Sega Superstars Tennis

Last updated

Sega Superstars Tennis
SEGA Superstars Tennis.jpg
Developer(s) Sumo Digital
Feral Interactive (OS X) [1]
Publisher(s) Sega
Feral Interactive (OS X)
Composer(s) Richard Jacques
SeriesSega All-Stars
Platform(s)
Release
  • NA: March 18, 2008
  • EU: March 20, 2008
  • AU: March 27, 2008
Mac OS X
  • WW: October 17, 2013
Genre(s) Sports game
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Sega Superstars Tennis is a sports video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. [2] It is the second title in the Sega All-Stars series, preceded by Sega Superstars (2005), and crosses over characters, locations, and soundtracks from several Sega franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog , Space Channel 5 , and Super Monkey Ball .

Contents

The game was originally released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and Wii, followed by releases for Mac OS X and multiple mobile versions. Upon release, the game received mixed reviews from critics, with reviewers praising the game's Sega-theming and variety of content but criticizing the core gameplay.

The game was followed up by two racing game entries, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (2010) and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (2012).

Gameplay

An example of multiplayer gameplay during one of the minigames. Sega Superstars Tennis Puyo Pop gameplay.jpeg
An example of multiplayer gameplay during one of the minigames.

The gameplay in Sega Superstars Tennis is similar to Sega's Virtua Tennis series, with characters able to perform techniques such as lob shots and drop shots. Characters each have different statistics and proficiency in specific areas, such as power or control. Each character also has their own unique "Superstar State", a special ability that can be activated once an accompanying meter is filled. The effects of a Superstar State vary depending on the character; for example, Sonic transforms to Super Sonic and causes the ball to zig-zag when hit, while Gilius summons thunderbolts that can temporarily stun opponents. The game features 10 courts themed after various Sega games, such as Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog and Shibuya Downtown from Jet Set Radio . [3]

Sega Superstars Tennis features several gameplay modes. Superstars mode allows the player to complete various missions themed around a specific Sega games, which take the form of exhibition matches, tournaments and minigame score challenges; completing these missions will unlock new areas based on other games with additional sets of missions to complete. Players will unlock new additional characters, courts, and music for use in gameplay as they progress through Superstars. Match mode offers standard tennis gameplay in singles or doubles matches for up to four players locally, while Tournament mode allows a single player to compete in a series of five sequential matches against random computer opponents. There are also several playable minigames that feature alternate gameplay styles inspired by other Sega games, including Space Harrier , Puyo Pop Fever , ChuChu Rocket! , and Virtua Cop . The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions also support online multiplayer. [3]

The Wii version features support for three different control schemes: the Wii Remote with Nunchuk, the Wii Remote sideways, and the Classic Controller. The Nintendo DS version of the game can be played with the standard control pad or the touch screen. [3]

Playable characters

Sega Superstars Tennis features 16 playable characters originating from eight different Sega franchises. Eight characters are available from the start, while the remaining eight must be unlocked through Superstars mode. [3] The game marks the first 3D appearances of both Alex Kidd ( Alex Kidd ) [4] and Gilius Thunderhead ( Golden Axe ) in a video game, and marks Alex Kidd's first playable appearance in eighteen years following the 1990 release of Alex Kidd in Shinobi World . [4]

Reception

Sega Superstars Tennis received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [8] [6] [7] [9] [5]

Though it was praised for its multiplayer and enjoyable gameplay, the lack of graphical detail and online support was criticized. Eurogamer praised the Xbox 360 version for its fan service. [12] Official Nintendo Magazine reviewed the Wii version, saying that it had great gameplay and fun minigames and was enjoyable in multiplayer. However, the game just missed out on a Gold Award (which is given to games that score 90% or higher in their reviews) due to the lack to Nintendo Wi-Fi support and blasted Sega for the omission due to Wi-Fi being supported on the Xbox and PS3, commenting that as Nintendo Wi-Fi had already proven its capabilities with other games, it appeared that Sega simply couldn't be bothered to include it. [34] IGN called the Wii version "a tennis game that should have been better than it is." They criticized the lack of detail in the graphics, the muffled sound effects, simplistic gameplay, and the lack of an online mode, which is present in the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. [28]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Sonic the Hedgehog</i> (2006 video game) Platform game by Sega

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 2006 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. It was produced in commemoration of the Sonic series' 15th anniversary and intended as a reboot for the seventh-generation video game consoles. Players control Sonic, Shadow, and the new character Silver, who battle Solaris, an ancient evil pursued by Doctor Eggman. Each playable character has his own campaign and abilities, and must complete levels, explore hub worlds and fight bosses to advance the story. In multiplayer modes, players can work cooperatively to collect Chaos Emeralds or race to the end of a level.

<i>Madden NFL 07</i> 2006 American football video game

Madden NFL 07 is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the first in the video game series to debut for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles as launch titles and the last Madden game to be released on the Game Boy Advance. Former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is on the cover.

<i>Madden NFL 08</i> 2007 American football video game

Madden NFL 08 is a 2007 American football video game based on the National Football League that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the 19th installment in the Madden NFL video game franchise. It features Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young on the cover; San Diego Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo was the cover athlete for the Spanish-language version. This was the first Madden game made for 11 different platforms, it was released on August 14, 2007, for Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Xbox, GameCube and Microsoft Windows. There was also a version for Mac released on September 1, 2007. This was the last version of Madden to be released for Microsoft Windows until Madden NFL 19, and the last video game for the GameCube produced and released in North America.

<i>WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008</i> 2007 professional wrestling video game

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a professional wrestling video game published by THQ in November 2007, and developed by Yuke's for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation Portable video game consoles, with Amaze Entertainment overseeing development for the Nintendo DS version.

<i>Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08</i> 2007 video game

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is a sports video game released by EA Sports on all major seventh-generation platforms along with the PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. EA Tiburon developed every version except the Nintendo DS version, which was worked on by Exient Entertainment.

<i>Race Driver: Grid</i> 2008 racing video game

Race Driver: Grid is a 2008 racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, arcade, Java ME and OS X. It is the first game in the Grid series.

<i>Top Spin 3</i> 2008 video game

Top Spin 3 is the third title in the Top Spin series of video games. The game was developed by PAM Development and published by 2K. New game elements include real-time weather effects, more options of professional tennis players, an in-depth character creation tool and new unparalleled gameplay mechanics. It also features impressive advancements in an audio/visual sense with improved Dolby Digital surround sound and "Evolutionary" visuals. Top Spin 4 was released as a sequel about three years later.

<i>Madden NFL 09</i> 2008 video game

Madden NFL 09 is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the 20th annual installment in the Madden NFL video game franchise. The game was released for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, and mobile phones. It was the last video game for the original Xbox produced and released in North America and the last Madden game released for the Nintendo DS.

<i>WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009</i> 2008 professional wrestling video game

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and published by THQ for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii, and Xbox 360 video game consoles, with TOSE overseeing development for the Nintendo DS version. The game was first released on November 9, 2008 in North America. It is the tenth overall installment in the video game series based on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) promotion, and the fifth game under the SmackDown vs. Raw name, named after the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brands. It is the sequel to 2007's SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 and the second game to feature the promotion's ECW brand.

<i>NBA Live 09</i> 2008 basketball video game

NBA Live 09, sometimes called NBA Live 2009, is the 2008 installment in the NBA Live series, developed and published by Electronic Arts. The original release date was October 7, 2008. The game features Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs on the cover in most markets. The Wii version of the game, developed by HB Studios, is titled NBA Live 09 All-Play and launched under EA Sports' new All-Play brand exclusive to the platform. This was the final NBA Live game released for the Wii as well as the final game in the series to be generally available on a Nintendo platform and the last for the PlayStation 2.

<i>WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010</i> 2009 professional wrestling video game

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and published by THQ for PlayStation 2 (PS2), PlayStation 3 (PS3), PlayStation Portable (PSP), Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, and iOS. It was released worldwide in October 2009, with the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions for Japan in January 2010. TOSE oversaw the development for the Nintendo DS version, which was the last installment to be released for the handheld. 2010 was also the first installment to be released as an iPhone app, launching on App Store on December 23 the same year.

<i>The Bigs 2</i> 2009 video game

The Bigs 2 is a baseball sports video game developed by Blue Castle Games and published by 2K for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, and PlayStation Portable. The game serves as the direct sequel to The Bigs. The first trailer for the game was released revealing players like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roberto Clemente, and Reggie Jackson and a number of other Hall of Famers. Milwaukee Brewers All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder is the cover athlete chosen by 2K Sports. For the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii editions of the game, the English play-by-play announcer is Damon Bruce while the Japanese announcer is Kasey Ryne Mazak. It was released in 2009. The game was indirectly followed-up by Nicktoons MLB.

<i>Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing</i> 2010 video game

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is a 2010 kart racing video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. It was released for Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, and Windows, featuring characters from multiple Sega franchises. The game is the third title in the Sega All-Stars series, preceded by Sega Superstars Tennis. A mobile version was developed by Gameloft, and released for iOS in June 2011, as a paid download. A version for OS X was released by Feral Interactive in April 2013.

<i>NHL 2K10</i> 2009 ice hockey video game

NHL 2K10 is an ice hockey sports video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K, part of the NHL 2K series. It was released on September 15, 2009 for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360. Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda provide commentary as they did for NHL 2K9. NHL 2K10 was the final 2K Sports ice hockey video game released for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, as NHL 2K11 was released only for the iOS and Wii.

<i>Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands</i> 2010 video game

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands refers to a group of 2010 action-adventure video games developed and published by Ubisoft, with each version handled by different internal teams. The main version was developed for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows; other versions were developed for Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, mobile and web browsers, and a notable version for the Wii. It forms part of the Prince of Persia series, and is set within the continuity of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003).

<i>MySims SkyHeroes</i> 2010 video game

MySims SkyHeroes is a video game developed by Behaviour Interactive and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sixth and final game in the MySims series. The game was released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360.

<i>Sonic Colors</i> 2010 video game

Sonic Colors is a 2010 platform game published by Sega. It follows Sonic's quest to stop his nemesis Doctor Eggman from enslaving an alien race and taking over the world. The gameplay is similar to prior Sonic games, with players collecting rings and defeating enemies; the camera perspective often switches from third-person to side-scrolling perspectives. The game also introduces Wisps, power-ups the player can use to increase attack power and reach new areas.

<i>Virtua Tennis 4</i> 2011 sports video game

Virtua Tennis 4, known in Japan as Power Smash 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. 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.

<i>Thor: God of Thunder</i> 2011 video game

Thor: God of Thunder is an action hack and slash video game based on the Marvel Studios film Thor. The game was developed by Liquid Entertainment and co-written by Matt Fraction. Thor: God of Thunder marks Thor's first standalone appearance in a video game and features the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Jaimie Alexander, who reprise their roles from the film. The game was released in 2011 for Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game can be played in 3D on 3DTVs and on 2DTVs via TriOviz Inificolor 3D glasses. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were met with unfavorable reviews, while the Wii, DS, and 3DS versions were met with mixed reviews.

<i>Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed</i> 2012 video game

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a kart racing video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. It was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U in November 2012, for PlayStation Vita in December 2012, for Windows in January 2013, for Nintendo 3DS in February 2013, and for Android and iOS devices in January 2014. The PS3 and Wii U versions of the game were released in Japan on May 15, 2014.

References

  1. "Game, set and Mac! SEGA Superstars Tennis out on October 17". Feral Interactive. October 3, 2013. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  2. Nelson, Randy (February 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis: Sega serves up fan love". PlayStation: The Official Magazine . No. 3. p. 36.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Thomas, Aaron (March 24, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis Review (PS2, PS3, Wii, X360)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 23, 2019. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  4. 1 2 Buchanan, Levi (November 1, 2021). "Alex Kidd Retrospective". IGN. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  5. 1 2 "Sega Superstars Tennis for DS Reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on January 14, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  6. 1 2 "Sega Superstars Tennis for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Sega Superstars Tennis for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Sega Superstars Tennis for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Sega Superstars Tennis for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  10. Sterling, Jim (April 10, 2008). "Destructoid review: Sega Superstars Tennis (X360)". Destructoid . Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  11. Edge staff (April 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis (X360)". Edge . No. 187. p. 97.
  12. 1 2 Bramwell, Tom (March 18, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis (Xbox 360)". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  13. 1 2 Vore, Bryan (May 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis (PS3, X360)". Game Informer . No. 181. Archived from the original on May 1, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  14. Vore, Bryan (May 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis (Wii)". Game Informer. No. 181. Archived from the original on March 23, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  15. Balistrieri, Emily (March 18, 2008). "Review: SEGA Superstars Tennis (DS)". GamePro . Archived from the original on March 20, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  16. Gori, Andrew (April 11, 2008). "Review: SEGA Superstars Tennis (PS3)". GamePro. Archived from the original on April 12, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  17. Rowe, Brian (June 2, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis - DS Review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  18. 1 2 Tan, Nick (April 16, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis Review (PS3, X360)". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on October 1, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  19. Thomas, Aaron (March 25, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis Review (DS)". GameSpot . Archived from the original on February 19, 2019. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  20. Graziani, Gabe (March 28, 2008). "GameSpy: Sega Superstars Tennis (X360)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on September 20, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  21. "Sega Superstars Tennis Review (X360)". GameTrailers. April 2, 2008. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  22. David, Mike (March 26, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis - NDS - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on September 28, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  23. Bedigian, Louis (March 30, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis - PS3 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  24. Grabowski, Dakota (April 6, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis - 360 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  25. Harris, Craig (March 18, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis Review (NDS)". IGN . Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  26. 1 2 3 Geddes, Ryan (March 19, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis Review (PS2, PS3, X360)". IGN. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  27. IGN AU staff (March 27, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis AU Review (PS3)". IGN. Archived from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  28. 1 2 Casamassina, Matt (March 18, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis Review (Wii)". IGN. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  29. "Sega Superstars Tennis (DS)". Nintendo Power . Vol. 227. April 2008. p. 89.
  30. "Sega Superstars Tennis (Wii)". Nintendo Power. Vol. 227. April 2008. p. 85.
  31. McCaffrey, Ryan (May 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis". Official Xbox Magazine . Archived from the original on March 14, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  32. "Review: Sega Superstars Tennis (PS2)". PlayStation: The Official Magazine. No. 7. June 2008. p. 81.
  33. 1 2 3 Cavalli, Earnest (March 26, 2008). "Review: Sega Superstars Tennis Is Not Quite Super (PS3, Wii, X360)". Wired . Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  34. Scullion, Chris (April 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis Review (Wii)". Official Nintendo Magazine : 70. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2016.