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Top Spin 2

EMAIL PRINT xbox360

6.6 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 52 critic reviews
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Based on 20 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: 2K Sports

Developer: Indie Built

Genre(s): Tennis, Sports

Players: 4

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: March 29, 2006

Summary

Everything you loved about Top Spin is back and made even better. The peerless player-creator is reborn with the powerful Digital Identity that truly puts you in the game. Experience the pro tour in venues that are alive and dynamic with environmental elements that react to your play. Characters are even more stunning with the addition of HD technology and the inclusion of the top players in the world like Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer. Create realistic player models and customize them with the highest level of details. Hairstyles, sweatbands, shirts, shorts, shoes, and more allow you to create a player with your look and your style. Silky smooth animations, vibrant colors, and hi-definition technology delivers illustrious depictions of players, stadiums, and crowds bringing tennis to life on the Xbox 360. Take on, play as, or team up with 24 of the world's top ranked professionals, featuring tennis stars: Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Carlos Moya, Tommy Haas, James Blake, Lleyton Hewitt, Guillermo Coria, Tim Henman, Max Mirnyi, Alex Kuznetsov, Brendan Evans, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Ai Sugiyama, Lindsay Davenport, Anastasia Myskina, Daniela Hantuchova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Amelie Mauresmo, Alicia Molik, Angela Haynes, Jamea Jackson, and Corina Morariu. [2K Sports]

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What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

AceGamez

Top Spin 2 takes everything that was great about the original and enhances it with some simply fantastic next generation visuals, adds even more depth to the gameplay and controls, delivers a comprehensive Career mode complete with sponsorship, trainers and even fully customisable bling and new rackets to buy, and provides a lag free and highly enjoyable (when you're winning!) online experience.

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Pelit (Finland)

An excellent tennis game. There is not much to complain about, except for the bit too steep learning curve. Freeform strike-practice wold not have hurt, either. [Aug 2006, p.46]

Games Master UK

Racquet-chuckingly frustrating at first, but rewardingly rich after a few plays. [May 2006, p.55]

Game Informer

Overall, Top Spin 2 gets the job done with an attention to detail that might be a bit offputting to casual fans. [May 2006, p.104]

Planet Xbox 360

The character development elements of career mode are well emplaced and coincide nicely with the unique features of training mode and the participation of your player in different regionals, opens, and slams.

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GameZone

A dream title for sports gamers. Not only does it improve upon its forerunner, it completely revamps its gameplay engine making for an absolutely blissful virtual tennis experience.

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Gaming Target

Top Spin 2 usurps its originator in every regard. The amount of detail is breathtaking at times and the career mode exhibits a vast amount of depth, not to mention the open-ended create-a-player feature.

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Kombo

2K Games and PAM Development have crafted an immensely satisfying game of tennis that will likely draw in any gamer with the patience and will to make it through the fairly steep learning curve.

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Next Level Gaming

It does look sharp, and the idea of making your own player and taking him online for his own Xbox Live career is intriguing. And the offline career mode is much better than the first game.

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GameSpot

The gameplay has been sharpened to create an experience that expertly balances technicality and quick, accessible fun. Add to that a first-rate presentation and some solid solo and multiplayer offerings, and you've got a package that any tennis fan would be foolish to pass up.

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Play.tm

While there is little new introduced to the series and the presentational side of the game feels a tad dated with hardly better than average graphics to show, the gameplay remains slick and highly pleasing.

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VGPub

Graphically, TS2 doesn’t look a heck of a lot prettier than it did on its Xbox debut.

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Worth Playing

The spotty player movement, slightly difficult-to-control shots and almost too highly skilled A.I. take what could have been a classic and make it into just a great game.

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X360 Magazine UK

Just don't spend much time on your own, as those cheating AI bastards will make your blood boil. [Issue#6, p.98]

MS Xbox World

They have certainly spent a lot of time tweaking the gameplay mechanics to create something more entertaining and more importantly, fair online, however there are still some minor quibbles that will displease.

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Thunderbolt

It obviously looks and sounds great being a 360 title, with subtle differences in audio over the different courts most obvious, but you’ll also notice that a little more effort has been made to make the courts more animated than in previous titles.

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Operation Sports

This game is listed at $39.99 - which is twenty dollars less than most Xbox 360 games. If you are a tennis fan, you have no reason to not pick this game up.

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Boomtown

The game looks and sounds delightful, and is every bit as good as you expect.

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VideoGamer

Even with a number of sloppy audio problems and an overall game that feels strikingly similar to Top Spin on the Xbox, it's still hugely addictive.

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Edge Magazine

Developer PAM has reinvented a game that no longer strives to be a thinking man’s alternative to Virtua, but something altogether superior. [May 2006, p.94]

1UP

And even though the character float problem persists, the new tournament save option and improved aesthetics (some really nice lighting work can be seen in some of the outdoor courts) are worth the upgrade.

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GamerFeed

The career mode is loaded with challenges, the online play is suitable (if a bit average), and the create-a-player mode is off the charts in design features.

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Official Xbox Magazine

On Xbox Live, Top Spin 2 shines just as brightly as its predecessor. There are leaderboards and tiered matchmaking--all of it lag-free. [May 2006, p.81]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Top Spin 2 does a fine job of delivering tense smack-the-ball-back-and-forth action. [May 2006, p.88]

TeamXbox

The next-gen quotient could have been higher (the online area is fairly weak), as Top Spin 2 sometimes seems like a slightly better version of the original. A bit more thought put into the gameplay definition of “next-gen” would have paid large dividends.

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Xbox Evolved

With all the gameplay mechanics still there, and good graphics, PAM have offered a ‘faster’ sequel, and one that should not be passed up.

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IGN

It's tougher and has a steeper learning curve than its predecessor and is less pick-up-and-playable than Virtua Tennis, however, so it loses some of that instant charm and quick play that gave both of those titles such light touches.

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Cheat Code Central

Perhaps it was my lack of real interest or the length of time since I played the first game, but the challenge level was a little intimidating.

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My Gamer

The actual gameplay is pretty polished and the online play makes it easy to keep up a long-term love affair for tennis fans or, I suppose, people who really enjoyed Pong.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

It doesn’t look as good as it could quite easily have done, and nowhere near enough progression from the first title has been made to justify it being referred to as a sequel. However, the engine is still solid enough to provide an enjoyable and often blister-inducing game of tennis.

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Play Magazine

It's all about the career mode in Top Spin 2, where you can build your own superstar through the ranks. [May 2006, p.54]

Games Radar (in-house)

Unusually addicting and accessible for a serious sports game, Top Spin 2 offers a lot of gameplay for a very reasonable $40.

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Yahoo! Games

It has an uncanny appreciation for the nuances of real tennis. It's smart and unforgiving.

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Eurogamer

Top Spin 2 is a fine tennis title and a game you'll have a lot of fun with off or online, but one that does little to justify its price tag, and is little more than a high def update of the original.

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RewiredMind

What surprises me about Top Spin 2 is exactly how accurately it resembles a real game of tennis.

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Total Video Games

Fun and addictive in short bursts with enough depth to sustain your interest to longer sessions.

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Sydney Morning Herald

Though it's not without its faults, this is still an ace tennis simulation.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

Jaw-droppingly beautiful to look at, no worse to play than its excellent originator, but not really that much of a step forward. New balls, please!

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games(TM)

Risk shots aside, though, this is a near perfect tennis game, making it even more of a shame that they’re so imperfectly implemented. [May 2006, p.110]

PALGN

If you're into tennis games then Top Spin 2 comes highly recommended, just don't expect a completely upgraded game.

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Digital Entertainment News

Top Spin 2 is the first next-gen tennis game, and that in itself is bound to attract some attention. However, even with all the bells and whistles it still isn't any more fun than Virtua Tennis was so many years ago, and in fact it suffers nnumerous crippling flaws. Only the most devoted tennis fans should really care about this one.

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Xboxic

Not mind-blowing, but it’s worth checking out if you like sports games.

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360 Gamer Magazine UK

Close, but no Robinson's Barley Water. [Issue #7]

Gamestyle

The visuals are lovely, though, and although they're not the most fluid the frame rate is acceptable throughout given the realtime shadows, cloud effects and three-dimensional crowd.

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GameShark

The online mode is very bare bones – there are rankings, but that’s about it.

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Game Revolution

Its gameplay is genuinely good, particularly in the way it emulates the touch and feel that are such hallmarks of the real sport, but its uninspired delivery and dated Career design leave it a step or two behind the ball.

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ZTGameDomain

Perhaps with a better balanced career mode and some optimized loading times we can finally get the tennis game we have all been dreaming of, for now TS2 will simply have to do.

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Gamers Europe

A bit of a mixed bag. A half-decent tennis sim crocked by middle of the road graphics and an infuriatingly stupid and poorly implemented career mode.

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Computer Games Magazine

Top Spin 2 is the most complete tennis experience on any platform to date. [July 2006, p.93]

GameSpy

A decent sequel to the first game that is ultimately mired by an intolerably imbalanced career mode.

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GamePro

For a game trying to give a realistic tennis experience, the ranking and simulation system is downright embarassing.

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G4 TV

Top Spin 2 shares a lot of traits with its predecessor, but they’re overshadowed a bit by the maddening difficulty and A.I. fluctuations and graphics that don’t really scream “next gen.”

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 6.6 (out of 10) based on 20 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Manolo B. gave it a9:
Someone who ever played real tennis will love this game. Of course it's difficult, but who said real tennis was not. After a few matches you'll get the controls, and then, the whole experience will make sense. I've played Virtua Tennis 3, and I can say, without being wrong, that the IA in Top Spin 2 is the best of all tennis games ever. If you're looking for an easy path to victory pick up Virtua Tennis 3, but if you really want to know how real tennis looks like, play this game.

Apocalypse Brown gave it a7:
This game is one of the hardest to give a accurate score for. Game play wise it isn't a huge leap ahead of the original Top Spin, but due to the extra in-game features and more recognized players to spa against, it makes it feel more interesting to play. Yeah the players float across the court but the variety of shots are all there, and it feels more authentic to control. Graphics are good but not great. Personally I couldn't give a sh*t as the game play keeps your attention firmly on the court, so it shouldn't matter to most players but it doesn't scream 'next Gen'. like it ought to. Career mode is toilet and online is as shallow as a spit pool. It's so hard not to like it, but I can't help but feel it should be miles better than it is.

[Anonymous] gave it a7:
Gameplay's pretty good, but it can be extremely frustrating at times, especially in career mode when you're number 112 in the world playing roger federer for a match "for fun"...it's extremely hard to create the perfect player for online play.

Martin S. gave it a3:
I bought this game thinking I was going to have a lot of fun like I did with Smash Court tennis on the PS2. But I was wrong the game to me seemed sluggish, over complicated with risk shots and poor service. Not only that you could play stupid and hit a button which always hit the shoy in court. You had to power up your strokes for some reason when all you really want is fast one touch tennis with next gen graphics. And I failed to notice the next gen graphics as characters seemed to float across the court or move like old arcade players. Not good and put me off trying the Table Tennis game.

Reel World gave it a4:
Disappointing game. Player control feels clunky, not fluid at all. Graphics are decent, but the game feels like it was rushed - despite the delays. Player creation zone is the most confusing thing I've ever seen and after a few matches, you get a serious feeling of deja vu.

Jason A. gave it a9:
This is without a doubt the greatest tennis video game ever made (for real tennis fans). The graphic are amazing despite what others have said: -Its in the subtleties which is what really counts in a tennis game. -For example: the movement of the players as they swing to hit the ball, the actual surfaces of the court and surrounding courside items like chairs etc. and most impressively in the details all around such as the brilliantly created stadiums to the local joggers and viewers on public courts. -All of this creates an incredible feeling when you are playing through the career and have worked your way up from the playground tournaments into a real grand slam event in a giant staduim. The controls create incredibly realistic tennis play: -The implimentation of the top spin shot that can go out easily if overdone creates a serious element to this game and adds the strategy of playing it safe vs. risky that opens a world of possibilities (for example, if you master this you can become a very effective baseliner but if you can't handle it you will never become very effective at the baseline) -The new advanced shots add countering elements that create an incredibly balanced game (e.g. if you build up your momentum, you can use an advanced passing shot if your opponent approaches the net). You are forced to only use your career player for ranked online match play: -This really creates an addictive nature to the game because you want to built up your character in the single-player career mode so that you can take him online and have a better chance -It also makes you really take the career mode seriously because you want to be able to max out your character and you will take where you apply stars to your player's strengths very seriously so that you can compete well online Long lasting appeal: -You will never run out of a challenge not only because of oline play but because you can always play the single-player career and not do any training (or do minimal training) and try to see how well you progress (you will without a doubt not become number 1 in the world even after five seasons) Overall this is just an indcredibly well polished tennis game with unbelievalbe fluidly moving characters, the best controls ever in a tennis game (which is the most important factor) and a very long lasting appeal.

Nick T. gave it a4:
After playing 2 entire seasons on Topspin 2 and reaching the #1 ranking by winning all four of the grand slam tournaments, I am completely disappointed. I was a huge fan of the first one, but I agree with others that 2K sports has managed to suck ALL the "fun" out of the title. I was worried as soon as I heard 2K sports was developing it, because I remember how poor their version of Topspin was for the PS2! Here are my top complaints: 1. Every shot sounds like an extreme topspin shot. 2. There are no instant replays – I am shocked by this considering that is one of the coolest options in all of real sports and sporting video games. 3. Online ranked singles matches cannot be played with the licensed players. 4. There are no online doubles rankings, so you never know how well you’re doing or how good the team you’re playing is! 5. Online doubles cannot be played with 3 other online players. 6. While playing 2 entire seasons during career mode, I did not see one single "let" on a serve. 7. While playing 2 entire seasons during career mode, I did not see one player dive on ANY surface. 8. Incredibly fun anlgles with groundstrokes and volleys cannot be created like in topspin. 9. While playing 2 entire seasons during career mode, I was not able to “peg” one single player with the tennis ball. 10. The ball boy runs straight across the court, and will never go towards the ball. 11. During the championship match of any Grand Slam tournament, the stands are not even close to be filled with spectators. 12. There are no skid marks when sliding on the clay. 13. Clay dust cannot be kicked up periodically like in topspin. 14. While playing 2 entire seasons during career mode, I did not see the ball hit the net during a rally and go over one single time! 15. Actual game play is stiff and not nearly as fluid as original. 16. Risk shots have to be timed PERFECTLY, you can’t adjust and still get the ball to go in like in topspin. 17. I beat Roddick in the semi’s of a tournament, then in the finals, my created character looked the same but turned into Roddick – service motion and all! It went back to normal after the match, but that was just too bizarre. 18. There is no sound when a player throws their racket down on the court. 19. There are slight animation hiccups when the ball goes past a player, and when the ball goes near a players feet. 20. Soundtrack is not very inspiring and does not get you pumped up like the music in topspin. Anything I missed? Feel free to add to this list and let me know what you think. I predict Topspin 2 will not see nearly as many players online as the original topspin. The game is just not fun. As of 4/2/06, the original topspin online player base is continuing to grow with over 160,000 registered singles players, and over 50,000 doubles teams!

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