Too Many Flaws!
I like some parts of this game - controls are excellent - gives the feel of the sport with finger swipes. What is missing: better way to see where you are in the draw of a tournament; seeing your characters name on a score board (if you use your name); hearing the chair use your name instead of "player 1" all the time. But what I HATE is the artificial rivalry construct in this game between you and Theron Thennial. The designers gave this single character super human powers (most of the time) which undermines the game experience and makes me want to chuck my iPhone out the window!! It feels like the computer is playing against you in its own version of a "cheat mode"! Also the game does not use real pro names and championships (eg. Wimbledon) - - clearly a licence and cost issue but a shortcoming that also undermines the experience. Also when your opponent reaches 100% concentration during a rally the game suddenly cuts away to a slow-mo view of him hitting the ball - profoundly irritating and throws off your timing for the return! For some reason you get stuck playing the same series of three tournaments for days sometimes - even when you win all three!! You can only replay them until the date resets. Be nice to see trophy ceremony cut away after major championship wins. Also way too many auto instant replay cut aways and with many ineffective viewpoints too. Many rreplays show merely routine points and ignore the amazing winners - that you really might want to see again! Instant replays also never seem to cover volleys at net or match points. Finally some tournaments pit you against the #1 seed in the first round (fine) but it can happen even when you are the #2 seed - that never happens in real tennis!!
I cannot recommend this game!! It could be great but ...
Gibnibbler about
Virtua Tennis Challenge, v1.1