Top Spin

"Well, you can't say it's a bad game"

Introduction: First of all, I need to get something straight. You may think this game has professional players in it, which it does, but only about eight, and you can't face them til the last stages of the game.

Story: 1.5/10
Well, come on. You can't really expect a game like this to have a story. The story is this, if there is one. You're an up and coming young professional, and your dream is to become number one in the long list of rankings. You want to be better than Federer and the like, and if it means travelling the world and throwing yout enemies to the side, so be it. I made that up, but interesting, eh? That's basically your objective.

Music: 0.5/10
You can't really comment on music in Top Spin, because there isn't much music included in it. There isn't any music on the loading screens or anywhere, and I consider that fact outrageous.

Sound Effects: 8.7/10
Ah, that's more like it. The grunting and signs of physical and grueling mental pain in a tennis match visual by audio is the most detailed thing in the game. When you hit a powerful ace or a great winner down the line, your player shows signs of exhaustion by sighing or shouting. Also the commentator and umpire's accents are an added bonus, and they could make you laugh. Try comparing the American's accent to the Englishman's accent and see for yourself.

Graphics: 9.2/10
Once again, well done. The graphics are great really, and it's what tennis games are all made for. In a match, the players body language moves accordingly to the shot he has just played or is about to play. Even on the world map screen, if you land on an icon but don't press X, a little animated icon will appear. The only letdown to the graphics is the same picture of Roger Federer at every loading screen. It is so annoying!

Gameplay: 5/10
Yes, tennis is a fun game to play, but only when it's actually a challenge. Half the game is spent hitting the ball and getting points, and the opponent just stood there like a tree (especially if it's Sebastien Grosjean). Until you get to the grand slam section of the game, which is near the end, you'll think that you have a natural gift for this game, and as soon as you play a pro, you'll know that this game has a false sense of security and get frustrated. But at least you finally have a challenge. Top Spin will take around four to seven hours depending on how good you are.

Overall: 6/10
Top Spin isn't the best tennis game out there (try Virtua Tennis 3 and you'll know what I'm talking about), but it is still past satisfactory. If you're looking for a more adventurous contrasting tennis game then go for this one, but if you're looking for proper hardcore tennis, then VT3 is the one for you.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/08

Game Release: Top Spin (EU, 10/21/05)