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Gameplay

Top Spin 2’s gameplay is just as deep as the first. The game remains accessible but also adds complexity with the risk and advanced shot techniques. Risk shots use a combination of the Right Trigger and either A, B, X, and Y. Advanced shots are preformed in the same fashion except the Left Trigger is used instead of the Right. Also, advanced shots cost momentum to use. The momentum bar is placed at the top of the screen and starts at zero. As you win points, the bar will start to increase giving you access to perform different advanced shots. The only drawback to the risk and advanced shots is the difficulty to actually pull them off. The timing required to pull them off is almost ridiculous, especially when you’re volleying the ball back and forth at a frantic pace. It becomes much safer to stick with the basic shots instead of risking a set, but later in your career it is almost necessary to use these shots to win against some of the higher ranked pros.

Other than the difficulty in performing risk and advanced shots, the gameplay remains fun and addictive. This also carries on to the online portion of the game. Top Spin 2’s online modes consist of Ranked matches and Player matches. In ranked matches you will use your career player to compete against others. All of the stars and skills that were earned during the career mode are available. Player matches allow you to use any pro featured in the game or your career player. Player matches do not affect your overall ranking like the ranked matches. Also along with singles matches, doubles matches are supported as well.

Graphics, Presentation, and Audio

The graphics in Top Spin 2 are serviceable but at the same time disappointing considering the platform the game is on. When the camera zooms in on players during replays and after winning shots, the players appear fairly detailed and somewhat life-like. When the camera is pulled back for gameplay, it looked like a regular Xbox game. The ground surfaces look fine and the stadiums are not very detailed. Overall the graphics are underwhelming and it is very clear that this game is not using the potential of the 360.

The presentation of the game is straightforward but also bland. The main menus are easy to navigate, but also suffer from annoying load times. The career layout can be somewhat confusing at first, but it becomes easy to navigate after a few minutes.

The in-game music is quite bad and the music that plays while going through the menus is worse. Thankfully the 360 supports custom soundtracks for all games. I would suggest using them for this game since the music is forgettable. On the other hand, all of the on the court sounds get the job done.

Verdict

Top Spin 2 features a solid career mode and exciting gameplay. The online modes work well and the opportunity for great multiplayer gaming is there. There are minor annoyances with load times and the more advanced shots. Also, the graphics are not even close to be considered "next-gen", but the gameplay more than makes up for poor graphics. Plus, the lower price point of $39.99 makes Top Spin 2 an enticing buy. Overall, I would recommend this game to anyone who enjoyed the first game, or anyone looking for a solid and different multiplayer experience on the 360.

Rating 8/10

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