Sega Superstars Tennis

Sega Superstars Tennis
The universal artwork for Sega Superstars Tennis
DevelopersSumo Digital
Feral Interactive (OS X)[1]
PublishersSega
Feral Interactive (OS X)
ComposerRichard Jacques
SeriesSega All-Stars
Platforms
Release
  • NA: March 18, 2008
  • EU: March 20, 2008
  • AU: March 27, 2008
Mac OS X
  • WW: October 17, 2013
GenreSports game
ModesSingle-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 (2004), and crosses over characters, locations, and soundtracks from several Sega franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Channel 5, and Super Monkey Ball. It is the first and only Sega-themed tennis game to represent multiple franchises, and is the first game to feature Alex Kidd (Sega's former mascot) since the release of Alex Kidd in Shinobi World (1990).[3]

After having worked on Virtua Tennis 3, Sumo Digital expressed interest in making a Sega-themed tennis game. Sega Superstars Tennis was officially announced in October 2007 by Sega, and released on 18 March 2008 in North America. It 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, Sega Superstars Tennis 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 also praised for including well-received and unique characters, including Ulala from Space Channel 5, and NiGHTS from NiGHTS into Dreams. The game was later bundled with the Xbox Live Arcade game compilation for the Xbox 360. By July 2013, the game had sold more than 5.36 million copies across all platforms, earning it a Guinness World Record for the "Best-Selling Tennis Video Game" of all-time.[4]

The game was followed up by two racing game entries, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (2010) and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (2012). It was one of the last tennis games developed by Sumo Digital, alongside Virtua Tennis 2009.

Gameplay

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 ten courts themed after various Sega games, such as Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog and Shibuya Downtown from Jet Set Radio.[5]

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.[5]

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.[5]

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.[5] The game marks the first 3D appearances of both Alex Kidd[3] 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.[3]

Reception

Sega Superstars Tennis received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[33][31][32][34][30] It received a mixed reaction for its repetitive gameplay and overwhelming challenges, while receiving praise for its representation of Sega's heritage, minigames, and multiplayer functionality.

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.[8] 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.[35] 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.[24]

Accolades

In July of 2013, Sega Superstars Tennis was recognized by the Guinness World Records for being the best-selling standalone tennis game of all-time, across all platforms. According to the certificate, the game had sold over 5.36 million copies worldwide at the time.[4]

See also

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. ^ a b c Buchanan, Levi (November 1, 2021). "Alex Kidd Retrospective". IGN. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Best-selling tennis videogame". Guinness World Records. Archived from the original on September 18, 2025. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h 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.
  6. ^ Sterling, Jim (April 10, 2008). "Destructoid review: Sega Superstars Tennis (X360)". Destructoid. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  7. ^ Edge staff (April 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis (X360)". Edge. No. 187. p. 97.
  8. ^ a b Bramwell, Tom (March 18, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis (Xbox 360)". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  9. ^ a b 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.
  10. ^ Vore, Bryan (May 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis (Wii)". Game Informer. No. 181. Archived from the original on March 23, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  11. ^ Balistrieri, Emily (March 18, 2008). "Review: SEGA Superstars Tennis (DS)". GamePro. Archived from the original on March 20, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  12. ^ Gori, Andrew (April 11, 2008). "Review: SEGA Superstars Tennis (PS3)". GamePro. Archived from the original on April 12, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  13. ^ Rowe, Brian (June 2, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis - DS Review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  14. ^ a b 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.
  15. ^ Thomas, Aaron (March 25, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis Review (DS)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 19, 2019. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  16. ^ Graziani, Gabe (March 28, 2008). "GameSpy: Sega Superstars Tennis (X360)". GameSpy. Archived from the original on September 20, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
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  18. ^ David, Mike (March 26, 2008). "Sega Superstars Tennis - NDS - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on September 28, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  19. ^ Bedigian, Louis (March 30, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis - PS3 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  20. ^ Grabowski, Dakota (April 6, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis - 360 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  21. ^ Harris, Craig (March 18, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis Review (NDS)". IGN. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  22. ^ a b c 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.
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ a b Casamassina, Matt (March 18, 2008). "SEGA Superstars Tennis Review (Wii)". IGN. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  25. ^ "Sega Superstars Tennis (DS)". Nintendo Power. Vol. 227. April 2008. p. 89.
  26. ^ "Sega Superstars Tennis (Wii)". Nintendo Power. Vol. 227. April 2008. p. 85.
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  28. ^ "Review: Sega Superstars Tennis (PS2)". PlayStation: The Official Magazine. No. 7. June 2008. p. 81.
  29. ^ a b c Cavalli, Earnest (March 26, 2008). "Review: Sega Superstars Tennis Is Not Quite Super (PS3, Wii, X360)". Wired. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  30. ^ a b "Sega Superstars Tennis for DS Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on January 14, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  31. ^ a b "Sega Superstars Tennis for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  32. ^ a b "Sega Superstars Tennis for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  33. ^ a b "Sega Superstars Tennis for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  34. ^ a b "Sega Superstars Tennis for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  35. ^ 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.
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