SEGA has today announced the next iteration of the Virtua Tennis series, Virtua Tennis 2009.
Alongside the obligatory graphical makeover, Virtua Tennis 2009 features all of the top players, including U.S. Open champion Roger Federer and Wimbledon ladies singles winner Venus Williams, and includes new entries to the roster, notably Britain’s Andy Murray and French Open winner, Ana Ivanovic.
Game modes include single, doubles and mixed doubles matches. There will also be the opportunity to play in the Davis Cup, giving gamers the opportunity play for national pride. World Tour mode is also back, but will now feature an online component as well as a worldwide ranking system. Customization has also been expanded on, with the Tennis store now hosting over 800 items, allowing you to create your own unique player.
SEGA says that Virtua Tennis 2009 will retain its classic arcade style, but tweaks to the match engine have been made. Included in the list of enhancements is improved net play, serving and volleying, while a new player stumbling feature aims to make the experience feel more realistic on the court.
Fans of Virtua Tennis’ crazy mini-games will also be glad to hear that they make a return in 2009, with familiar challenges and plenty of new ones to get stuck into. This time around though, they’ll also be available to play in online multiplayer.
Virtua Tennis 2009 is due for release in May on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.