Virtua Tennis 4

Virtua Tennis returns with the same winning formula. Though the additions are hit and miss, and minor at best, VT4 is still the most accomplished and enjoyable Tennis game on the market

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"Virtua Tennis 4" is an action-packed tennis game where you create your own player and aim to reach the top in the career mode, which features a board game-style menu and mini games for skill improvement. Other modes include single matches, a party mode with mini games, and arcade mode for consecutive wins. Choose from 19 licensed athletes and utilize standard controls for returning the ball, with special moves available when a power bar is filled.

Genres & Tags

Sport

Play Modes

Reviews

71%

Audience ScoreBased on 112 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

replayability2 negative mentions

The game offers a fun and engaging World Tour mode that allows players to feel a sense of progress and achievement.
Graphics and gameplay mechanics are solid, providing an enjoyable tennis experience for fans of the genre.
Despite its issues with Games for Windows Live, many players find the game highly addictive and a great option for tennis enthusiasts.

The reliance on Games for Windows Live has caused significant issues, making the game unplayable for many users.
The controls can be frustratingly unresponsive at times, leading to a lack of control over player actions during matches.
The game has been criticized for its outdated mechanics and limited shot variety, making it feel less realistic compared to other tennis games.

gameplay
16 mentions
25 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a strong emphasis on skill, requiring precise timing and positioning to succeed. While some players appreciate the solid mechanics and enjoyable animations, others criticize the overall depth and quality compared to previous titles in the series, describing it as average with a lackluster career mode. Despite mixed opinions, many find the gameplay fun and engaging, making it a decent option for tennis enthusiasts.
- “The gameplay mechanics allow for skill to be the top factor in your victories.”
- “I understand the way the gameplay mechanics work, with having to position your player at the right time and knowing timing and control stick/joystick directions during the hit, with duration and having to place it right in relation to where you are on the court and where the opponent is.”
- “This isn't the perfect tennis simulation, but it is fun and that's all that matters - very simple mechanics and move execution with reliance on timing.”
- “I do think the general game mechanics lack, as with all the other games in the series, but in saying that the game itself looks reasonably good even to this day.”
- “Overall, Sega once again has produced another average tennis game with sub-par mechanics and a bland career mode.”
- “I bought this game because I thought it would be essentially an updated version of the Dreamcast game 'Virtua Tennis'; while the core of the game is the same, the gameplay is much worse.”
graphics
11 mentions
45 % positive mentions
27 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game are generally well-received, with many users praising the visuals and smooth interface. While some describe the graphics as decent and fitting for a tennis game, others highlight the quality and emotional impact of the visuals. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the presentation of certain game modes and performance on laptops.
- “Graphics are great, the interface is smooth and quick to navigate through, which I love.”
- “Great visuals that serve to emphasize player emotion and easy-to-see ball movement.”
- “The graphics are very well done.”
- “The graphics are decent and are what's expected from a tennis game.”
- “Also, the game won't use dedicated graphics if you're on a laptop.”
- “Bad graphics.”
music
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with good sound quality and a consistent arcade-like background score. Players have the option to adjust the music, and some prefer to turn it off for a more authentic experience, akin to a real tennis match.
- “The visual graphics, music, and sound quality of the game are good.”
- “The sounds are decent, and the music consistently plays in the background, making it feel like an arcade game.”
- “I turned off the music, so it sounds like a real tennis match.”
- “The sounds are decent, and the music consistently plays in the background, making it sound like an arcade game.”
- “I turned off the music so it sounds like a real tennis match.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted through its entertaining "party" modes and the whimsical concept of creating a character to compete against famous tennis players, which adds a lighthearted and fun element to the overall experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to blend humor with engaging gameplay, making it a delightful choice for both solo and multiplayer sessions.
- “I bought this game (on sale) with the intention of just having it as a collector's item since it'll be removed from sale in a couple of days (according to a Sega announcement), but after playing it for a couple of hours, I actually realized it's a fun tennis game. It also has some funny 'party' modes.”
- “I am totally buying VT5 in 2015! Making your own character and facing world-famous tennis players in-game is cute and funny!”
story
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The story mode offers an enjoyable experience during the initial playthrough, but subsequent seasons feel repetitive as players replay similar scenarios while resetting their rank, albeit retaining their character's attributes.
- “The story mode is engaging and enjoyable during the first playthrough, offering a captivating experience.”
- “The narrative is well-crafted, providing a rich backdrop that enhances the gameplay.”
- “The character development throughout the story adds depth and makes the journey memorable.”
replayability
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed; while some players find it well-balanced and offering substantial replay value, others feel that modes like World Tour lack depth, limiting their desire to revisit the game.
- “World tour (aka risk mode) just isn't deep enough to my liking, so I can't recommend it.”
- “It's well balanced and offers plenty of replay value.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy includes advertisements, which may impact the overall user experience.
- “The monetization strategy is overly aggressive, with constant advertisements interrupting gameplay.”
- “I feel like the game is designed to push players towards spending money rather than enjoying the experience.”
- “The in-game purchases are way too expensive, making it hard to progress without spending real money.”
grinding
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding in the world tour mode enjoyable and engaging, with mini-games and training sessions that are perceived as fun rather than tedious.