yeah when i played the ps3 demo, i hated it and thought it was terrible because you play with an untrained character who seems to moonball everything. once you train your character this is not the case, rallies are much better and more powerful. im glad i gave the game a second chance. i have to say that the xbox version is much better graphically for some reason too, much sharper.
what i like the most is the fact that rallies are now more tactical. you cannot simply chase everything down as in previous VT games because movement is much slower and volleying is harder. You cannot get every ball ball in play. The supershot is a great addition too, and really adds to excitement of a match.
however the best thing about Vt4 for me is the player animations on hitting shots. They jump in the air as they hit the ball, EXACTLY like the pros, and it really feels like you are winding up power to unleash a shot. Its great, particularly on the inside out forehand.
Get the game, you will not be disappointed if you give it a chance.