Famitsu have finally revealed their real scores for the Vita games, and they’re quite good. Virtua Tennis 4 is the best Vita game according to them, and Dynasty Warriors Next comes second.

You can check out the full list. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Power Smash 4 (PSV) – 9/9/9/8
Dynasty Warriors Next (PSV) – 9/9/9/8
True Night of the Kamaitachi: The 11th Visitor (PSV) – 9/9/9/8
Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PSV) – 9/9/8/9
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend (PSV) – 9/9/8/8
Everybody’s Golf 6 (PSV) – 9/9/8/8
Lord of Apocalypse (PSV) – 9/9/8/8
Army Cops of Hell (PSV) – 8/8/8/8
Dark Quest Alliance (PSV) – 8/8/8/8
Touch My Katamari (PSV) – 8/9/7/8
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (PSV) – 8/8/7/8
Shinobido 2 (PSV) – 8/8/8/7
F1 2011 (PSV) – 8/7/7/6
Asphalt: Injection (PSV) – 7/7/7/7
Michael Jackson The Experience HD (PSV) – 7/7/6/7

No tennis title would be complete without the world’s top stars, and there are 22 to choose from in the game, including Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic, but Virtua Tennis 4 really comes into its own when showcasing the technology the NGP has to offer. On top of front and rear Touch Panel controls used both on and off court, gamers will also be able to play the whole game with classic pad controls. NGP’s Party function makes the World Tour Map and Online Mode fully social experiences where gamers can track their friends progress, chat, share stats and comments, and challenge people to online matches.

It seems like the PS Vita is getting a lot more attractive nowadays. Considering the footage of Virtua Tennis 4 on it, we have no doubt about the capability of this portable hardware. The game looks amazing, and there doesn’t seem like any technical issues as well.

You can use the motion controls or the traditional analogue sticks. The diversity of controls are very good. It will launch along with the Vita in Japan along with Uncharted: Golden Abyss and other games.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below. Please support us by liking our Facebook page.

Check out some footage from Virtua Tennis 4 running on the PS Vita. We have to say, it looks very impressive. Please tell us how you feel about the footage in the comments section below.

Now if only it felt as good as it looked

The first thing worth noting is the DRM included with the game. If you get the game via an online store then you know the drill, but those who get a boxed copy need to connect so they can verify their copies of Virtua Tennis 4 via Games for Windows Live. It’s not too big a deal for those already using Windows Live but, even if you have a decent internet connection, having to download and install the program if it isn’t your usual gig is pretty annoying. Those who were hoping for some casual solo tennis play without the need for a net connection will be left with disappointment by the whole ordeal. Granted, nearly everyone and their mum has regular internet access these days, but it seems silly to force players to jump through the same DRM hoops for both physical and digital versions of the game. The whole Windows Live aspect isn’t without its disadvantages though, as it allows for easy achievement and online friends management via the Games for Windows Live client. In fact, the whole online segment of Virtua Tennis 4 runs fairly smoothly because of this.

Virtua Tennis is as simple and addictive as ever

The Windows Live link to the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live domain doesn’t end with shared friends lists and online components though, as players can opt to use an Xbox 360 controller as an alternative input method. I’d whole heartedly recommend it too, as the keyboard controls just don’t feel right. As much as I love the old fashioned mouse and keyboard for some game types, it just feels like a poor way to control a tennis game. Fully customisable key mapping is a definite win on Sega’s part, but PC controls were never going to be friendly for a game like this. 360 pad support is definitely a good alternative then, but it is silly that other USB controllers aren’t supported straight out of the box as well. Supporting a particular brand is one thing, but alienating a large segment of your audience is another.

In terms of visuals, the PC port of Virtua Tennis has a level of high polish. The port looks the part when cranked up to full, but also does a good job of supporting a lot of entry level hardware. VT4 is not a resource hogging monster, but it isn’t an ugly beast either. In terms of stability, things are also pretty good for the most part. It was a rare occurrence, but I had a few game crashing glitches that sent me right back to the desktop. A very annoying element, but one that will hopefully be promptly patched up.

The game looks good, without being too demanding on your hardware

For PC gamers desperate to get a post-Wimbledon tennis fix, Virtua Tennis 4 will cure your ills. Its simple and addictive gameplay formula shines through thanks to a fantastic port to PC. That said, its console brethren are clearly the original and best versions of the game. With flashy motion control modes and slightly more tactile controls, the console version of VT4 are just a few steps ahead in the proverbial race. That said, if PC is your only option, Virtua Tennis 4 is still a highly playable Tennis experience.

This game was reviewed on the PC.

The same three button gameplay that made the original so addictive is back and, aside from a few tweaks regarding player reach when using running and diving shots, the gameplay is near identical. This is a good thing though. Normally I’d start complaining about repetition and lack of ingenuity etc. but VT4 is just really fun the way it is. The simplicity is what makes it so unique and satisfying, and it also means players of all skill levels can get into the game quickly. There’s still always room for tactical depth though, much like in a real game of tennis.

A well timed super shot can be the difference between winning and losing

One new addition to the formula is the match momentum feature, that adds a solid layer of tactical depth to the proceedings. The idea is that every player has a certain style of play such as ground strokes, aggressive net play or fast running. By playing according to your style you build up the momentum bar and, when this bar is filled, you can unleash an extremely powerful super shot. Using these shots can make or break your match, so it sometimes pays off to play smart.

The other main change that you’ll will notice is the new tour mode. Much like previous iterations in the series, you create a character and try to rise through the ranks from zero to hero. You still compete in tournaments and play training games to up your stats, but there is a lot more variety than ever before. The main world map you move around can only be navigated through by using movement tickets that randomly generate each turn. In this way you need to tactically manage your tickets to make sure you land on the right squares and get the most out of your training. It’s simple, but incredibly addictive. It’s also fairly long, seeing you compete in all four of the major tournaments and opens.

In tour mode you can create a character who is as wacky or as normal as you like

From here on in the changes to VT4 are, either a bit rubbish or, fairly negligible. The player roster has seen an update for this new incarnation of Virtua Tennis. This is obviously a good thing in keeping the game relevant and fresh but, seeing as most people are probably just going to play as Nadal and Federer, many won’t be too excited by these updates. The other big change is stereoscopic 3D support. Whilst this does improve the game immensely, it obviously won’t apply to the many who have yet to adopt 3D TVs.

The biggest opportunity that has been missed by VT4 is the motion controlled side game included. PS3 versions and 360 versions of the game have a mode that utilizes the Move controller or Kinect respectively. The problem is that it’s just not very fun. The fact that it is only present as a separate party mode shows just how tacked on the idea is. The first problem is that the camera constantly shifts between a third and first person viewpoint. Whilst this was clearly an attempt to help improve the player’s depth perception, it actually just becomes disorientating and annoying. The other problem is the controls themselves. Running along the court is handled for you automatically, meaning you only need swing at the ball when it comes your way. You can move forward and the game will recognise that you’re rushing the net but, aside from this, your movements are extremely limited. Having only received an Xbox 360 version of the game we cannot judge the Move controller’s impact on this mode, but it felt truly abysmal using the Kinect. Tennis games only work well when the motion controller has some kind of wand or remote. Waving your arms around just doesn’t feel like tennis. It also doesn’t help that the motion detection is sloppy at best, meaning that many of your shots just aren’t detected properly. Thankfully this mode can just be ignored. It’s much better left that way.

The graphics and player roster have seen necessary updates

In terms of presentation the game has also seen a bit of polish over previous entries in the series. The animations in particular are smoother than ever, but the character models also deserve kudos. My only criticism is with some of the audio. The sound effects are satisfying and well implemented, but the soundtrack seems mediocre and uninspired, and some of the grunts and voice clips are annoying at best.

Virtua Tennis is one of those awkward series that doesn’t leave all that much room for improvement. With the game already as finely tuned as it is, potential sequels don’t have that major addition or improvement they can make. Even though it is fairly similar to previous titles in the franchise, Virtua Tennis 4 is the most accomplished VT title yet and should be considered a must buy for tennis aficionados. Just make sure you avoid the motion controlled side mode. You’ll thank me later.

This game was reviewed on the PS3.

Sega have announced that those who buy Virtua Tennis 4 for the PS3 will find some exclusive features waiting for them.

PS3 players will be given access to three exclusive ‘Legend’ players in the form of Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Pat Rafter.

As well as the exclusive characters, the PS3 version will also boast two exclusive party games, Pin Crusher and Net Blitz, the latter of which is playable using PlayStation Move. Sega is also planning to release a PlayStation Home mini-game to coincide with the French Open available from May 22.

Thanks to CVG for the info.

Sega have announce that Virtua Tennis 4 will be making its way onto the Xbox 360 and the Wii in 2011. As previously announced, the game will also be available for PlayStation 3 featuring Move compatibility and 3D technology.

Virtua Tennis 4 features the world’s top stars such as world No.1 Rafael Nadal, 16-time major champion Roger Federer and UK No.1 Andy Murray. Joining them for the first time are seven new champions making their debut to the series, enabling players to take on the likes of Juan Martín Del Potro, Fernando Gonzalez, Caroline Wozniacki and Laura Robson.

“Virtua Tennis 4 is a huge push forward for the much loved SEGA series,” commented Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA of Europe and SEGA of America. “New technology has allowed for the development of innovative styles of gameplay, meaning Virtua Tennis can reach a level of realism not seen before in the tennis genre.”

Virtua Tennis 4 sees a totally new World Tour career mode designed to encourage replay value with an element of off-court fame. Each decision affects a player’s career path meaning no two careers will ever be the same, while a brand new on-court feature makes for even more dramatic singles and doubles matches. Players can build up their Match Momentum gauge over the course of a match and revel in their improved ability as their players grow in confidence.

The new Online Mode offers an invigorating experience with the choice of a competitive and casual area to suit all players. This new hub promises a more competitive matchmaking system and online tournaments geared to seeking out the ultimate Virtua Tennis Champion.

Virtua Tennis 4 is developed by the original Virtua Tennis Team in Japan and will be available in spring 2011 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii.

Virtua Tennis 4 with the PlayStation Move isn’t just about hitting the ball; it’s about the angle of the racquet, the spin and speed of the ball and the power of the shot.  The advanced motion sensors of PlayStation Move precisely track both the fast and subtle movements of the controller allowing for pinpoint accurate shots as players improve their racquet skills.  Virtua Tennis 4 will also support 3D technology delivering unprecedented realism to the experience, bringing you closer than ever to being out on the court.

“Virtua Tennis 4 is a fantastic example of how our 3^rd Party partners are seeing the potential not just in PlayStation Move, but also 3D,” said Simon Rutter, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing at SCEE.  “The combination of both Move and 3D offers an entirely new gaming experience and one that has the potential to completely change how people interact with their entertainment.  Virtua Tennis 4 shows how this technology can be implemented and we are very excited to be working with SEGA on this.”

“We have always strived to provide a tennis experience that is both true to the sport and great fun to play, and we are continuing to work with Sony to make this happen”, commented Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA Europe and SEGA America. “With Virtua Tennis 4 being developed for PlayStation Move and featuring 3D technology, the boundaries of realism in sports video games are being pushed even further”.

With a host of additional features and the full player line-up to be revealed in the coming months, Virtua Tennis 4 is slated for release in 2011 and will be available on PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.