Seeing as how it already has the simulation side of tennis covered with its Virtua Tennis series, Sega now heads to the other side of the net for something more casual. While Sega Superstars Tennis isn't the most original sports title around (it borrows inspiration from Nintendo's Mario Tennis games), it should most definitely be a fun one.

In the game, you select from a handful of characters, plucked straight from Sega's classic (and current) game library. These include the speedy Sonic the Hedgehog; his scheming nemesis Dr. Eggman; space reporter cutie Ulala (from Space Channel 5); dancing monkey Samba (from Sonic Team's cult classic Samba de Amigo); baby-faced chimp AiAi (from Super Monkey Ball); the skating sensation Beat (from the Jet Set Radio games); and the magical flying dream warrior NiGHTS. Other characters are available as well, unlockable over the course of the game.

Each of these players have certain attributes that come in handy over the course of the game. Along with strong and weak return shots, they also have specialty attacks to help them achieve victory. AiAi throws banana peels all over the opponent's side of the court, forcing them to slip up and miss returning the ball. Dr. Eggman has a few devious electrified tennis balls in his arsenal, while Sonic gains momentum by temporarily turning into his golden alter-ego, Super Sonic. We have yet to see what trick Samba has up his sleeve, but our guess is it has something to do with dancing along to Chumbawumba's "Tubthumping" or some other tune.

The thing that's neat about Sega Superstars Tennis is the personification that comes through on not only the players, but the design of each court. There are several fields to play on, including the Green Hill Zone from Sonic's universe, an outer-space court with dancing aliens and a "dream" court with rings surrounding it. You can unlock new ones, too.

What's better still are the Superstar Mode challenges, which Sega fans will absolutely adore. One has players lobbing balls at rockets while mice and cats from Chu Chu Rocket roam about. Another has you battling zombies with tennis balls, ala House of the Dead. (Or is that Tennis of the Dead?) Tournament and single-player modes are also available, in case you want to get into an arcade match or get your tennis skills up to speed. PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners will also receive the benefit of online play. You can challenge up to three others in a singles or doubles match to make quite a racket. (Mind the pun.) Nintendo Wii owners won't have such a benefit, but exclusive motion-based controls with the Wii remote should make up for that loss.

Superstars Tennis may not appeal to the super-serious sports fanatic, but that's not who Sega is putting it out there for. This one caters more to long-time fans of the company, although gamers of all ages should have no problem getting into its simple, entertaining gameplay. We'll have a full review next month when the game hits store shelves, so keep reading GameDaily to see if it scores an ace. With zombie fighting and a dancing monkey, how could it not?

Related Links

Sega Superstars Tennis Xbox 360 Game Guide

Sega Superstars Tennis PlayStation 3 Game Guide

Sega Superstars Tennis Nintendo Wii Game Guide

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