Both of the games (despite being developed by two completely different studios) felt very similar and even though Virtua Tennis 3 isn't out until March 2007 it really felt like the game was very polished. The AI was a little too easy and we were only able to play the first round but despite this, the game looked a lot more complete than some of the titles that were on display that are due this year.
Using a bit of Top Spin there, get it?
Visually the PlayStation 3 version did look a little better (and by this we mean a real little) but the PlayStation 3 was hooked up via HDMI whereas the Xbox 360 version wasn't. This indicates to us that at this point in time there really isn't much of a difference in the graphics between the two versions, although this could change between now and March.
If you've played a Virtua Tennis title before then you know exactly what to expect with Virtua Tennis 3. Despite being an arcade title, the game is incredibly deep and should be very addictive when playing in multiplayer. The characters run, dive (almost too frequently) and even get confused if they run to the wrong side of the court and have to quickly change. The game play may not have changed all that much but when it's so well balanced in the beginning we don't think anybody is going to be complaining.
When it comes to the final game, there will be an impressive number of players who have all been accurately modelled to look like their real life counterparts. The full roster of confirmed players in the game include; Amelie Mauresmo, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, Nicole Vaidisova, Lindsay Davenport, Daniela Hantuchova, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Tim Henman, James Blake, Mario Ancic, Gael Monfils, Taylor Dent, David Nalbandian, Sebastien Grosjean, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Tommy Haas and Rafael Nadal. If you're not happy with the roster of players then it will be possible to create a player as well.
Photographic Visuals? Not Yet..
For the first time in the Virtua Tennis franchise you'll also be able to play five set matches, which is something that we've been waiting for for a long time. The game will also include mini games, although we weren't able to get much information on what mini games will make it into the game, hopefully there are some that take advantage of the PlayStation 3's controller...
We can admit that Virtua Tennis 3 didn't leave us in shock and awe it just left us with a large smile on our face. It doesn't seem like Sega are changing the formula of the game all that much but considering how incredibly addictive the previous titles have been this isn't really much of an issue. Virtua Tennis 3 was one of the most polished titles on the showfloor and it's still six months away so it seems we'll be in for a treat come March; the good news is that Xbox 360 gamers and PlayStation 3 gamers will be able to enjoy the title.
Stay tuned to PALGN in the coming days for more hands on previews and an event summary of THQ Loaded 06.
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