Video games. Top Spin finally returns to the net after a long absence

HAS force, after a fourth opus released in 2011, we had lost sight of it a little. And yet, Top Spin is indeed the legendary tennis simulation franchise on consoles or PC. And a French creation, what’s more, which is not so common in this segment of video game sports.

In 1995, PAM Development, a Parisian studio, served for the first time. And it was an ace! From, Top Spin went to 2K Sports which is trying to give it a second wind with this 2K25 iteration that we almost no longer expected after such a break. So, game, set and match?

Pure sensations

Obviously, when we talk about Top Spin, we think of simulation. Gameplay has always been at the center of the game. And from the first exchanges, we slowly find our bearings. The handling remains instinctive with dedicated keys for the five types of shots (slice, lift, drop shot, lob, flat). The principle may be simple, but to be good, you will have to work.

A little detour to John McEnroe’s Top Spin Academy for a big tutorial is not essential but will be useful to refresh our memory. And also to see that from seemingly basic gameplay subtlety can emerge. Because it is not enough to hammer the keys to take stock. Timing and positioning are two fundamental principles for performing on court.

Hit too early or too late and the ball will certainly lack length, being caught in speed will often prevent us from working on the trajectory of the ball. These adjustments are essential and make this type of game so interesting. During a rally, fatigue can also play its part. Rather than hitting like an ox at everything that moves, you have to learn to vary, to build your point, to play on the opposite foot. The tactical dimension is omnipresent.

During the matches, we really have fun because everything is done to make this simulation as realistic as possible. Feeling the weight of the ball when returning an opponent’s smash reinforces the immersion, just like those slides on clay, the dull sound of a ball hitting the racket screen or those sneakers squeaking on an indoor surface. And facing opponents with different styles – big waiter, volleyball player, marathon runner, etc. – allows you to renew the challenge.

Content but few stars

Another asset for immersion, the well-reproduced mechanics of professional players which have been integrated into this new version. Thus, we will easily recognize the one-handed backhand of Roger Federer who is one of the seven legends (with Graff, Agassi, Sampras, Sharapova, McEnroe and Serena Williams) who are virtually returning to service.

The small problem is that the men’s roster is not more extensive. If there are some great catches, with Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev, we still remain hungry (Murray, Shelton, Berrettini, Fritz and Tiafoe), especially in the absence of two monsters like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The women’s panel is a little larger (11) and mainly includes world number one Iga Swiatek. But if we except Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, the other players (Bencic, Stephens, Wozniacki, Raducanu, Pliskova, Fernandez, Keys and Badosa) will not really speak to the uninitiated.

With 25 avatars available – even if 2K intends to enrich its offer over time with, we hope, the arrival of the French -, all recognizable even if the facial rendering appears too fixed, we are far from 100 players announced by Tiebreak, the future official game of the ATP and WTA. As was the case for PES in front of FIFA, difficult to fight against an official license. Especially since you have to negotiate here on a case-by-case basis to benefit from the image of a tennis(wo)man.

Top Spin makes up for it, however, on the different tournaments it offers with a whole range of ATP 250 and 500. But above all the nine Masters 1000 and the four Grand Slams, which is what is best. And the reproduction of the courts will tell you something because it is faithful to the television rendering, with several camera angles to boot. It feels like it and the Court Center Pass even invites you to customize these already very detailed environments. It is only the comments, strangely absent when the public could have been more responsive, which are lacking.

Become number one

Playing for fun is good, to become number one is better. And that’s what career mode offers, starting from zero to taking control of the world rankings. To get there, you have to go through the seasons and develop the skills of your alter ego by climbing the steps one after the other. By completing a certain number of objectives, you open the doors to the most prestigious tournaments until you reach the Grand Slam, the Holy Grail.

Our rhythm is very linear and is divided into three phases: a training session, a sponsor challenge and a tournament to complete the month. A routine in which you must pay attention to fatigue (linked in particular to numerous trips) so as not to get injured and be out of the circuit for a longer or shorter time, which will inevitably have an impact on the ranking (ATP/WTA and the Race). ).

In order to stick as closely as possible to reality, you must also work with a coach (each offers a particular boost) and put your team in place (health, travel, marketing, etc.) to optimize performance. It remains a gadget but still promotes immersion. Which is not really the case for the ton of fictitious players that we come across too regularly. And as it takes a little time before facing the top 10, those who are less patient risk getting tired…

…but they can then fall back on the online duels which enhance the interest of each sports simulation. Thus, two options are available to lovers of the little yellow ball: the 2K circuit with professional players or the World Tour which pits career mode avatars against each other. Enough to spice up exchanges which are cross-platform as a bonus.

Just online, the duration of this Top Spin 2K25, which also promises a friends mode by the end of May, appears immense. Beware of tennis elbow…