Top Spin 3 Review

2K Sports held a conference call with the media on May 8, 2008 to discuss the soon to be released Top Spin 3. This is the first Top Spin title since the Xbox 360 launch’s Top Spin 2. Set for release at the end of June in 2008, Top Spin 3 will be released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. The game is being developed simultaneously with 2K China across the multiple platforms.

“We kind of went back to the drawing board in terms of the gameplay,” said producer Anthony DeLuca. However, Top Spin 3 remains a tennis simulation with licensed players and venues. The next-gen versions (PS3 and 360) focus on visuals with more player animations, life-like graphics and such, while the Wii version is all about family-friendly control, party games and mini-games. According to DeLuca, there will be no performance issues between the different versions of Top Spin 3.

The career mode will have you start off as an amateur tennis player, “playing in jean shorts”. As you advance, you will play in more prestigious events. When you finally start playing the pros, you will be competing in the French Open and other elite events. 2K Sports had to negotiate with players and their agents to get them on board. While they had a wish list of players, most of the major names seem to be signed up for the game.

According to DeLuca, there will be no unlockable players. All of them will be available from the start, while clothing, equipment, etc. can be unlocked as you progress. Downloadable content will also be available on the PS3 and Xbox 360 in the form of new players, equipment, clothing and presumably venues. Both the next-gen versions will be online, while Wii will not. Players will be matched according to their skill. As many as four players can play at once, in a game of doubles, but only between two consoles. We will have more on Top Spin 3 in our review upon its release.