I do not believe that video games should replace life.  They should offer at most, an escape from life.  Rockstar's new table tennis game could signal a very disturbing trend in gaming, and that is the introduction of tasks that can easily be done in life.

Sports games are very unique in the industry, in the sense that you can go outside and accomplish them, at the very least, on any given weekend.  However, I can understand the use for games like Madden and NHL 2k6.  These sports, to be fully simulated and not just pickup games, require large groups of people and time.  Since football is an outdoor sport, there is also a weather factor.  As far as hockey goes, I live in an area where there nearest rink is a few hours away. 

Games like table tennis require little time, effort, and for a match, only one other person.  I would be hard pressed to find any place in the United States where there isn't a table within walking distance, let alone driving distance.  One of the great things about table tennis, is that you do not have to be great at it to have fun with it.  The other great thing is that, unless all your friends are superstars on the world circuit, it should be easy to find someone at your level of play.

If you have any interest in table tennis, I would implore you not to buy this game.  It can only support the downfall of gaming, and unless you want to be playing a game about controlling a person watching television in the near future, I would suggest you stear clear.