Developer: 2K Czech
Publisher: 2K Sports
Rating Guide: How I Review Games

Review:

It’s tough to repeat initial success.  The first Top Spin game was a serious player for the best tennis game I’ve ever played.  And then came the sequels which weren’t so hot.  I had given up on the franchise actually.  But I’m happy to say that Top Spin 4 brings the series back to near greatness.

Game, set…match!

Gameplay, Graphics and Sound

The thing about tennis is that it’s less about being technical than it is about the passion of the matches.  Ask anyone about a tennis game and they’ll tell you that Nadal, Serena, Venus and all the noticeable tennis players play with a huge amount of passion.  It’s difficult to translate that into a game but Top Spin 4 does just that.  It brings the energy of the game to life.

The way the game’s camera captures the style of a TV broadcast is great.  It’s complete with all the slow motion replays and even locker room pre-game moments.  It brings so much of the tennis “life” into the game with its simplicity.  You feel like you’re part of the broadcast before the match even begins.

Those of you familiar with the franchise should pick right up on the game’s controls.  You guide your shots with the right analog stick and decide which type of serve/shot to make with the face buttons.  It’s a bit of a steep learning curve for beginners I’ll admit but once you get used to it, you’ll be a regular Nadal.   You’ll be lobbing, slicing and back handing your way to victory.

Top Spin 4 has one of the deepest career modes quite possibly ever seen in a tennis game.  You do so much and control so much of your career that you actually feel like you’re on tour and getting ready for Wimbledon.  You make your way up through the minor tournaments to learn each of their individual strategies.  Once you complete them, you’ll increase your performance and stats naturally. 

When you become an ace yourself, you’ll face off against the big names and that’s when the real fun begins.  After having climbed through the ranks you feel accomplished when you get to see Federer or Agassi on the other side of the net.  You don’t have to wait of course as you can play them anytime in exhibition but the career is where real tennis gamers game.  Did I mention the roster?  I’m upset about no Venus but with the likes of Serena, Boris Becker, Agassi and more it’s hard to argue the quality of the roster.

Visually, Top Spin 4 is quite impressive.  Each top player looks the part and the arenas are masterful.  I love the sound of the game as well.  The commentary and sound effects are very well done.

Conclusion

Top Spin 4 is the best of the long running series and I am super excited that it’s back!  If you’re tennis fan, then this is a no-brainer to pick up.  Even if you’re a simple sports fans it’s one of the more impressive sports titles out right now.