The period between Top Spin 4 (2011) and Top Spin 2K25 (2024) spans thirteen years. During this time, there were no significant releases in the virtual tennis genre, with titles such as Grand Slam Tennis, Tennis World Tour, AO Tennis, Matchpoint Tennis, among others, failing to live up to the standards set by Top Spin 4. Despite its undeniable qualities and exceptional gameplay, Top Spin 4 was unexpectedly discontinued due to disappointing sales, indicating a declining interest in tennis games beyond a niche audience. However, 2K Games has remained committed to reviving this beloved franchise, and with the release of Top Spin 2K25, they have aimed to ensure that this comeback is not just a fleeting event. After five days of thorough testing, Laurely and I are prepared to share our assessment, and as evident from our enthusiastic tone, it appears that the game has returned with a strong presence, akin to an emperor reclaiming his throne.
THE THREE MAJOR PILERS
Certainly, we identify the three essential pillars of this gameplay experience: timing, placements, and power. These elements are nuanced by considerations such as precise hits and charged shots. Players must decide whether to hold the button for a powerful nuclear missile shot deep into the court or tap it briefly for a surgical strike near the lines, understanding that other variables can impact the quality of these exchanges. Player positioning on the court is crucial, along with the trajectory and effects of the ball (flat, slice, topspin, lob, drop shot). Additionally, factors such as player fatigue and natural abilities play significant roles. For instance, Carlos Alcaraz demonstrates greater endurance compared to Felix Tiafoe or Andy Murray, while Daniil Medvedev excels in serving due to his physical stature. Similarly, Pete Sampras was renowned for his server-volley technique more than Andre Agassi or Matteo Berretti. In summary, as in real tennis, players exhibit varying levels of skill and endurance, and it is up to the player to find a suitable fit and develop their game accordingly. We will delve further into this later.
Top Spin 2K25, following a 13-year hiatus, represents the return of the once-popular Top Spin series, which was last released with Top Spin 4 in 2011. During this period, several tennis games were introduced but none could match the quality of Top Spin 4. Despite underwhelming sales figures, 2K Games continued to pursue and eventually revived the license for Top Spin 2K25 in 2024. After thorough testing, reviewers Laurely and the author are enthusiastic about the game’s return, describing it as a triumphant comeback for an emperor reclaimed. The game centers on three key elements: timing, placement, and power, enhanced by precise hits and charged shots. Players must decide between powerful, deep shots or more controlled, line-near strikes depending on the situation. Additional considerations include player positioning, ball trajectory (flat, slice, topspin, lob, drop shot), fatigue levels, and natural abilities of different real-life tennis players, ensuring each player in the game has unique strengths and weaknesses reflective of their real-world counterparts. This variety allows for personalized player development and strategic depth, mirroring the complexities found in actual tennis.
There is Good and Bad Timing
There is no magic formula to achieve the right reflexes and the experience that comes with it; hard training is required, including going through “Training” and thus Top Spin Academy with John McEnroe as coach to absorb all advice on placement, timing, and force for each hit. There are a total of 31 lessons to learn and master, from basic techniques to game style lessons, not forgetting advanced learnings such as net approaches, cross-court shots, and advanced serves – three elements of gameplay that make Top Spin 2K25 unique in its genre and highly engaging at this level of depth.
Among the most significant changes in Top Spin 2K25 is the serving system, which has been revised and corrected from Top Spin 4. Now, aiming must coincide with charging the hit. This adjustment requires precision since if the stick is released prematurely, the target automatically returns to the center of the service square. Mastery remains challenging due to several factors including player attributes (whether they are proficient at serving or not), fatigue level, timing (perfect or otherwise), and the power applied to the hit. Holding the button for hitting longer decreases precision. However, an advanced serving technique using the right stick is available, though it may be more instinctive rather than simpler in execution.
You could discuss the Top Spin 2K25 service/volley feature, which is more effective compared to its 2011 predecessor. This update allows for greater ease in delivering smashes at the net, particularly when using players like Pete Sampras or John McEnroe, who are known for mastering the serve-and-volley technique within the game. Timing remains crucial for effectiveness up front, along with the accelerations that can be initiated to approach the net using R1. Otherwise, an overhead smash or a passing shot is typically the result when timing is off. It would have been desirable to include Stefan Edberg in the roster for Top Spin 2K25.
Is Beauty Subjective?
Following the review of the gameplay, it is now time to address the graphical aspect of Top Spin 2K24. Since circulating previews and gameplay videos, there has been considerable debate regarding the visual rendering of the title. Some have described it as “not very next-gen,” while others consider it “completely unacceptable for a 2024 game,” especially given the thirteen-year wait since its predecessor. The visual aspect of Top Spin 2K24 is paradoxical, much like that of Top Spin 4 was at the time. While certain players such as Medvedev, Andy Murray, André Agassi, Emma Raducanu, and Naomi Osaka are relatively well-modeled, others like Pete Sampras, Alcaraz, Steffi Graf, and Maria Sharapova appear to have received a brick in the face. The paradox lies in the fact that while the modeling lacks conviction, the character details are more numerous than ever before. Prominent muscles, visible veins, noticeable body hair on arms and legs, sweat – the game does not shy away from playing the realism card for these elements.
In truth, beyond the close-ups of pale faces lacking genuine expressions, Top Spin 2K25 is a very beautiful tennis game overall, particularly when viewed from above. The game features four different views, all of which are immersive, with a particular preference for the zenithal view that offers a unique perspective. Top Spin 2K25 is not an ugly game; this misconception quickly dissipates once players unlock all 42 courts available at launch. These courts feature vibrant colors, detailed textures that feel very real, and most importantly, dynamic global lighting that enhances the atmosphere. The game skillfully changes the ambiance of a court depending on whether you’re playing in the morning, afternoon, or evening. It is through the intricate details of the court and its surroundings that Top Spin 2K25 creates a distinctive atmosphere. From referees repositioning to ball kids turning their heads during exchanges, realistic photographers, and reacting crowds, everything seems natural and lifelike. Additionally, you can observe footprints on clay courts or splashes left by balls upon impact—details that are subtle yet present. The only aspect missing is the animation for ball-fetching, which would have been a welcome addition to the game’s realism.
However, if there is one aspect where Top Spin 2K25 remains unmatched and serves as a benchmark in its field, it is the quality of its animations. Everything is perfectly mastered, down to the most technical gestures, with increasingly natural transitions and more realistic movements, particularly in approaches to the net. It is complete madness and something never seen before in a tennis game.
**MINOR PROFESSIONAL**
Top Spin 2K25 was highly anticipated for its game modes following a significant hiatus since the release of Top Spin 4 in 2010. Hangar 13 developers have delivered a range of features expected from a modern tennis game, including local play (singles or doubles), online matches, the International Circuit (for virtual tournaments with your avatar), Online Exhibition (for casual matches against pro players or your MyPlayer), the 2K Circuit (for ranked matches with professional players), and the MyCareer mode to start a career on either the men’s or women’s circuit with a customizable character. The character editor offers extensive options for precise customization of avatars, clothing selections, and even prosthetic limbs for arms or legs.
Before delving into the gameplay review, it is important to address the graphical aspect of Top Spin 2K25. There has been debate over the visuals, with some critics arguing that they do not meet “next-gen” standards and others finding them unacceptable given the 13-year wait since the last installment in 2011. While close-up modeling may lack conviction, detailed character features such as visible muscles, veins, body hair, and sweat are abundant. Despite some less expressive facial models, Top Spin 2K25 is still considered a visually appealing tennis game, particularly from an overhead perspective. The game offers four immersive camera angles, with the zenithal view being especially favored. Characterized by vibrant colors, realistic textures, and dynamic lighting that adjusts according to the time of day, each of the 42 available courts presents unique atmospheres.
Top Spin 2K25 is a tennis video game developed by Hangar 13. The game offers a realistic and immersive gameplay experience with detailed animations and various modes including local and online multiplayer, exhibition matches, and a career mode where players can create and customize their own player to compete on the ATP circuit. The game also includes 42 courts at launch, each featuring unique textures and lighting that change based on the time of day.
Top Spin 2K25 is a tennis video game developed by Hangar 13. The game offers a realistic and immersive gameplay experience, featuring detailed animations and subtle visual effects. It includes various modes of play such as local multiplayer, online matches, exhibition games, and a career mode where players can create and customize their own player to compete on the ATP circuit. Top Spin 2K25 also features 42 courts at launch, each with unique characteristics and lighting conditions.
