SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc. today announced they will be publishing Virtua Tennis 2009. Virtua Tennis 2009 will smash into action on Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and downloadable for PC fans in May 2009.Virtua Tennis 2009 will again allow you to take on the world’s top tennis players in some of the most realistic courts to be found on gaming consoles. Take on the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer or play as Maria Sharapova against Venus Williams to recreate some classic court battles. Joining this impressive roster of tennis stars are several new players for 2009, including men’s World No.4 Andy Murray and ladies French Open champion Ana Ivanovic. In addition to the traditional singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches, Virtua Tennis 2009 will also have the official Davis Cup license, giving players the coveted opportunity to lead their country to glory!
Virtua Tennis 2009 has extensive additions and detailed improvements to the classic arcade-style match engine like no other tennis game available. Player stumbling adds a new dimension to matches, while improved volleying, serving and net play allow you to express yourself on court like never before. In addition, the popular World Tour Mode has been given innovative new features offering a fully integrated online system, and new online ranking system available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Along with numerous other additions the Player Creation System in World Tour Mode has also been expanded, and a new look Tennis Store containing over 800 items will enable players to create their own unique Virtua Tennis Champion!
“The return of Virtua Tennis promises to be a real treat for both fans of the series and sports game fans everywhere” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. “The tennis season is shaping up to be the most exciting in years, and with new players, courts, an Online Tour and extensive on-court updates – Virtua Tennis 2009 is sure to maintain its spot as the standard by which all tennis games are judged.”Finally, no Virtua Tennis game would be complete without the ever popular Court Games and Virtua Tennis 2009 doesn’t disappoint! Fan favorites will be returning alongside each other in completely new minigames, ensuring the tradition is carried on into this new iteration of the series. But look out for crocodiles, fruit and pirates in Virtua Tennis 2009’s collection of unique Court Games, available to play as single player, multiplayer and online, and sure to have players coming back for more!
Virtua Tennis 2009 is due for release on the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360 and PC in May 2009