The basic principles behind tennis games have been around since the days of pong. Since this earliest incarnation developers have worked to fine tune and improve the realism that tennis videogames can depict. Enter Top Spin 4 the latest professional tennis game from 2K entertainment. The developers boast this as their most complete tennis title to date. It is packed with various modes, tournaments and players but is it enough to bring a realistic professional tennis experience to the Xbox 360?

Depending on the rule set selected Top Spin 4 can either be played as a serious tennis simulation or a pick up and play title with a bit of a learning curve. As a relative newcomer to the franchise I chose the latter option. This means that I played shorter matches (3 games per set) and had the assists turned on. Even with these shorter options turned on I really feel I got the full Top Spin 4 experience.

At its core Top Spin 4 is now about just batting a ball back and forth. Simpler games like Kinect Sports have that covered. Instead 2K has focused their franchise on authenticity and a real emphasis on how the ball is handled on the court. Even with the most basic control setup you have three different buttons assigned to hitting the ball. Each of these buttons does a different type of serve/return. You’ve got your simple flat serve/hit, the over the head top spin maneuver and a slice mechanic to give the ball some swing. Holding down the face buttons also allows you to add some oomph to your strikes.

While returning/serving the ball you’ve got to keep your fingers ready for the joysticks as well. You can move with the left stick while aiming your shot with the right. The controls may sound simple enough but mastering the nuances of timing and split second aiming can be a rewarding challenge. Luckily 2K has included a robust training mode. The basic training mode will guide you through using each of the serve/return types, movements and aiming. Like the basic mode, the training mode has all of the timing assists turned on. There are even achievements tied in to each tier of the tutorial mode for all of your gamerscore addicts out there.



The graphics in Top Spin 4 are impressive on all of the right levels. The on court character models are highly detailed and their animations won’t repeat when facing their opponents. The constant movement seen on the court in real life is recreated in the virtual arena in Top Spin 4. Unfortunately there is a noticeable difference between the crowd patrons and tennis players when viewed side by side. Without a broadcaster license such as the EPSN branding used in previous 2K titles the generic transitions and 2K logos can feel a little barebones.

The amount of customization and options in Top Spin 4 is almost overwhelming. As you begin a match/career mode you have the option to set up various rule sets and limiters. These include the number of sets per match, number of games per set. When beginning an exhibition match you are also able to select one of several real world arenas including Parris France, Miami USA and New York USA.

Whether you are going through the practice mode, exhibition matches or a full-fledged career you have the choice of playing as a real world professional tennis players such as Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendel & Giles Simon or your own custom avatar. 2K has included a strong amount of customization in the create a player mode. Everything from hairstyle, skin tone, warm-up outfit to your shoes is customizable. This means that you are able to make your unique avatar stand out from the crowd. It would have been neat to give them a little more personality however. Who wouldn’t want to see their custom character pull a freak-out smashing their racquet?




For avid tennis fans and simulation junkies alike the career mode is probably where they will spend the majority of their time. The career mode allows you to take either a professional player or your custom avatar in to a multiyear career spanning several events. During the career mode each month is broken down in to several stages: a practice round to hone your skills, a special match that can be played at any time and tournaments that are unlocked depending on your standings and performance. The career modes also carry over your control/assist settings from other modes as well. 2K has also included emails between players, challengers and training staff to up the level of immersion as well as sponsors. The career mode could suck weeks of playtime for the dedicated.

If you are looking for a Tennis title that offers more than a basic game of pong then Top Spin 4 is for you. The game does come with a bit of a learning curve due to the number of serve/slam types. For newer players like me this might take some time to get used too but it shouldn’t detract you from trying out Top Spin 4. There is a lot of content here from the Xbox Live play, the multi year career and various tweakable options. If I had to boil down the little things that poked out at me while play Top Spin 4 they would have to be the difference in character models between the crowds/players and the generic presentation. If you enjoy tennis you can’t go wrong with Top Spin 4