26.2.2012

First things first, this is an arcade game. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it - Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition is a game that is intended to be picked up and played with immediate accessibility, and given the fact that it's a portable title, it's all the better for it.Visually, VT4: WTE is a stunner. Despite the fact that it's running on a handheld system, it looks absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. The character models are flawlessly rendered, and player animations are up there with anything we've ever seen on a home console. Colours are bright and vibrant, making excellent use of the Vita's OLED screen and, perhaps most importantly of all,the game runs without dropping so much as a frame during play.In terms of what's offered from the game's play modes, there's certainly enough here to keep players of all interest levels happy. If you're planning on really getting stuck in, then the World Tour mode is the one for you. Here you'll be able to create your own player based on a pre-existing character model, with the option of taking a photograph of yourself and placing it onto your character, creating the novel experience of genuinely being part of the game.Over the Tour's five seasons (four regular seasons and one break season where you'll have the chance to take part in a future stars tournament), you'll need to perform as best you can if you're going to end up as highly respected as the big name players like Roger Federer, Raphael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The overall tone of the game is certainly light-hearted, with optional fancy dress matches cropping up every so often, for example, which encourage you to get a little bit crazy with your outfit. It's touches like that which really make the game stand out on its own, away from the other offerings in the genre, and it's one of the reasons I love it so much.The main reason I love it, however, is the fact that it plays like an absolute dream. With relatively straightforward controls meaning that you're left to worry about your on the court performance rather than contorting your fingers, it really is a joy to play. No matter what play mode you opt for, there's always something new to see or do, and lessons to be learned.Aside from the World Tour mode, you can also take on a series of different single player modes, such as the obligatory Arcade Mode, as well as all the usual online modes (which play perfectly over WiFi), and the impressive new Vita exclusive play modes. While I'll be the first to admit that these modes are more gimmicky than anything else, there's a lot of fun to be had with them - if only for their innovative use of the Vita's technology. For example, you can play a match in first person perspective, where moving the Vita around will let you look around your in-game surroundings. It's a really novel experience and, somewhat surprisingly, it's one that works really well when it comes to actually playing, even if you will spend most of your time moving the Vita around in your hands.Another innovative game mode is the two player tabletop tennis offering, where you and a friend can take each other on using a single Vita. The court is viewed from a top down perspective, and you control your player's movements by dragging your finger around the court. You hit the ball by flicking in the direction you want to hit it in a timely manner. It's simple and it works. Arguably it's the most enjoyable feature to use in order to show your Vita off to jealous friends!Ultimately, if Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition was a PS3 or Xbox 360 game, it would probably feel a little hackneyed due to its somewhat dated control scheme and it's arcade persuasions, but the fact is that it lends itself superbly to the portable nature of the Vita. It's made for being picked up and played in short bursts with friends or alone, and that's really what handheld games are all about. If you want something with a more serious tone, or that has more depth and difficulty, then this might not be for you, but when it comes to Vita launch titles, this is right up there with the very best.

27.4.2013

Virtua Tennis 4: WTE is the best tennis game on the Vita hands down...well mostly because as of right now it is the only one. Despite VT4's lack of competition on the PS Vita it is still an amazing game, but bear in mind it is an arcade style game. Think of it as the Burnout of Tennis games, it's no hardcore simulator like GT5, but it is still immensely fun. You can pick it up and play with ease, which in my opinion adds to my enjoyment.The game looks amazing. The animations are nice and smooth, the models crisp and clear and the courts are vibrant and colourful. It could be mistaken for a PS3 game. And just to put the cherry on the cake the game runs without a hitch with no lag throughout my 35+ hours of playtime.There is no shortage of gamemodes either.There is the standard Exhibition mode, along with a Word tour (career mode) and of course an Arcade mode. The arcade mode is relatively easy and has a doubles alternative as well. In arcade mode you play 4 stages against some of the world's best, and a special match at the end if you win all of the matches. The world tour mode is unlike any other Career mode I have ever seen in a game. It works like a board game of sorts, where you are given tickets that allow you to move a certain number of spaces. At first it can be a little irritating, as I missed a tournament or two by not managing my moves well. After you get the hang of it, it becomes great fun and really tactical. By my second playthrough I was wondering "If I stop at the hotel and rest, will I be able to move two and get into that Special match?". The ranking system is ok. You can move up and become world number one, but there isn't really much competition from other players, and the top 10 or so rankings never change. By the time when you are in the 5th season, if you are the world number one, nobody will overtake you. You are ranked by your star rating, which depending on how high or low it is will affect your seed in tournaments. It's not the most realistic system in the world, but again it is an arcade style game. There is also the expected online mode, which is fun to play, but does suffer from a small population, as you can find yourself playing the same person 2 or 3 times in a row.The developers made good use of the Vita's features as well with a whole section called VT apps. The best Vita minigame is the Touch VS. Think of it as Pong, but with updated graphics. One of the more "interesting" Vita minigame is the VR match, which would be better named "PS Vita accelerometer test", due to it being completely unplayable. If none of the Vita exclusive minigames tickle your fancy there is a section of more playable minigames.PROS:-Easy to pick up and play-Great graphics-Players are licensed(unfortunately tournaments aren't though)-Plenty of gamemodes-Fun World Tour mode-Some replay valueCONS:-Short World Tour-Hard to find online games-Ranking system could be better and more challenging in World TourOverall this is a great game, and will certainly satisfy your portable tennis needs for a while, but in my opinion this game falls just short of becoming one of the best portable tennis games of all time, with that honour currently being held by Smash Court Tennis 3. Even if you are a little obsessed with trophies, like myself, you can enjoy this game as you get your platinum(possibly with the exception of the Online master trophy). The only major problem is that there isn't a huge amount of replay value, besides from getting trophies and trying to beat your score in world tour, as the online mode gets stale quickly. This is because there are no gamemodes that don't involve matches. A minigame vs mode wouldn't go amiss. If you are looking for a realistic tennis sim, then you may want to avoid this, but if you want a fun, exciting and arcade styled game, then look no further.

11.8.2013

First things first, this is an arcade game. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it - Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition is a game that is intended to be picked up and played with immediate accessibility, and given the fact that it's a portable title, it's all the better for it.Visually, VT4: WTE is a stunner. Despite the fact that it's running on a handheld system, it looks absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. The character models are flawlessly rendered, and player animations are up there with anything we've ever seen on a home console. Colours are bright and vibrant, making excellent use of the Vita's OLED screen and, perhaps most importantly of all,the game runs without dropping so much as a frame during play.In terms of what's offered from the game's play modes, there's certainly enough here to keep players of all interest levels happy. If you're planning on really getting stuck in, then the World Tour mode is the one for you. Here you'll be able to create your own player based on a pre-existing character model, with the option of taking a photograph of yourself and placing it onto your character, creating the novel experience of genuinely being part of the game.The main reason I like it, however, is the fact that it plays like an absolute dream. With relatively straightforward controls meaning that you're left to worry about your on the court performance rather than contorting your fingers, it really is a joy to play. No matter what play mode you opt for, there's always something new to see or do, and lessons to be learned.Aside from the World Tour mode, you can also take on a series of different single player modes, such as the obligatory Arcade Mode, as well as all the usual online modes (which play perfectly over WiFi), and the impressive new Vita exclusive play modes. While I'll be the first to admit that these modes are more gimmicky than anything else, there's a lot of fun to be had with them - if only for their innovative use of the Vita's technology. For example, you can play a match in first person perspective, where moving the Vita around will let you look around your in-game surroundings. It's a really novel experience and, somewhat surprisingly, it's one that works really well when it comes to actually playing, even if you will spend most of your time moving the Vita around in your hands.Another innovative game mode is the two player tabletop tennis offering, where you and a friend can take each other on using a single Vita. The court is viewed from a top down perspective, and you control your player's movements by dragging your finger around the court. You hit the ball by flicking in the direction you want to hit it in a timely manner. It's simple and it works. Arguably it's the most enjoyable feature to use in order to show your Vita off to jealous friends!Ultimately, if Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition was a PS3 or Xbox 360 game, it would probably feel a little hackneyed due to its somewhat dated control scheme and it's arcade persuasions, but the fact is that it lends itself superbly to the portable nature of the Vita. It's made for being picked up and played in short bursts with friends or alone, and that's really what handheld games are all about. If you want something with a more serious tone, or that has more depth and difficulty, then this might not be for you, but when it comes to Vita launch titles, this is right up there with the very best.

17.6.2011

This game is awesome, the graphics are stunning on the PS3 and the game play is excellent but there are a few big time issues!I bought this game solely for the move compatibility and yes it is amazing playing tennis like you are actually playing tennis, even though it is a little easy at times to be honest. I've played a few other tennis games and this one does really feel if on the court hitting a ball with the move controller. I think the move is a revolution, I am not interested one tiny bit in sitting on my chair with the dual shock working my way through tournaments for hours on end but the move with this game is incredible even though as I said its not pin point accuracy/control as with some games and it is a little easy if anything even on very hard,

23.2.2012

I bought this because of Amazon's launch offer, as I was a big fan of Virtua Tennis 3 on the 360. I hadn't picked up Virtua Tennis 4 for any other platform before because reviews said it was too similar. I probably should have completely ignored that, in retrospect, as that logic doesn't seem to apply when reviewing other sports games such as football games.It is full-blown Virtua Tennis, deeper than ever before and even further refined. The graphics are insanely clean looking and the gameplay is great. The World Tour mode is unusual - they've replaced the rotating globe with... a board game, where you move a certain number of spaces (and you 'do' whatever you land on). Oddly enough,

1.5.2011

Like the other reviewer I was a little disappointed that the Move feature is only used in part of the game. But on playing the World Tour, I found it quite fun and mildly addictive, even with using the regular hand controller. The unlocks that you gain (new stadiums, etc) are available in the other sections of the game. Your character that you build can also be loaded into the Move section so it is you playing the tennis stars. A plus for the PS3 version is that it has extra characters to play against, Becker, Edberg, Rafter and Courier.The Move feature works quite well. Forehand, backhand, topspin, slice, serve and lob are all easily achieved. Only the drop shot seems impossible to do.

28.2.2012

Yep, great game, not perfect mind. Solid frame rates, Very impressive graphics and player movements and likenesses are convincing. All the female players seem very attractive for some reason, not a bad thing. Good solid fun!However, for some reason I find multiplayer matches seem to drop out a lot (which I haven't found on other vita games), and is a failing for a 'world tour edition' game in my opinion. Maybe this will get better though.The touchscreen controls are a novelty on this game I feel. While fun, it all comes down to timing rather than being able to do power shots etc.Another novelty is the 'virtual' mode, where you can play from a first person perspective, and move the vita around to look anywhere!

5.12.2013

I bought this game expecting the standard virtua tennis style gameplay (which honestly hasn't changed much since the first installment on the dreamcast) and that is what I got...brilliant! If it aint broke, don't fix it!I personally have come to enjoy the likes of Top Spin 4 on the PS3 over virtua tennis, however a good arcade tennis experience can be found in VT4 on the vita. The gameplay is slick and responsive and has various difficulty levels for all types of players. I have not owned the full console version of VT4 so I can't really compare game modes across platforms, however there are various modes to keep all kinds of players entertained.The true gem in this game are the visuals...WOW!

3.8.2013

I would agree with most of the other reviews- this is essentially a great arcade sports game that very nicely demonstrates the Vita's capabilities. The graphics are beautiful and virtually the same as the PS3 version, which is very impressive by itself really. The game is fun with a lot of minigames and different playing options, and the "board game" style World Tour mode is very entertaining.The only medium-sized drawback is the difficulty settings, as pointed out by several other reviewers. The issue is that the "casual" difficulty gets much too easy once you've got the hang of the basics, but upping it to "normal" difficulty makes some matches (the four main French, Australian,

27.6.2011

Virtua tennis 4 is a really fun game. world tour is a really good career mode. You work to train your player through a few mini games aimed at different aspects of the player, whilst entering events to gain stars. the stars get you higher in the world rankings and your aim through the four seasons is to get as high as you can. because you keep your players stats and equipment at the end of the tour you can start a new tour with a big advantage. the only real problem with it was the lack of variety in the story, if you can call it that. after some event you get messages from other players and fans but each time you do the tour it's the same and it can be quite boring after a while. That said,

27.3.2012

At first glance it seems a very close port, but Sega has given the players a bit more weight so they don't slide around the court anymore, while the original four seasons are joined by an exclusive bonus season. You also get all the chicken-collecting, bomb-serving, card-dealing minigames you might expect.Virtua Tennis also benefits from Vita's lower resolution - the PS3 version's hard character models and shiny courts come out both warmer and softer.You can choose between the familiar button controls or intuitive but twitchy touchscreen inputs, and change anytime - probably back to buttons.In addition to all the modes of the original, there are a few 'VT Apps'

19.6.2011

First things first, I bought the xbox 360 version because of the kinect gameplay.Now that is probably my favourite part of the game & it plays very well but you cannot play season mode on kinect only exhibition matches.Career mode in my eyes is not anything like playing a career as tennis player, it's Basically going round the world on a snakes n ladder type board trying to avoid pitfalls & land on tournaments & training modes with other little extras added in. Also a career only last a year.That may sound worse than it actually is but it's not a great way to play a game that is essentially good when playing tennis or training.In a day & age where we are trying to get sports games to be as accurate as possible to the game then this really fails until playing the game.

4.6.2012

I was so suprised when i started this game for the first time. The graphics are sbsolutely amazing. It beats top spin 4 on xbox 360 by miles. I use this game every time i want to show my friends what the vita is capable of. This is hands down the best looking and smoothest game on the vita to date. I am used to playing top spin 4 on my 360 and have never tried a virtua tennis game before. It is actually really good. Got plenty of mini games exclusive to the vita and a solid career mode. Exibition matches and arcade mode are excellent for pick up and play buss/train rides. I liked this game so much i got it from steam on my pc and tried it. Even at 1080p 8x antialiasing @60hz this game does not look better than the vita version.

22.2.2012

I just received my PS Vita and Virtua Tennis 4 in the post this morning and thought I should give a review of this game in case people are thinking of buying it. The graphics are absolutely stunning, I'd go as far to say possibly some of the best I have ever seen in a sports game, not only on a handheld (definitely the best) but also on the home consoles. The gameplay is great, too. Being an old-school gamer I haven't really used the support of the touchscreens for the game as of yet, though I'm sure I will at some point. The world tour mode is a nice take on the career aspect, slightly different from what I remember in previous iterations. The trophies (which I love competing for)

23.12.2012

A no-brainer must buy if:-You love tennis in general and have a vita-You love the Virtua Tennis seriesI have been playing Virtua Tennis games since it was in the arcade. This game is amazing, graphically its brilliantly polished and looks like the PS3 version. The single player mode is great and is jam-packed with things to do and very addictive. If you already love the Virtua Tennis series you won't stop playing the single player until its finished.As well as good single player is has the duration and lasting appeal for a game that you won't want to trade in. Once the world tour is complete you can do arcade mode, tournaments, play the mini games separately or go online.

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