Top Spin

Top Spin Hands-On Impressions

Microsoft had a new build of Top Spin on display at a recent event demonstrating games that support the XSN service. It's pretty obvious that the developers working on the game are trying to create an experience similar to that of Sega's Virtua Tennis, and it appears that they've been mostly successful so far. Many of the gameplay mechanics are quite similar, such as the ability to hold down a shot button to get a more powerful stroke and the inclusion of a serve meter that dictates the strength of your serve. However, Top Spin has a number of unique features that make the gameplay a little more robust.

For example, there is high risk, high reward shot that you can execute by pulling one of the two triggers on the Xbox controller. When you do this, a small meter with a fast-moving bar will appear--the idea is to stop the bar in the middle of the meter to hit a perfect shot. Of course, since the bar moves so fast, it's pretty difficult to execute these shots consistently, but they're quite useful when you have your opponent on the run. In addition, Top Spin has different types of shots mapped to the face buttons on the Xbox controller, so if you want to hit a lob, for example, you simply press the corresponding button. The same goes for top-spin shots and slices, though you can always put a little spin on the ball by pressing the analog stick in a certain direction.

Not surprisingly, the game is pretty impressive visually. While the courts in the game aren't licensed, they still look great, and even the smallest details are clearly visible. The character models also look quite good and are easily recognizable--especially Pete Sampras and Anna Kournikova.

As far as Xbox Live functionality is concerned, Top Spin will be one of several upcoming games that will support XSN. As such, you can form online leagues with other players and compete in single-elimination tournaments. There are plans to hold special events, such as the equivalent of Wimbledon or the French Open, but no time frame has really been given on when this feature will be implemented. Top Spin is scheduled for release in late October.