Virtual Tennis 3 (PS3)

Status:

• Complete in Box
• Play Tested

### **Virtua Tennis 3 (PS3) Review**  

Released in 2007 by SEGA, *Virtua Tennis 3* is an arcade-style tennis game that continues the legacy of the *Virtua Tennis* franchise. With smooth gameplay, fun multiplayer, and an engaging career mode, it remains one of the best tennis games of its generation.  

### **Gameplay & Mechanics**  

*Virtua Tennis 3* sticks to its arcade roots, prioritizing accessibility over deep tennis simulation. The controls are simple yet responsive, allowing players to pick up and play without much learning curve. Shots include topspin, slices, and lobs, and while the mechanics arent as deep as *Top Spin*, the fluidity and fast-paced action make it highly enjoyable.  

The game features a **World Tour mode**, where players create a custom character and rise through the ranks by playing tournaments, training with mini-games, and upgrading skills. The mini-gamesranging from court-cleaning challenges to target practiceare surprisingly addictive and add variety to the experience.  

The **AI difficulty is well-balanced**, starting off forgiving but ramping up as you progress. Matches can become intense, especially against higher-ranked players who force you to strategize rather than rely on button-mashing.  

### **Graphics & Presentation**  

For a 2007 release, *Virtua Tennis 3* looks impressive. The character models of real-life players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Maria Sharapova are well-detailed, and the courts are vibrant and realistic. The animations are smooth, making rallies feel dynamic and lifelike.  

However, the lack of variety in crowd reactions and repetitive commentary can make matches feel slightly robotic over time.  

### **Multiplayer & Longevity**  

Local multiplayer is where *Virtua Tennis 3* truly shines. Whether in singles or doubles, playing against friends is incredibly fun. However, the **PS3 version lacks online play**, which is a major downside compared to the Xbox 360 version, which included Xbox Live support.  

Despite this, the **variety of game modes, player customization, and mini-games** give it solid replay value, especially for those who enjoy arcade-style sports games.  

### **Verdict**  

*Virtua Tennis 3* delivers an accessible yet rewarding tennis experience. While it doesnt aim for the realism of *Top Spin*, its fluid gameplay, fun mini-games, and strong local multiplayer make it a standout tennis title on the PS3. The lack of online play is disappointing, but for casual and competitive players alike, its still a fantastic pick.  

**Score: 8/10** A fast, fun, and visually polished tennis game that excels in arcade-style action.