![Date Kimiko no Virtual Tennis [Model SHVC-VI] screenshot](images/game/61190_2.png "Date Kimiko no Virtual Tennis [Model SHVC-VI]")
Date Kimiko no Virtual Tennis © 1994 B-AI
Date Kimiko no Virtual Tennis is a tennis simulation game featuring the famed professional tennis player Kimiko Date. It attempts to replicate the professional circuit experience with a focus on realism, requiring players to account for court surfaces, shot selection, and stamina management rather than relying solely on arcade-style reflexes.
GAME ID: SHVC-VI
Celebrity Licensing: During the early-to-mid 90s, Japan saw a boom in sports titles featuring domestic icons. By centering the game around Kimiko Date, B-AI sought to capitalize on her massive popularity at the time. The game includes specific "Date-style" shot mechanics that players can unlock and master, reflecting the professional athlete's real-world playstyle.
Simulation Depth: Unlike its more arcade-oriented peers, this game utilizes a grid-based movement system that forces players to anticipate where the ball will land. It emphasizes proper positioning; if the player is not correctly aligned, the resulting shot is significantly weaker or more prone to error, simulating the tactical nature of professional tennis.
A Snapshot in Time: The game includes a variety of fictionalized tournament modes and exhibition circuits, providing a window into how tennis was presented in Japanese media during the mid-90s—complete with energetic, synth-heavy background tracks typical of that era’s sports titles.