A lot of publishers walk a fine line between making something fun and “keeping it real”, especially when it comes to sports games. Sometimes the focus is put so hard on fundamentals that the game simply stops being enjoyable and feels like actual work. On the other hand, being too much fun can easily betray the nature of the sport to begin with, forgetting simple things like rules. Top Spin 4 has its plan drawn out very clearly – this is a tennis game for those who actually want to work through a tennis game. You walk into this expecting Virtua Tennis and you’ll likely tear your hair out until you’re bald. To 2K Sports’ credit, they have improved upon what made Top Spin 3 so intolerable. There, you had to play a guessing game with a wonky meter in order to execute power shots, and there wasn’t really anything as far as enjoyment that stuck with you in the long-term. Top Spin 4 simplifies that with a timing-based shot system, one where you have to hit the button at the right time to get the most out of your returns and serves. Hold down the button too long and you run the risk of swerving a ball out of bounds. Hit it too soon and it may be too easy for the opponent to return or, worse yet, slam past you.
It’s a strong system, but it’s a little too perfect for its own good. It takes quite a while to get used to the timing, and then, even after you do, it still feels like you’re working your way through matches, thanks to the extremely difficult AI. Even on the easiest of settings, you’re going to have your work cut out for you, and that automatically shuts out rookie players and young kids. They’ll have to resort to Sega’s more user-friendly competition instead. It’s too bad, because Top Spin 4 actually has a remarkable career mode. With each match and tournament you take part in, you earn precious XP that helps you level up your player, to the point that he (or she) can be a pro like Andre Agassi or Roger Federer. You’ll even face them down the road in your career, ideal challenges for when you’ve really got the game nailed down (if you get it nailed down, that is). The online matches are equally impressive, with smooth running across the servers and the chance to earn even more XP against human players. Unlockable clothing, courts and other goodies await you if you dig in deep enough. Regardless of the changes, the game still feels more like work than something to kick back with. You’ve been warned.
At least the presentation has its love in the right place. The players look pristine as they run up and down the court, even though some facial models are better than others. The courts are dazzling and life-like, right down to the fans getting out of their seats during a close match and the barrage of advertisements littered on the walls. Multiple viewing angles make it easy to see the action, especially from the TV perspective. Right there on the court with you, and well done. As for the sound department, ehhh. The sound effects are very good, and the crowd noise is authentic enough for the sport at hand. But the soundtrack choices are mundane ones, as we keep hearing LCD Soundsystem repeatedly. Just drown them out when you get the chance. Top Spin 4 does deserve a recommendation if you’re looking for the next level of tennis games or something to make up for the disappointment of the last games in the series. It’s definitely got something to offer for those who put the time and effort into it. Everyone else, however, may want to hold off and wait for next month’s Virtua Tennis 4 from Sega’s camp, or you’ll throw more fits than John McEnroe on a bad day.
