of tinkering with.

Blessed with an almost-complete build over the past few days, we've given the blessed PSP a more concentrated going-over than perhaps any game released to date on the system - and that includes taking it on numerous train journeys and risking the very fate of our hallowed handheld.

Paper bag writer

real

Even better than the real thing?

And you know what? It's probably going to be pushing Zoo Keeper and Meteos as the most-played handheld title of the year, with so much going for it we're struggling not to hyperventilate while we scribe.

Featuring all the modes we've long since taken for granted, VT: WT caters for every possible permutation, from the standard one-off Quick Match that gets you into the game with a random pairing, the more specifically tailored male/female, single/doubles one-off, single set Exhibition match, three-match knockout Tournaments, the-pick-up-and-play quartet of Ball Games, (wireless) Multiplayer and the life-sapping all-encompassing World Tour career mode.

Most interesting of the above is doubtlessly the wireless multiplayer, which could prove to be a deal-clincher for most hardened VT fans looking for a means to carry on their enduring love for the game. Although it means that you're going to have to rely on your mates owning a copy, the chances are that the game's multiplayer reputation will make it a must-have for many PSP owners in the early days following the European release.

Throw down the gauntlet, not the PSP

hewitt

Hewitt's not a happy man when he comes up against the Krudster...

Naturally, multiplayer support takes care of up to four players, so if you're lucky enough to have a little VT club going on around your way, those old rivalries can now be well and truly resumed. Just don't throw the PSP down in a strop when you've been thrashed in straight sets six-love okay? These aren't indestructible joypads...

And while you're busy honing your skills, there are a remarkable number of ways to get your fix, from the aforementioned Exhibitions/Tournaments to the adorable Ball Games. They're all pretty throwaway mini-games, similar to those found within the World Tour, but as standalone high-score matches they're fun for a while. Each of the four test you with a strict time-limit. Kicking off with Fruit Dash, the idea is to simply dash around one side of the court picking up fruit as it appears while trying to avoid a red ball that's being fired at you from the opposite side. As you pick up fruit you also top up your time, but, the more you collect, the more balls get fired your way.

Next up, Blockbuster tasks you with smashing a wall of descending blocks; hit one, and blocks adjacent of the same colour also disappear - topping up your time in the process. Mess up your rally, though, and the time ticks down to nought and it's Game Over. Balloon Smash, meanwhile, is a simple case of trying to pop balloons in the opposite court before the time runs out, while Blocker has you running around trying to return the balls being fired from a machine opposite while defending the block behind you. Fail three times and it's Game Over. Simple, addictive, and fun.

All around the world

smelly

Hewitt checks the deodorant's still working.

The World Tour mode, though, is the area you'll probably devote most of your single-player energies to, with the idea simply to claim the No.1 throne in both the male and female category.

As with the full-blown version you have to create your own custom player to drag up through the ranks and try and improve your stats in the disciplines of serve, stroke, volley and footwork. At first you'll be at level one in every single area, and barely able to take on even the easiest of examinations. But pushed through an exhaustive round of mini-games, you slowly begin to build up your player in every area.

Veterans will recall that these training matches are a mixture of the stupendously easy (Stomper, Danger Flags), the challenging (Bull's Eye, Pin Crasher, Alien Force, Prize Sniper), and the annoyingly tough (Tank Attack, Disc Shooter). But persistence doesn't go to waste even when you're persistently failing, as any experience gained always goes towards bettering your stats.

Mini adventure

haveit

Have some of that.

The great thing is, even when you're investing hours into playing the mini-games, you always get a sense of reward, and they're just perfect for filling a few minutes here and there. And after several few hours of intense training on each of these, you'll really be in a position to romp through the various singles and doubles matches that await you.

Once you've earned a bit of cash out there on the circuit, you're then able to buy new equipment. Not only does this serve to upgrade your abilities still further, it gives you the chance to purchase a few unlockables, such as new stadiums, shirts, and even sweatbands. (Okay, fair enough, "even sweatbands" isn't exactly awe-inspiring, but unlockables are unlockables.)

But the real question is not so much how many features the game has, but how it looks and - more importantly - how it plays. If you hadn't guessed already, we were blown away when we first caught a glimpse of it back at E3, but after several days in its company we're completely sold on it.

Hail to the king

sharapova

A gratuitous shot of Maria for you.

The visuals, for a start, are a stunning showcase for what the PSP is capable of, with the same smooth, slick animation and fantastic detail that put the game so far ahead of its time five years ago. Even now there's a real wow factor to what's on show, and everyone we've shown the game to so far have elicited the same starry-eyed 'omigod' response. The beautiful animation works in perfect harmony with the consistently responsive controls, and it's fair to say the exact same level of intuitive playability has been retained.

The AI is, once again, pretty much top-notch, and every player in the game offers a discernable variety in terms of tactics and playing style. But if there's one small criticism at this stage, it's that the CPU difficulty in the non-World Tour matches isn't always what it could be - but maybe we're just too bloody good for it these days! The loading times, though, are well above acceptable, with relatively bearable 30-second delays to load up a match. Small loading pauses within the map menu and after you win a point are a slight bugbear at this point, but SEGA lists them as a 'known issues' which will hopefully be fully ironed out when the game ships next month. We'll be sure to let you know if they have.

Until then, our advice is to put the game straight to the top of your pre-order list and get ready to enjoy once of the best-ever games all over again.

Virtua Tennis World Tour is due out on the PSP on September 1st. Check back soon for a full review.

Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

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Comments (40) Latest comment 7 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • zErOb_cOOl #1 7 years ago

    What a class idea. This is the sort of game the PSP needs. EAsy to use on the small(ish) screen, addictive, and immersive in ways. Perfect for passing time which, lets face it, is what most people will use their PSP for on the move somewhere.

    Oh, the game also rules. The only tennis game I like and have ever liked. Even thought Pete Sampras was a bit pants really.

  • kewny #2 7 years ago

    Absolutely loved both incarnations on the dreamcast and have been waiting for this ever since I got my PSP. Already on pre-order.......

  • Mildew #3 7 years ago

    Amazon are doing pre-orders for £25. Anyone do any better?
    Edited by Mildew at 03/08/05 @ 09:34

  • dadrester #4 7 years ago

    the multiplayer... i take it it's just ad hoc, no infrastructure mode?

  • motslaps #5 7 years ago

    "...the more specifically tailored male/female..." - could it be? finally able to play a male against a female, this option was not available before on any of the versions... wikkid!

    been waiting for this for ages too... I just hope I dont have to upgrade from v1.50 to be able to play it....?
    Edited by motslaps at 03/08/05 @ 09:41

  • Blerk #6 7 years ago

    Check back soon for a full review.

    Can you really add anthing other than a score? I thought this was a full review until I got to the end. :-)

  • symmetry #7 7 years ago

    Ooo goody, another one to get.

  • krudster #8 7 years ago

    It's probably as good as a review, but it's not the finished version of the game, and some remaining issues may yet be cleared up. Even with those issues it's practically perfect.

    And to make it clear, you can't do a male vs female match.

  • Genji #9 7 years ago

    Good to see you'll finally be reviewing some good games.

  • gaijin #10 7 years ago

    Blerk, I agree, it felt very much like the review while reading. But... until we have a numerical score, how will we be able to enjoy the thigh-slapping "so, better/worse than..." banter of our peers?

  • abeit #11 7 years ago

    I dunno but I didnt like the PS2 version. will this change my mind? Maybe but I suppose I will buy a PSP with GTA.

  • nick_f Verified Senior Producer, Microsoft #12 7 years ago

    Anyone want to bet against a final score of 9/10, then?

  • krudster #13 7 years ago

    Incidentally, the game requires 1.52 minimum, and is only ad-hoc wireless.

  • The-Bodybuilder #14 7 years ago

    Now I'm tempted to get a psp.

  • boo #15 7 years ago

    Must get Dreamcast & Virtua Tennis out of the cupboard...

  • Tommyc352 #16 7 years ago

    OMG - i need this game, especially now im starting to finish Ridge Racer and Wipeout

  • Derblington #17 7 years ago

    More and more games are coming that I want but I can't afford a damn PSP!

  • gamingdave #18 7 years ago

    I hope those loading times do come down, its one thing on the PSP that has really disapointed me. Tonys can be a pain, and I didnt get Tiger Woods because of it. Looking great, although I always prefered VT1 to 2 on the DC.

  • motslaps #19 7 years ago

    yeah, the load times on Tiger Woods are attrocious :(

    pant's to the no male vs female and v1.52 to play :(

  • kewny #20 7 years ago

    Krudster, you said it was 1.52 minimum. i have a jap PSP so do I need to update via jap upgrade or will it all be included on the game itself, considering it will be a UK version of the game that I buy ???

  • krudster #21 7 years ago

    As with all PSP games, updates are included on the disk. FYI, I'm playing it with a European PSP updated to version 2.0.

  • Tomo #22 7 years ago

    I had Virtua Tennis on the DC and whilst it was amazing, one thing got on my nerves and that was serving, it was virtua (see what I've done there, eh! eh!) impossible to get an ace. Did this change with Virtua Tennis 2? Or with this one for that matter?

    And minimum of v1.52... ;_;. I'm not big on Emuing but the potential for it makes me want to keep 1.5 at the moment. This is not pleasing news :[

  • Tomo #23 7 years ago

    A European PSP ?!!?!

    What is this MADNESS?!! Not only have you SINFULLY imported, you have an UNRELEASED European PSP?!!

    Heathen!

    /calls Sony.

  • Aretak #24 7 years ago

    "(a.k.a. Tennis 2K2 on the Dreamcast or simply Virtua Tennis 2 for the inferior PS2 version released 18 months later)"

    Actually, it was called Virtua Tennis 2 on the Dreamcast as well here in the UK. Only the US version was called Tennis 2K2. Still a game I play today when I can be bothered to set up the Dreamcast.

    This new one might just convince me to get a PSP.

  • kewny #25 7 years ago

    LOL @ Tomo. Krudster, just one last question/s........... so I can update my jap PSP via the UK version of VT when it comes in sept ?? I thought Sony wanted us to only update via region specific updates a la 2.0 ??

  • krudster #26 7 years ago

    You can update your Jap PSP with 1.52, yes. I updated a Euro PSP with a Jap update with no issues so far.

  • Syrette #27 7 years ago

    whens this due out in America?

  • krudster #28 7 years ago

    4th October according to Gamestop

  • Syrette #29 7 years ago

    ah well. whatever region comes first, i'll buy it.

  • Feanor #30 7 years ago

    Last year I bought, played and sold Sega Sports tennis 2k2 on the PS2 and it was great. It did have quite a few jaggies, but I assume the PSP doesn't suffer from this problem.
    Edited by Feanor at 03/08/05 @ 22:56

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #31 7 years ago

    Not been that interested in the PSP up to now - only Lumines and Mercury really grabbed my attention - but this has added weight to the 'BUY ME' scales. If GTA and PES live up to the hype then my magic (and totally arbitrary) "5 essential games on a system and I'll buy it" rule comes into effect!

  • IronGiant #32 7 years ago

    Hang on this is a very positive thread about a game on a Sony platform so where's Balor? Oh, he's got homework.

    Can't wait to play this wi-fi.

  • Zuiyo #33 7 years ago

    Ridge Racer... Wipeout Pure... Virtua Tennis... Darkstalkers... that's FOUR games I want to play already for the PSP.

    Not bad. Might even buy it... someday.

  • Talha #34 7 years ago

    The game looks amazing but PSP is too expensive. Tell me, guys, what is the best tennis game on PS2? Has anyone played Roland Garros? Or should I wait for Top Spin (it will have Federer after all)?

  • masterson #35 7 years ago

    "Incidentally, the game requires 1.52 minimum, and is only ad-hoc wireless. "

    In which case it has got to be better than every SNES, NES, Genesis, PC Engine, Neo Geo CD and SCUMM game ever made to be worth my consideration :)

  • eviltobz  #36 7 years ago

    damn youse.

    this preview has only just gone and got me wanting a psp now. there i was, happily not caring about it, and now i'm all keen and eager and looking for places that'll do decent bundles.

  • Wobbler #37 7 years ago

    masterson: Even if Virtua Tennis isn't better than emulation, I think everything VT "and beyond" will be >1.50, so at some point, when the weight of good PSP games becomes too much, you are going to either have to upgrade and put away those roms, or buy a second PSP for upgrading purposes :)

  • eviltobz  #38 7 years ago

    and a little more damn you krudster.

    i've only gone and ordered myself a psp (jap non-value pack. mmmm, cheeeeap) and a bit of thps and mercury to keep me waiting for this.

    git! ;)

  • pjmaybe #39 7 years ago

    Can't wait.

    One of my favourite DC games, and multiplayer PSP wireless it should royally rock.

    4 player doubles matches are a MUST though.

    Peej

  • trevd72 #40 7 years ago

    oh no, i have just pre-ordered it at amazon and then read about the 1.52 requirment. i want those snes games i missed the first time around to be on my psp i little more than VT. should i hold out till closer to the date to see if the 1.52 or even version 2 updates are cracked or cancel now.

    and there is always super tennis and family tennis on the snes