Top Spin 2 still Top
May 3rd 2006 10:01
Admittedly, I am an avid tennis fan, having watched and played tennis since I was 7. Having said that, I am also an avid video game fan (and player) – so putting these 2 together makes me a happy boy
. I still remember the day I played Anna Kournikova tennis on the PSX, a very arcady game with quick pace and fancy music. This was quite entertaining, but didn’t really relate to the realism involved in tennis match. Following this title, a famous title (in my view) Virtua Tennis was released in the arcade and on the Sega Dreamcast. This title, along with its sequel Virtua Tennis 2k2 were stunners of a game, featuring real characters (go Patrick Rafter!) and realistic animation. Game play was a bit more realistic, however at times the speed of Norman and the power of Moya was too much for some gamers to handle (some shots were too incredible to be real).
Federer in his prime
In comes 2K Sports with their own tennis game – Top Spin (which was initially released on the Xbox). The game play was very similar to Sega’s Virtua Tennis, but addressed a majority of the flaws found in Sega’s title. With the added realism in graphics (Xbox power!) and a new line up of real life tennis sponsors and players (go Pete Sampras) – another classic tennis title was made.
After its massive success on the Xbox, 2K Sports has released a new and “upgraded” version of Top Spin for the Xbox360 and their new title does not disappoint. The key essence which makes this game so enjoyable is the outstanding graphics and sound, but more importantly the realism in game play.
Players have the option to use up to four different types of tennis shots, including slice, top spin, normal returns and lobs. Additionally, these shots can be altered using risk and power shots which add more flavour and tension to the game play. I also found that the ‘taunt’ feature was quite amusing and really annoyed my friend as I beat him to the ‘taunt’ after a heated rally!
A match I would definitely like to see!
An interesting mode which is an integral part of the game is the career mode. This mode allows you to create a unique tennis character from a large selection of facial and body types. You can even create a clone of yourself (or close enough) to compete against 24 licensed characters (including Roger Federer) and a great line up of computer players in your battle to reach number 1. Whilst playing your career, you can choose an official sponsor and gradually enter harder (and more rewarding) tournaments as you progress. Specialising in game play and training is also essential in building up your character, allowing you to become a volleyer, ace, base-line or even an all-rounder player.
Game play still quick and realistic
This is quite an enjoyable game with high replay value and entertainment, especially when executing a long rally with a friend, or a comical doubles match with 3 other friends (that can turn out really nasty!).
A highly recommended game and out now on the Xbox360 (and also the Nintendo DS and Gameboy Advance).
Check out the Official Top Spin 2 site here.
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Comment by Stanley
Comment by Dani