A step up in graphics, several steps back in gameplay.
Now, the graphics I was pretty impressed with. I'm not a huge fan of tennis, but I've seen a few of the bigger matches, and know some of the big players. The players look the part, even down to the facial expressions in the slow-mo replays. Unfortunately, presentation is where the strengths end.
I have mixed, but mostly negative feelings about the career mode. It took me about a good 5 minutes just to figure out how it works (fortunately I'm a quick learner). Turns out it works like a board game. You start off on a map and you're suppose to navigate various spaces which could be resting, training, practice matches and actual tournaments. You move about the map using number cards, which you get at random. You start off with 3 to choose from, with each randomly being replaced after you use one. There are plenty more slots, which I'm assuming are unlocked later in game. Keeping track of your energy and hoping to get the right amount of moves adds a unique challenge to the career mode. Now, if you aren't familiar with the icons, there are two modes to view the map in: view mode and move move. What I don't understand is why there are two different modes. They should have been integrated with a description of what the space does as you're trying to plan your next move. My other problem is the entire method itself. If I wanted to play a board game, I would've loaded up Monopoly or actually get a board game from my closet. I'd much prefer to sign myself up for tournaments, dealing with an agent, and seeking out trainers to practice, like you would if you were a real Tennis player, not navigate a map like a board game.
There seems to be too few customization, but it might because I didn't get far enough to unlock them. But then, it is harsh to set you with ONE outfit only, without even generic pieces of clothing to choose from.
As mentioned, the controls are clunky and unresponsive. This is an emulated 360 controller (using PS3 controller). If you don't press the hit button in a particular path the ball is in, your player won't do anything. This makes smashing really difficult as if the ball is over your head, the player won't do anything. The other grip is with animations. Why is my player falling on his butt waaaayyyyy after he misses the ball?
I've played Virtua Tennis before on the original xbox and loved the game, but this game feels like it took several steps back in many aspects in favor of a face-lift. About the only thing this game is good for is simulating a match you missed on TV, but even then it's only so enjoyable since the animations are so clunky.