GC 2006: SEGA Serves up new Virtua Tennis 3 info

Via IGN

SEGA has announced that the latest game in its acclaimed Virtua Tennis series is set to hit PSP and PC, alongside previously announced Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, when released early next year.



What's more, the company has revealed new gameplay details, including a brand new version of the game's World Tour Mode. With 10 new mini-games plus two old favourites, players can hone their skills via the player creation module in a bid to be World No. 1. Another addition, Court Games, adds a new string in the series' mulitplayer bow. Court Games are 'quirky variants' of Virtua Tennis 3's mini-games, playable against up to three human opponents. Finally, there's the addition of five set matches, rounding off the game's comprehensive feature list.

That's not all though. SEGA has secured the rights to a whole bunch of real-life tennis superstars who'll be making an appearance in the game. Heading up the women's roster is Amelie Mauresmo, 2006 Wimbledon Champion and World No. 1. Playing alongside are Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Nicole Vaidisova, Lindsay Davenport and Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova complete the line-up of playable female figures.

On the men's front, top seed and four times Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer leads the way, while players can also play as, or challenge, World No.2 Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Tim Henman and Lleyton Hewitt. Newcomers James Blake, Mario Ancic, Gael Monfils and Taylor Dent also put in an appearance while global tennis stars David Nalbandian, Sebastien Grosjean, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Tommy Haas complete the men's line-up.

Virtua Tennis 3 is set to hit Xbox 360, PS3, PSP and PC in spring 2007.