Virtua Tennis 2009 Announced (PS3/360/PC)

[The Mana Knight]

SEGA has confirmed another instalment in the Virtua Tennis series is coming to PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Virtua Tennis 2009 will feature real-life ballsmashers like Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams and Roger Federererer. New players for this year include Andy "Come on Tim" Murray and ladies French Open champion Ana Ivanovic.

Volleying, serving and net play have been improved, and there's now "player stumbling" to "add a new dimension to matches". Along with traditional singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches, the game will feature the official Davis Cup.

The World Tour Mode has been spruced up, and now includes a fully integrated online ranking system. There are more Player Creation options than ever and a new-look Tennis Store with more than 800 items to choose from.

There will be brand new Court Games to play, and we're told to "look out for crocodiles, fruit and pirates". Wise advice generally, of course.

Virtua Tennis 2009 is out this May, according to the press release. Which was written by someone who should be given a payrise for managing not to use any phrases like "smash hit" or "new balls please" in the entire thing.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sega-announces-virtua-tennis-2009

Awesome news because I really like Virtua Tennis and glad to see a new one announced. :D

[hankmecrankme]

I love Virtua Tennis, but player stumbling seems like a step in the wrong direction. I love the arcade gameplay that VT has, and I don't want it to become too realistic for its own good.

Keep it true to its roots, Sega.

[The Mana Knight]

I love Virtua Tennis, but player stumbling seems like a step in the wrong direction. I love the arcade gameplay that VT has, and I don't want it to become too realistic for its own good.

Keep it true to its roots, Sega.Yeah, I agree there. VT gameplay has been ace for a while and I want them to keep it that way.

[hankmecrankme]

Yeah, I agree there. VT gameplay has been ace for a while and I want them to keep it that way.

Yes. I didn't like any of the Top Spin games because it felt too strict. VT has always been easy to pick up and play, hard to master. That's what I like about it.

Also getting a few friends together and playing some 4 player doubles is a blast. :)

[Thomas96]

Thank god, I was playing this game in dave & Busters, and then I went home and played some matches, and it made me want a new game in the series. With additional characters; So I'm definitely happy to have a new VT. We were long overdue. I don't know what Top spin was trying to accomplish, but to me it doesn't accomplish anything.. I played Tennis (not much anymore) and one thing that I love about VT is that it does a good job of applying basic tennis strategy, its about being in the right place, making the right shot at the right angle, at the right time.

[Pootie Thang]

Sweet I just got the one on Amazon for $10. I really like this game

[SnotRocket]

Just as I get rank 10 in Virtua tennis 3! I just hope I can beat that and be ready for a new one. Virtua Tennis games are my most favorite sports games. I HATE tennis in real life, but there is just something about playing it as a game.

[Rozz]

Hmm, I was thinking of selling Virtua Tennis 3 after hearing this news, but I would regret it if the new game play innovations Sega is planning don't work.

[cupcakex1]

Just as I get rank 10 in Virtua tennis 3! I just hope I can beat that and be ready for a new one. Virtua Tennis games are my most favorite sports games. I HATE tennis in real life, but there is just something about playing it as a game.

Haha me too.. I hate tennis in real life.. but something about Virtua Tennis is addictive. This is great news.. online mode too.. Just hope what they're doing works out.

[007]

Haha... same boat. Don't like real-life tennis, can't stop playing the game.

I'm excited, since I had assumed that the series was dead. Man, I really thought hard about it one day and realized, no hyperbole, that I played the VT demo for DC longer than probably 75% of the full games that I own.

Still my favorite of the series.

[The Mana Knight]

Hmm, I was thinking of selling Virtua Tennis 3 after hearing this news, but I would regret it if the new game play innovations Sega is planning don't work.Good thinking because I made that mistake numerous times with games. :-( I really hope it doesn't go the Top Spin route (never liked it personally).

[Rozz]

So did anyone pick this one up or at least try it out?

[Moxio]

Yeah. Same game as VT3.