A really fun tennis game worth your time in between two AAA titles
Virtua Tennis 3 has a full online mode, where you can battle it out against anyone (or two) around the world . I found the online experience good, although it was "laggy " from time to time, and unplayable if the lag became too much of a burden .
Graphically the game is okay, although most of the "real" players need a bit of plastic surgery to look like they do in the game . Especially when they "talk" to you, they seem as if talking to someone with a very stinky morning breath, which is kind of funny . The courts look very nice and the animations are superb . The game also does a very fine job in creating your own character . This character (male or female) can then be used in any game mode, but is intended to try the "world tour" single player game out . This mode sees your newbee travelling around the globe trying to reach the number one spot in the WTA . What's nice is the number of parameters your player evolves in, and seeing the direct effects of increasing them is a very satisfying experience . These parameters include the speed of your character, smashing, fore- and backhand skills, net - and dropshots and more . You have a calendar which notifies which tournaments are when . This includes friendly invites from fellow AI opponents and more . Also included in the world tour mode are funny bonus games that can be used to increase your skills . Thesee include a bowling like game, some Bingo smashing, popping baloons and a game in which you have to dodge giant balls and collect fruit (very weird !!) . In all , the world tour mode is a real challenge and fun experience .
What's less about the world tour mode is that the difficulty becomes quite high when reaching the later tournaments and that games can be a tide too long, with some games looking more like table tennis than normal tennis . Also, your service most of the time determines the outcome of a game .
Soundwise, the game is top notch . The music is catchy and sound effects are very good . No complaints here .
Something that really kept me going onwards with Virtua Tennis 3 are achievements . While it is possible to achieve much points, the bigger ones are really challenging . The achievements succeed in keeping the game interesting, and challenging . That's not something every game does on the 360 and well worth a mention here .
Final conclusion ? Virtua Tennis 3 is a really fun tennis game that's not worth 60 bucks but well worth at least renting or buying second hand . You'll find a rich experience and interesting achievements to keep you busy for a while . Worth your time in between two AAA games .