It’s been a while since we had a sports game on the list. Never fear, as proving we’re all not fixated on superhero games and weird Japanese guff, Virtua Tennis 4 grand slams its way into our top 50. We think we know why.
Exclusive to the PS3, the fourth serving of Sega’s popular tennis title is built puposely for PlayStation Move. And now that we have the orbicular wand, we want more quality games to play with it. An obvious fit for Sony’s new motion device, we’re assuming this desire among TSA staff has likely catapulted Virtua Tennis 4 up the rankings. No Move control, and we doubt it would have featured so highly. Make a note Sony.
Left and right movement is controlled by the game, though players are able to dash back or sprint into the net by stepping back or forward respectively. Presenting the action in first-person perspective, the camera zooms out to offer you an isometric view of your position after striking the ball toward your opponent. As the ball is returned to you, the game switches back into first-person mode, allowing you to feel what it’s like to be on the wrong end of a Murray super-serve. Using the accuracy of Move, you can even add slice and top-spin to your shots by adjusting the angle of impact.
Virtua Tennis 4 and Move is a natural choice. And considering Virtua Tennis 3 was a solid offering of the serve and volley game, we’re fairly confident Sega’s developers will combine the pedigree of the series with this new opportunity to create the perfect match. Or it’ll turn out to be a bit of a Kournikova: looks great on paper but ends up remembered for its promise before failing to deliver and retiring early to cop off with a popstar. One of the other.
We find out which when we get to smash countless thundering forearm shots at each other in Virtua Tennis 4 come spring of next year. You can check out our preview of the game here.
TwoJay
If I’m not mistaken, I watched a video where one of the developers highlighted the movement aspect. Let’s just call it ‘amateur’ and ‘pro’ for now. In amateur, the movement is as described in the OP. In pro, you can directly control the movement, probably with a NavCon.
I really do remember watching this vid though i’m not entirely sure, don’t kill me if i’m wrong!
Kovacs
You could be right. Dan played it at Gamescom. Dan? Any mention of a pro mode that restores full court movement?
Dan Lee
I didnt hear anything at the time. The focus was very much on using a single Move controller. I would be surprised if a ‘pro’ style option wasnt included though.
TwoJay
Without a ‘pro’ mode, it would seem like just another ‘wii’ port!