Topspin 4 (Xbox360, PS3 and Wii)
I have played it over the last two weeks and what makes TopSpin 4 stand out is how realistic they make the "Signature Style" animation and the game's strategy system.
The Xbox version is the one I liked the most - whereas the PS3 game is also compatible with the PS3 move so that you can control the swing of the racket. The price has dropped recently as low as $19.99 on Amazon (now currently $31 with Free Shipping).
Even during a rain-out at the US Open, you can play as your favorite stars online or offline with friends.
How about a preview of another Federer vs Djokovic SF?
Or go retro with Agassi?
Career mode
You can even create a clone of yourself in the game. TopSpin 4 gets the littlest details right down to the sweatbands logos and racket types. There is a lot of customization and tactical power-ups you can earn in the career mode as you progress through the ranks. It features a wide variety of stadiums and arenas to play in that realistically capture the sounds and sights very well.
Game Play
Along with being able to hit the usual topspin, flat, and slice shots and serves, the game allows players different control modes. It has two types of specialty shot types: a power shot (hold a shot button down for maximum power) and a control shot (tap the button at the precise moment of contact). It rewards good timing, anticipation and strategy. You can practice in various academies to increase skills such as serve/volley, offensive and defensive skills.
Tennis Strategy Simulator
If you are a big tennis fan, you will appreciate this game. I would even go as far as saying that after playing TopSpin 4, I now have a better view of how I "should" be playing a particular style on court. It let's you analyze different plays from a simulation perspective. As you play opponents with different strengths and weaknesses on their power bars - you learn to develop a game plan for both offense and defense. It even allows you to hire specialty coaches that add bonus shots to your game for completing certain challenges.
If you are a big tennis fan, you will appreciate this game. I would even go as far as saying that after playing TopSpin 4, I now have a better view of how I "should" be playing a particular style on court. It let's you analyze different plays from a simulation perspective. As you play opponents with different strengths and weaknesses on their power bars - you learn to develop a game plan for both offense and defense. It even allows you to hire specialty coaches that add bonus shots to your game for completing certain challenges.
Best Tennis Game. Period.
TopSpin 4 is much better than Virtual Tennis 4 (which feels like playing an arcade game) and the graphics and game play are vastly superior to the rest of the older TopSpin 2 and 3 in the game series. Best of all, it has the most updated crew of 25 players like Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Serena, Wozniacki ...plus legends such as Sampras, Agassi, Borg, Becker, Chang and Agassi, each with their own unique style.
This video game has received some terrific ratings from Amazon reviewers. IGN gives it a 8.5/10
TopSpin 4 is much better than Virtual Tennis 4 (which feels like playing an arcade game) and the graphics and game play are vastly superior to the rest of the older TopSpin 2 and 3 in the game series. Best of all, it has the most updated crew of 25 players like Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Serena, Wozniacki ...plus legends such as Sampras, Agassi, Borg, Becker, Chang and Agassi, each with their own unique style.
This video game has received some terrific ratings from Amazon reviewers. IGN gives it a 8.5/10
