Sega's Virtua Tennis 3 melts away hours faster than a microwave does butter. The game succeeds because of its user friendly controls, drawing people in and transforming them into tennis pros within minutes. However, it packs just enough nuance to separate the n00bs from the experienced gamers. It might boost the PlayStation 3's portfolio, even if the Xbox version feels better.

There is no online play. Despite the attractive graphics and modes, developer AM3 passed on delivering Internet functionality, forcing PS3 fans to invite people to their homes. Meanwhile, the Xbox 360 edition, created by Sumo Digital, includes Xbox Live support for Exhibition and Tournament matches. Ouch.

With that being said, AM3's done an excellent job delivering a quality product. The game contains the same user-friendly controls that made the series a hit, plunging gamers into a more realistic version of Pong. No need to memorize complex functions. Players use the left analog stick to maneuver their character, Square, X or Circle to hit the ball and Triangle to perform a lob. Pure, arcade craziness ensues, with gamers shooting comet style serves and fooling opponents with lobs when their foes rush the net. Some volleys last well over a minute, as both people (or four players in doubles matches) spread out over the court, forcing their adversaries to pace back and forth, barely reaching the ball with the tips of their rackets. Players fall down, recover and then smash the ball over the net and into someone's face. This normally leads to someone (in real life) leaping from his or her chair, fist pumping and demanding the loser call him or her daddy. The heated competitions that this game produces demand it.

It also looks more incredible than any tennis game before it. In their travels, players visit London, Milan, France, New York, Melbourne, and Barcelona, among other fun locations, each one brimming with detail. Surfaces, clay and grass look distinct. The sun casts stretched shadows across the courts. An electronic IBM board displays serve speeds. Thousands of fans clap in unison, ball boys and the line judge track the ball and the developers litter chairs, garbage cans and pieces of equipment on the sidelines. Furthermore, the game's 20 players -- a roster that includes tennis greats Venus Williams, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Tim Henman and Martina Hingis -- look good, though some, such as Mario Ancic could audition for a zombie film. Regardless, gamers will spot pock marks in skin, marvel at player likenesses and thoroughly enjoy the realistic animation. Characters still exhibit jerky movement, but the overwhelming fluidity makes it hard to spot.

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