Top Spin 4

Top Spin 4
Release Year: 2011
System: PS3
IGN Score: 8.5


Since the beginning of video games, game makers have tried to put together a decent tennis/racket game (see Pong). With that being said, I can't remember ever playing a decent tennis game, which is a bummer because I really enjoy the sport. With the Playstation Network being down and the lack of really great games coming out that interest me, I decided to pick up Top Spin 4 and give it a try.

Top Spin 4's career mode is really very good. You create your own player and work your way up the career ladder, starting at minor rinky-dink tournaments. Each match you play earns you experience points which you can use to increase your player's attributes. As you play more matches and earn more skills you are allowed to play in progressively more prestigious tournaments until you are playing in the grand slams (minus Wimbledon). There are several well-known tournaments on the game including Indian Wells and the Sony Ericsson open in Miami up to the US Open in New York. In addition, you can hire different coaches which will also increase various skill levels, depending on the coach's strengths. Winning tournaments gives you endorsement opportunities and you participate in various other events besides the real tournaments such as exhibition matches for charity and magazine interviews (though some of these events consist of nothing but clicking on a button). This is by far the best and most involved career mode I've ever seen on a tennis game.

The presentation is great. The graphics are solid and the game uses the typical TV presentation you see when watching tennis on the tele. The game play is good with the ability to use a lot of different shots and strategies, though the game is kind of easy. The sound and music aren't too great but these are minor deficiencies and don't take away from the game much. Also, it's important to note that a lot of major tennis players are featured in the game as opponents as you climb the tennis rankings.

Top Spin 4 is a solid sports game and easily the best tennis game I've ever played. If you're interested in tennis at all it's probably worth at least a rental.