Virtua Tennis World Tour (PSP)

Video games publishers have an uncanny knack of ensuring that the only time of year a new tennis game is never released is during the middle of Wimbledon. Of course, in the case of Virtua Tennis: World Tour they had to wait until the PSP hit the shops, so its autumnal appearance is largely unavoidable.

What is curious though, is that despite being regarded by many as the best serious tennis simulation, the Virtua Tennis series has only made fleeting appearances on the current generation of consoles. It’s getting in on the ground floor with the PSP though, with what will likely become the definitive portable tennis game.

The gameplay is largely the same as the previous Dreamcast and PS2 versions with an apparently simplistic arcade style control system revealing surprising depth and subtlety over time. It translates well to the PSP controls and the graphics are almost identical to the home console versions.

Virtua Tennis features three basic game modes -- World Tour, Exhibition and Tournament -- plus four mini-games and a 16 player (although obviously not all on the same court) wireless multiplayer mode. You can create and customise your own character but 14 "real" tennis players are also included, such as Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Lleyton Hewitt, Lindsay Davenport and Tim Henman. Obviously you’ll need at least a passing interest in real tennis to really appreciate the game, but as long as that’s the case there’s no need for new balls here. -- Harrison Dent

Virtua Tennis: World Tour, the arcade and home console hit, features three core gameplay modes: World Tour, where players travel the globe using a custom-created character to win cash; Exhibition, where players can take control of a pro tennis all-star for one-off matches; and Tournament, which puts players in knockout sessions where only the best will see victory. In addition, this fast-paced games also features a playable array of internationally renowned tennis pros in addition to a make-your-own player mode, exclusive mini-games, and original courts. Wi-Fi gameplay is supported, encouraging up to four friends to play together.

Players can now take the addictive fast-paced action of Virtua Tennis with them wherever they go. The PSPTM portable entertainment system version of this critically acclaimed game tightens up the series' already superb gameplay and treats fans to a new set of inventive mini-games. Fun alone or with friends this is the ideal sports franchise for the handheld arena. An impressive roster of licensed world stars bring realism and authority to this accessible arcade-style game. Players can take any of these pro athletes through two core gameplay modes: Exhibition and Tournament. Exhibition mode lets players jump straight into the action with their favorite player while Tournament mode challenges gamers with five pre-set singles stages and three pre-set doubles stages. Once a player has prepped with the pros they'll feel ready to tackle World Tour mode. This mode allows players to create a custom tennis star train them through a range of fun mini-games up their stats and then build their rank in a lengthy series of tournaments. Both custom and pro stars can then be used with the game's Wi-Fi feature which lets up to 16 friends challenge each other in rousing singles and doubles matches. 14 internationally ranked tennis pros. Challenge your favorite tennis all-stars or play as them. Play around the world on hard clay and grass courts. Multiplayer Wi-Fi function. Competition with other PSP system owners for up to 16 players. Three different play modes: World Tour Exhibition and Tournament. Create your own player. Customize your character with the virtual cash you win in tournaments.