Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis

"A very fun and enjoyable game."

Lets get a few things straight, Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis is not a very deep game. It doesn't have a long and fancy story or a wealth of in-depth modes. It is a very basic arcade-style table tennis game. But does that mean it's a bad game? Far from it. "Fun" is the order of the day in this game.

GAMEPLAY:
Gameplay is the meat and bones of this game. It is a basic table tennis set-up. You pick one of the many vibrant characters from the game and then proceed to outscore your opponent by playing table tennis. A simple task but a very fun one. The theory behind a table tennis game could be right or wrong. Table tennis isn't a very popular sport with regards to gaming. It would need to be done really well to work out. Thankfully the folks at Rockstar Games have done their homework. The game impresses without dragging you down into the murky depths of rules and regulations of the sport.

The games main options are rather simple. You have a tournament mode which splits the into three different levels on single player. The format for these tournaments is rather simple. Then you have the exhibition mode where you can play a set match at your own difficulty level and pace. Online mode is a must for any competitive Xbox 360 game this game is no different. Through Xbox Live you can play one-on-one matches with any opponent across the world. Official tournaments are also played online. Spectator mode is a good little addition too as it allows you to watch matches online not involving yourself.

As for the in-game controls, they are very easy to get to grips with but tough to master. You press the buttons to perform different shots. Now while that isn't exactly the most original of descriptions, Rockstar has implemented an excellent spin system in the game. The Y button is for backspin, X button for left-spin, B button for right-spin and the A button for the normal topspin shot. The inclusion of the right and left spin buttons really make the unique. You can put an outrageous level of spin on the ball and can pull off some brilliant looking shoots. All without "mastering" the game.

The game gets the balance right between being too easy and too hard. The game is fairly easy to get into but also tests you at the higher levels. This can lead to a lot of frustrating but exciting matches. You feel like you've actually achieved something when you beat an opponent at a higher level. The characters are also varied in their styles and approach to the game. The AI is good too. You feel like you're playing a living, breathing opponent when you play the computer.
RATING: 9/10

GRAPHICS AND PRESENTATION:
The graphics in Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis are superb. There is no getting away from that. Rockstar really pushed the boat out for this game and you will certainly not mistake it for last-gen technology. The game is the first Rockstar game using their newly designed RAGE graphics engine. This means smooth and crisp clothing, facial expressions and arenas. Even newer games than this have struggled to hit similar heights. I really can't find a fault in the game's graphics. Everything is done so well. Presentation is also done well. Each character/player is designed superbly, right down to the hairs on their legs and laces of their shoes. Their clothing moves is a realistic fashin and sweat appears after a long match. The arenas can be a little generic but that is just a small criticism.
RATING: 9/10

SOUND:
Sound is hard to judge in games like this as there is no set standard to compare to. With regards to crowd noise the game is rather solid. You get chants of support and murmours of excitement. The sound effects are fairly good. From the ball hitting the table to squeaking of the trainers as the players move around. Little comments and gestures from the players after a lost point or successful rally are also nice to see. Sound isn't too important in a game like this but the sound doesn't take you out of the match or gaming atmosphere.
RATING: 7/10

REPLAY VALUE:
This game is very addicting. It's one of those games that is easy to pick up and play but hard to put down. You could play through numerous tournaments just for fun and not feel bored. Online play also adds a whole layer of replay value as you fight to move up the rankings and battle online opponents. One big feature of this game is the unlockables. Unlocking items/clothing, etc seems to be a long-lost gaming art. In the past there would be tons of games out there with items to unlock to keep you playing. There is a lack of those type of games currently on the market. This game has a lot of unlockables. Ranging from clothing to arenas to even new characters. It certainly gives you many reasons for replaying the game. And many of these can be unlocked by just hitting a specific shot or point. There is no need to rush through the tournament mode at all.
RATING: 9/10

Overall Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis is a very fun and enjoyable game and well worth the purchase. Especially now it is at a very low price. Critics may say the game is too simple but I think the game is made to be that way and should be played accordingly. If you're expecting a detailed and in-depth sports game you may be disappointed but I recommend this game to any Xbox 360 owner who just wants a fun game. You don't even have to be a fan of table tennis to enjoy it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/10/07

Game Release: Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis (EU, 05/26/06)