Metacritic Games

Sega Superstars Tennis (Xbox 360)

Sixteen fan-favorite SEGA characters from Sonic to NiGHTS are serving up fun in SEGA Superstars Tennis. Multiple madcap mini-games keep the party rolling and up to four friends can challenge each other in tournaments, exhibitions and unlockable special events. With hilarious cameos and comical guest umpires from SEGA's rich gaming history, this fun-filled tennis party promises to be a smashing good time for the whole family. Zany SEGA Characters with Superstar Abilities - Each of the 16 characters has their own superstar alter-ego, which gives them the winning edge on the court. Ten Fantastical Themed Courts - Guest umpires will supervise the action on a wide variety of colorful courts, from Sonic's lush Green Hill Zone to Ulala's galactic Space Channel 5 world, just to name a couple. Four Action-Packed Tournaments - As you slice your way through the competitive tournaments, you will unlock loads of bonus content. Classic Soundtrack - Faithfully recreated in full Dolby Digital 5.1, treasured SEGA tunes will entertain SEGA fans new and old. [Sega]

Sega
Sports, Tennis
Players: 4
E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)
Developer: Sumo Digital
Released March 18, 2008

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

67 / 100

Critic Reviews

85 Play Magazine
There's more than enough here to luv for Sega fans big and small. [Apr 2008, p.64]
80 MS Xbox World
SST is a decent foray into the tennis genre, but rather than rely on the basic game, throws lots of diversity into the mix with its mini games and challenges.
80 NZGamer
If you are looking for a mascot-based tennis game that doesn’t have “Mario” in the title - and a better variety of characters - give Sega Superstars Tennis a swing.
78 Xbox360Achievements
It isn't trying to be competition to the tennis sims, it's providing an alternative option that is simple, easy and fun.
75 IC-Games
If you’re a fan of Sega though you’ll simply love what Sumo have done with Superstars and the online tennis matches will certainly keep you coming back for more once you have lapped up the Superstars mode.
75 Team Xbox
While the minigames and Superstar moves are fun, the core tennis controls lack any semblance of depth.
74 Cheat Code Central
Those thinking the little blue guy had nothing left are sorely mistaken, as he does serve up a pretty good game of tennis. Fans of either classic Sega or Virtua Tennis will immediately feel comfortable with this title and find more than enough to satisfy them. Others may become bored with the repetitive mini-games.
73 Game Informer
Sega Superstars Tennis is by no means amazing, but it should manage to satisfy Sega and tennis fans alike.
73 Console Monster
If you are a SEGA nut like me, you will adore many aspects found in SEGA Superstars Tennis. You will also leave the experience however wanting more in both single player and online.
72 Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
Undoubtedly the best tennis game on 360 featuring Sonic. Except for... no, this is the best.
70 VideoGamer
It lacks the depth required of a game that will stand the test of time and live on for months if not years to come, but for simple fun, either alone or with a few mates, SEGA has a winner on its hands.
70 360 Gamer Magazine UK
As winter fades away and blues skies appear, Sega Superstars Tennis will brighten up even the most miserable of days with solid gameplay, fun characters and great courts to play on.
70 Total Video Games
As a compilation of all things SEGA and great we love SEGA Superstars Tennis, so it's quite a disappointment when the actual gameplay stumbles like Sonic on a banana skin.
70 GameDaily
We love the online play, Superstar moves and homage to Sega games like Sonic, The House of the Dead, Samba de Amigo and Jet Set Radio. It's fan service all the way. But the lack of a World Tour mode and ease of difficulty cripples the game's long-term appeal.
70 GameSpot
The tennis is merely average, but the challenges and minigames in Sega Superstars Tennis are creatively done and a lot of fun.
70 GameTap
Sega Superstars Tennis isn’t the best tennis game out there, especially since the actual tennis isn’t even as close to being as smooth or challenging as something like the Virtua Tennis or Top Spin games, but it can be just as rewarding for Sega fans and those people looking for a simple and fun approach to the sport.
70 EuroGamer
SEGA fans, run don't walk to the shops, but be prepared to give Superstars a few hours before the gameplay starts hugging you as hard as the graphics and sound. Everyone else, dust off Virtua Tennis 3 for a more complete alternative.
70 Edge Magazine
Sega Superstars Tennis is well-crafted, lovingly garish, and it plays a solid game. [Apr 2008, p.97]
70 Official Xbox Magazine UK
The ultimate Sega party game. [Apr 2008, p.90]
70 Totally360
Uncomplicated, and great for younger gamers and Sega fanboys alike. Instantly playable and with plenty to wave your racket at.
70 PTGamers
Superstars Tennis may as well be a dream for Sega fans, but hardly will win any converts.
70 Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
Sumo Digital managed to offer simple but well implemented gameplay. Some of the stages and mini-games are fun, even if it’s only for the nostalgic ride. But they don’t make up for the fact that we miss some more tennis matches. Anyway, if you ever dreamt of seeing the dwarf from Golden Axe in the same stage as Ulala and Amigo…you might as well give it a try. [Apr 2008]
70 Destructoid
It's a damn solid game, with bright and beautiful graphics, simple but fun gameplay and a significant wad of content.
70 Gamervision
Overall, Sega Superstars Tennis is not a great tennis game, but it's certainly not a bad one, either. It looks pretty, plays well (if simply) and runs great.
70 Gamestyle
Still, there are very few tennis games on the Xbox 360 at the moment, and while hardened fans of the sport may want to hold off for Top Spin 3, Sega fans will lap this fan service up.
70 DarkZero
In all honesty, the simplification of the controls and hit-miss nature of the superstar mode mean that Sega Superstar Tennis isn’t quite as good as the tennis masterclass that was "Virtua Tennis 3."
69 Ferrago
I guess at the end of the day, the new Beetle just served as a reminder of what a good car the Golf is. Content over style is the decider again for me.
69 GameZone
The online isn’t perfect with lag and a lack of players to play with, but it sure can be fun when everything clicks.
68 Jolt Online Gaming UK
Sega Superstars Tennis offers some interesting diversions, but the main meat of the package is lacking the bite it requires to be a great game.
68 Games Master UK
Disappointing stuff. The tennis action just isn't as joyous as its presentation. [Apr 2008, p.55]
67 1UP
It's just a shame that, due to Sega's mismanagement of its properties over the last decade or so, Superstars Tennis comes too late to fully resonate with today's gaming audience.
67 GameShark
Unfortunately, for adults, the core tennis game doesn’t present any real challenge. This is one best purchased for the kids.
65 PALGN
Sega Superstars Tennis mixes tennis and mini games and unfortunately doesn't excel at either.
65 GameTrailers
Sega Superstars would have benefited from a more diverse character lineup, as the roster leans rather heavily on a few select franchises.
65 Worth Playing
The game is even fun at first, until you hit the curse of repetitive gameplay and inconsistent AI, which is where it all falls apart.
64 Planet Xbox 360
The real problem with Sega Superstars Tennis is really that it is aimed at kids who are too young to remember most of these characters and casual gamers who could care less. Gamers who fondly remember these classic characters are not likely to sit around and play minigames and mediocre arcade tennis for hours on end.
64 IGN
It's a bit of a yawn that ends up feeling like a barely good enough cash-in. The environments and characters are largely well-done, but the control scheme and dull mini-games drag SEGA Superstars Tennis down.
60 Official Xbox Magazine
The action is incredibly easy. We rarely had trouble with events, particularly the formal tennis matches.
60 GameSpy
Sega Superstars Tennis isn't a bad game, it's just that it offers little to differentiate it from Virtua Tennis 3 outside of the inclusion of classic Sega characters.
60 Wired
I wouldn't recommend that version of Sega Superstars Tennis to anyone who isn't a massive fan of the company. I had high hopes, but with so many simple yet crucial issues here, it looks like we're going to have to wait for the inevitable sequel before truly enjoying our trip down memory lane.
58 Electronic Gaming Monthly
Entertaining enough at first, but lacking any staying power. [Apr 2008, p.78]
50 X360 Magazine UK
You'd have to be really fanboyish to get some enjoyment out of this. [Issue#31, p.88]
50 games(TM)
A dull, short-lived grind. [May 2008, p.123]
25 Game Revolution
If the actual tennis wasn’t tedious and mundane, you wouldn’t have to ask whether Sega Superstars Tennis was just used to justify a reunion of Sega characters, or the other way around.

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