For all the tennis lovers out there, “Top Spin 4” makes its return to the court packed with more features and a roster of the top pros and legends of the game. “Top Spin 4” makes huge strides over its predecessor by making the gameplay more accessible to all skill levels while still retaining the intricate control options for those gamers who want to master every shot. This is done with a three-tier system of controls: the simplest being press a button to make a normal shot; followed by holding a button to charge a power shot, and quickly tapping the button for a more accurate skill shot; the hardest control level uses the analog sticks and offers a huge range of control over serves. Developer 2K Sports really followed the old adage “easy to learn, tough to master,” but then again, so are almost all of the other simulation sports games out there.
This time around there are more pros and tennis legend to play as — 25 in all — with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams topping the list.
Aside from being able to re-create historic matches, no game would be compete without a build-your-own-player mode. This career mode offers a high level of customization not only for appearance, but also for style of play. Become an aggressive baseline player like Rafa, or an all-around master like Federer. As you pick which areas to focus on, your stats will increase only in areas that boost that style of play.
‘Top Spin 4’ » Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii
| » Price: $59.99, $49.99 |
| » Rating: 3 out of 5 stars |
The only thing you can really knock “Top Spin 4” for is the lack of motion controls, as many sports games are heading in that direction and tennis is especially ripe for it.
Other than that, the game is fun to play, visually stunning, and has real-life venues. So hit the court and play like a champion.
