Software:Virtua Tennis 4

From HandWiki
Short description: 2011 sports video game
Virtua Tennis 4
European cover art
Developer(s)Sega
Devil's Details (PC)[1]
Publisher(s)Sega
Producer(s)Jun Yoshino
Designer(s)Mie Kumagai
SeriesVirtua Tennis
Platform(s)PlayStation 3
PlayStation Vita
Xbox 360
Wii
Microsoft Windows
Arcade
ReleasePlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360
  • EU: April 29, 2011
  • AU: May 5, 2011
  • NA: May 10, 2011
  • JP: June 30, 2011 (PS3, X360)
Windows
  • NA: June 24, 2011
  • AU: July 7, 2011
  • EU: July 8, 2011
PlayStation Vita
  • JP: December 17, 2011
  • NA: February 15, 2012
  • EU: February 22, 2012
  • AU: February 23, 2012
Arcade
2011
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer
Arcade systemSega RingEdge

Virtua Tennis 4, known in Japan as Power Smash 4 (パワースマッシュ4, Pawā Sumasshu 4), is the third sequel to Sega's tennis game franchise, Virtua Tennis. It was released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Wii and PlayStation Vita (the latter as Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition). This is the first main series Virtua Tennis game to not have an arcade release before the console releases. An arcade version was also released, which is powered by the PC-based Sega RingEdge arcade system. There are two versions of the cabinet: an upright 4-player cabinet, and a deluxe 4-player cabinet.[2][3]

Gameplay

The game supports the PlayStation Move controller on the PlayStation 3, the Kinect[4] on the Xbox 360, and the Wii MotionPlus on the Wii. All previously mentioned devices are optional, although the Wii MotionPlus is required for actual motion-controlled gameplay in the Wii version, which is controlled with the Wii Remote held sideways if the accessory is unavailable. Virtua Tennis 4 allows the player to step into the shoes of some of the world's best tennis pros. The game supports stereoscopic 3D on the PlayStation 3. In the motion control mode of all three console versions, the player's character will automatically move sideways in reaction to where the ball approaches, but the player controls how close they want to be to the net by either holding down a particular button (Wii) or adjusting one's physical distance from the television screen (PS3 and Xbox 360). There is a dynamic camera system in place, so when the ball is in the other half of the court, the camera pans out so that one can see one's position.

When the ball is coming towards the player, it glides into a first person viewpoint where the player can see their racquet in front of him and time their swing accordingly. The player can twist the racquet to adjust its face when it connects with the ball, allowing skilled players to apply spin.[5]

Players

A trailer was released on the YouTube channel of Sega America on January 20, 2011[6] with a partial list of players that were confirmed for the game. On their blog entry published the same day,[7] the seven new inclusions were revealed for the game.

Six days later, on the Facebook page of the game, the full list of players was released. On 31 March, 3 legends were included to the game, but those are exclusive for PlayStation 3 (along with 2 new mini-games).

As well as these players included in the game, the user has the option to create up to eight of their own players in the World Tour mode.

Playable Characters

Development

This is the first game to be developed by the original Virtua Tennis team since 2006.

Despite the fact that Sega opted to skip Gamescom, Virtua Tennis 4 was revealed at the convention at Sony's booth.[8]

World Tour Edition

An updated Vita port, entitled Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition, was released in Japan on December 17, 2011,[9] and was to simultaneously launch with the PlayStation Vita, along with being exclusive to Sony's new handheld.

The World Tour addition included many exclusive features. More mini-games were added, along with touch controllers. The players can also play in first person mode, and control the game using the Vita's gyroscope. Players may use the handheld's front camera to take a photo of their face, and have the game construct a character based on the photo (similar to the mechanics of the game Reality Fighters).[10] After the game downloads the image, the users edit the player in a light character customization screen. Different game templates were also added, allowing the user to play in various time periods, ranging from the early 20th century to one-hundred years in the future.[11]

Two players may now play using the same system, by turning it sideways in the style of Pong,[12] with each participant using a combination of touch control and buttons or analog to play. Augmented reality can be used to bring tennis players featured in the game to life on your system.[13] The users select a player, and have them brought into onto screen, with the background being whatever is facing the second camera on the system.

Online play had also been touched up on, allowing players to share stats, and allowing users to share comments on the other's game home screen.[11]

The game itself was enjoyed by players, critics, and actual tennis players alike (See Reception for more on the reviews). Tennis star Andy Murray stated that he enjoyed the game while playing against a representative from Sega, stating that he found it and entertaining, praised the graphics, and said his in game character was an accurate representation of him.[14]

As of July 2017, Virtua Tennis 4 is the only tennis simulation game available for the PlayStation Vita.[15]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPS VitaPS3WiiXbox 360
EurogamerN/AN/A8/10[21]N/A8/10[21]
FamitsuN/A35/40[22]31/40[23]N/A(360) 32/40[24]
31/40[24]
GameProN/AN/A3.5/5[25]N/AN/A
GameRevolutionN/AN/AB−[26]N/AB−[26]
GameSpotN/AN/A5.5/10[27]N/A5.5/10[28]
GameTrailersN/AN/AN/AN/A7.5/10[29]
GameZoneN/AN/AN/AN/A6/10[30]
IGNN/A7.5/10[10]7/10[31]7/10[31]7/10[31]
Jeuxvideo.com12/20[32]13/20[33]12/20[34]11/20[35]12/20[36]
Nintendo PowerN/AN/AN/A8/10[37]N/A
OXM (US)N/AN/AN/AN/A7.5/10[38]
Pocket GamerN/A4/5[39]N/AN/AN/A
PSMN/A8/10[40]7/10[41]N/AN/A
Push SquareN/A8/10[42]8/10[43]N/AN/A
The Digital FixN/A6/10[44]N/AN/AN/A
MetroN/A8/10[45]7/10[46]N/AN/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic66/100[16]77/100[17]69/100[18]65/100[19]70/100[20]

The game received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms except the World Tour Edition, which received "generally favorable reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[16][17][18][19][20] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of three nines and one eight for the PlayStation Vita version, and 31 out of 40 for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, while Famitsu X360 gave the latter console version a score of 32 out of 40.[22][23][24]

GameZone said of the Xbox 360 version, "By and large, Virtua Tennis 4 does adhere strongly to its roots, bringing enough excitement to lure a wider audience. However, it would be useful for a study to be conducted of similar titles, so that these updated features could find their way into the beloved franchise."[30] GameSpot said of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, "In almost every respect, Virtua Tennis 4 is outclassed by its rival Top Spin 4" because Virtua Tennis 4 has annoying music, too simple controls and unrealistic sound effects.[27][28]

The game sold over a million.[47]

References

  1. ↑ "Virtua Tennis 4 PC". http://www.devilsdetails.biz/project_virtua_tennis_4.html. 
  2. ↑ "Virtua Tennis 4 Upright". https://www.segaarcade.com/games/virtua-tennis-4-upright.html. 
  3. ↑ "Virtua Tennis 4 Deluxe". https://www.segaarcade.com/games/virtua-tennis-4-deluxe.html. 
  4. ↑ Ken (2011-04-30). "Virtua Tennis 4 Kinect Review". http://www.kinectronic.com/kinect-reviews/virtua-tennis-4/. 
  5. ↑ James Gallagher (2010-08-30). "A Few Rallies With Virtua Tennis 4 And PlayStation Move". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2010/08/30/a-few-rallies-with-virtua-tennis-4-and-playstation-move/. 
  6. ↑ Sega (2011-01-20). Virtua Tennis 4 – Trailer of Awesome. YouTube. Google. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2018-01-09.
  7. ↑ RubyEclipse (2011-01-20). "Virtua Tennis 4 announced for Xbox 360, Wii + new trailer!". http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2011/01/20/virtua-tennis-4-announced-for-xbox-360-wii-new-trailer. 
  8. ↑ George (2010-08-18). "Virtua Tennis 4 in action". http://segabits.com/blog/2010/08/18/virtua-tennis-4-in-action/. 
  9. ↑ Kellie (2011-06-07). "#SegaE3 – World's Greatest Tennis Stars head to NGP in Virtua Tennis 4". http://blogs.sega.com/2011/06/07/segae3-worlds-greatest-tennis-stars-head-to-ngp-in-virtua-tennis-4/. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Jack DeVries (2012-02-22). "Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/23/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition-review. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Mie Kumagai (2012-02-21). "Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition Serving Up Tomorrow". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2012/02/21/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition-serving-up-tomorrow/. 
  12. ↑ Jeff Rubenstein (2011-08-19). "Virtua Tennis 4 Serves PS Vita-exclusive Features, VT Apps". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/2011/08/19/virtua-tennis-4-serves-ps-vita-exclusive-features-vt-apps/. 
  13. ↑ Mie Kumagai (2012-02-16). "How Virtua Tennis: World Tour Edition Uses The PS Vita Cameras". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2012/02/16/how-virtua-tennis-world-tour-edition-uses-the-ps-vita-cameras/. 
  14. ↑ Alex Sloane (2012-06-28). "Virtua Tennis Meets Andy Murray And Serves Up Summer Competition!". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2012/06/28/virtua-tennis-meets-andy-murray-and-serves-up-summer-competition/. 
  15. ↑ "PlayStation Vita Games by Category > Sports > Individual > Tennis". Fandom. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/vita/category/101-sports-individual-tennis. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Virtua Tennis 4 for PC Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/virtua-tennis-4/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition for PlayStation Vita Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Virtua Tennis 4 for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/virtua-tennis-4/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Virtua Tennis 4 for Wii Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/virtua-tennis-4/critic-reviews/?platform=wii. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Virtua Tennis 4 for Xbox 360 Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/virtua-tennis-4/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Simon Parkin (2011-04-29). "Virtua Tennis 4 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/virtua-tennis-4-review. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Brian Valay (2011-12-21). "Famitsu review scores (12/20/11)". https://nintendoeverything.com/famitsu-review-scores-122011/. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "パワースマッシュ4 (PS3)" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=15914&redirect=no. Retrieved 2023-05-17. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 "パワースマッシュ4 (Xbox 360)" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=20434&redirect=no. Retrieved 2023-05-17. 
  25. ↑ Chris Holt (2011-05-10). "Review: Virtua Tennis 4 (PS3)". GamePro (GamePro Media). http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/219304/review-virtua-tennis-4/. Retrieved 2023-05-18. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Nicholas Tan (2011-05-23). "Virtua Tennis 4 Review (PS3, X360)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/51526-virtua-tennis-4-review-2. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Mark Walton (2011-05-17). "Virtua Tennis 4 Review (PS3)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtua-tennis-4-review/1900-6312955/. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Mark Walton (2011-05-11). "Virtua Tennis 4 Review (X360)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/virtua-tennis-4-review/1900-6313176/. 
  29. ↑ "Virtua Tennis 4 Review (X360)". Viacom. 2011-05-18. http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=13724. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Dan Liebman (2011-05-21). "Virtua Tennis 4 Review (X360)". https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/virtua-tennis-4-review/. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Jack DeVries (2011-05-11). "Virtua Tennis 4 Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/11/virtua-tennis-4-review. 
  32. ↑ Rivaol (2011-07-15). "Test: Virtua Tennis 4 (PC)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00015301-virtua-tennis-4-test.htm. 
  33. ↑ Rivaol (2012-02-20). "Test: Virtua Tennis 4 : World Tour Edition" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00016502-virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition-test.htm. 
  34. ↑ Rivaol (2011-04-25). "Test: Virtua Tennis (PS3)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00014771-virtua-tennis-4-test.htm. 
  35. ↑ Rivaol (2011-05-02). "Test: Virtua Tennis (Wii)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00014826-virtua-tennis-4-test.htm. 
  36. ↑ Rivaol (2011-05-02). "Test: Virtua Tennis (360)" (in fr). Webedia. https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00014830-virtua-tennis-4-test.htm. 
  37. ↑ "Virtua Tennis 4". Nintendo Power (Future US) 267: 88. May 2011. 
  38. ↑ Ryan McCaffrey (June 2011). "Virtua Tennis 4 review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US): 80. http://www.oxmonline.com/virtua-tennis-4-review. Retrieved 2023-05-17. 
  39. ↑ Alan Purvis (2012-02-21). "Power Smash 4 (Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition) [sic"]. Steel Media Ltd. https://www.pocketgamer.com/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition/power-smash-4-virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition/. 
  40. ↑ "Review: Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Future plc) (57): 60. April 2012. 
  41. ↑ "Review: Virtua Tennis 4". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Future plc) (46): 84. June 2011. 
  42. ↑ Sammy Barker (2012-03-06). "Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition Review". Gamer Network. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psvita/virtua_tennis_4_world_tour_edition. 
  43. ↑ James Newton (2011-05-03). "Virtua Tennis 4 Review". Gamer Network. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/2011/05/virtua_tennis_4_ps3. 
  44. ↑ Luciano Howard (2012-02-29). "Virtua Tennis 4 World Tour Edition". Poisonous Monkey. http://gaming.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/721/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition.html. 
  45. ↑ Mr. Pinkerton (2012-02-20). "Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition PS Vita review – new balls". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2012/02/20/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition-ps-vita-review-new-balls-325535/. 
  46. ↑ Mr. Pinkerton (2011-04-27). "Virtua Tennis 4 review – actually great (PS3)". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2011/04/27/virtua-tennis-4-review-653704/. 
  47. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20160329090631/https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/settlement/2012/20120511_hosoku_e_final.pdf#page=6
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
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