The first video game console I ever owned was an original Xbox that came bundled with two games: NCAA Football 2005 and Top Spin. My love for Madden and tennis games stems from those early console gaming experiences.
Exciting news of the return of the Top Spin tennis series with TopSpin 2K25 by Hanger 13 and publisher 2K after 13 years was met with anticipation. However, the overall product falls short of expectations. Despite being the grand comeback of the series after over a decade, it feels like a highly iterative sequel to Top Spin 4. The game offers approachability with great tutorials and new meter systems to aid players in learning proper timing. However, the light content of TopSpin 2K25 makes for a somewhat lackluster experience.
Top Spin returns
Developer Hanger 13 openly used 2011’s Top Spin 4 as the foundation to create TopSpin 2K25. Top Spin 4 remains a standout tennis game known for its timing-based gameplay. Unlike games like Mario Tennis Aces, where special abilities dominate, TopSpin 2K25 offers a true-to-life simulation, focusing on strategy, timing, and precision.
While the core gameplay remains true to its predecessors, TopSpin 2K25 takes steps to make the game more accessible. The TopSpin Academy mode, guided by John McEnroe, offers comprehensive tutorials suitable for beginners. The addition of a timing meter during gameplay enhances the learning experience and aids in mastering the game’s mechanics.
Despite these improvements, Top Spin 2K25 fails to break new ground and feels reminiscent of its predecessor and other tennis games released in recent years.
Regarding offline modes, TopSpin 2K25 features Top Spin Academy, Exhibition matches, and a MyCareer mode. However, the absence of a comprehensive offline tournament mode is noticeable. Despite featuring renowned tennis players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, the game’s launch roster of 25 players remains unchanged from Top Spin 4 released in 2011.
While Hanger 13 plans to introduce more players post-launch, TopSpin 2K25 lacks substantial content compared to its predecessors and other tennis games in the market.
Built for MyPlayer
The focus of 2K and Hanger 13 lies in the MyPlayer feature, common in all 2K sports games. Players create a customizable avatar and progress through MyCareer, balancing trainings, tournaments, and events to become a tennis legend.
MyPlayers can participate in online tournaments in World Tour or individual matches in Online Exhibition. While MyPlayer offers depth, the game’s modes lack innovation compared to previous titles and other tennis games.
2K
My experience with TopSpin 2K25 left me underwhelmed due to its limited content offerings. While the core gameplay is solid, the game’s modes lack depth and rely heavily on XP and in-game currency for progression and rewards. It feels more like a cautious sequel testing the waters of a 2K tennis game in 2024 than a passion project reviving a beloved series.
If you seek a new tennis simulation game, TopSpin 2K25 may satisfy that need. However, other titles like AO Tennis 2, Tennis World Tour 2, and Matchpoint – Tennis Championships offer similar experiences without the heavy focus on microtransactions and a battle pass system.
TopSpin 2K25 is now available on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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