If you are looking for a game that doesn't have much substance, but is good fun to play while it lasts, then Virtua Athlete is the ideal game. Based around the Sydney Olympics, Sega's attempt at the Olympic gold is unfortunately more a bronze when compared to the likes of Sydney 2000 and International Track and Field.

This is not to say that the game is a complete shambles: the finely polished game does shine graphically, and what it does concentrate on, it does well. In Virtua Athlete the events follow the standard range, 100m Dash, Long Jump, 110m Hurdles, Shot Put, High Jump, Javelin and the finger numbing 1,500m are all present as you work your way through the seven events to be crowned with gold medals.

There are five difficult levels to challenge yourself with and if that wasn't enough, Sega have included the option to download, and upload, race data to a World Network Ranking System on Dreamarena.

If you are looking for a well-polished game, glorious eye candy and great pick up and play options then Virtua Athlete will definitely fill those needs. If however, a range of depth is more your game then one of the other Olympic titles might be better suited.--Stuart Miles

Great arcade style sports game, 11 Jul 2002
Although a lot of people dislike Virtua Athlete, I think the game is quitte good if you expect an arcade style sports. The game play is easy and the multi-player option is big fun. Don't expect a really big and long sports game made for a console, but just a straight arcade game. If you like arcade style sports you will love Virtua Athlete, but if you want a much deeper game with lots of options then go for Sydney 2000 or Int. Track & Field.

I've seen better..., 25 Aug 2000
I've played quite alot of sports games in my time but this has got be the worst yet.

The events look nice enough, but when it comes to gameplay the game really falls. I found the single player element disapointing, the multiplayer side seemed unbalanced.

I have played both this and Sydney 2000, and Sydney 2000 was far superior. If you are thinking or which to buy, dont go with this disapointing effort.