2.7.2008

If you loved 'Virtua Tennis 3' (which is arcadey & user friendly), you probably find this game frustrating. However if you're a huge tennis fan, you'll love this game (as it's pretty darn addictive) but kinda disappointed that the player roster is pretty poor.Good:1) Graphics - it's quite stunning, crowds look lifelike (& so does the players), there's also a nice touch of detail such as players gets dirty (especially they play on clay), sweat are sometimes visible, even the weather condition changes (like from sunny to cloudy) throughout the match. Obviously rain are excluded from the game, how annoying would it be if it starts chucking it down when you're serving for the match?What I enjoyed the most is playing on clay,where the players slide around on the court to reach for the ball.2) Career mode - it's much more realistic than 'Virtua Tennis 3', as you start from being a nobody & build up to becoming a pro. Each time you win a match, points & experience will be unlocked for you to upgrade your player. However you only have a total of 320 experience points up upgrade you're created player's stats. So you can't surpass lvl 70. I think the reason behind this is that you can't top pro tennis stars, such as Federer (lvl 75) or Sharapova (lvl 74). Plus unlike 'Virtua Tennis 3' or 'Smash Court', you can set what difficulty lvl you want to play the whole campaign as (if you find it too easy, you can change the setting there & then to your preferred difficulty).3) Player condition - I dunno, but I love the idea seeing besides the player's name that you'll see their heart rating (this is affected when playing in long rallies or chasing after the ball back & forth), this also affects the players current performance. This gives you a sense of realism.4) Music/sound - unlike 'Virtua Tennis 3', music doesn't play during the match (again, giving a sense of realism). The game has a great (small) selection of songs, the downside is that the more you play the game, you tend to grow tired of certain songs & you can't switch it off (unless you mute your TV) & whenever you enter/exit a menu, the song changes (it becomes irritating). The crowd reacts to some major events, but sometimes they scream over nothing. I like the touch of fans cheering you on, quite subtle though.5) Brands - not sure about you, but nothing looks better without official brand of clothing or equipments for your created players. The mall includes a Nike store, Adidas, Yonex, & in the global stores has another other common brands like Lotto & Fila.6) Courts - even though Wimbledon is missing, every other court (believe me, there are LOADS - about 40) looks stunning, even though some courts are located near dirty streets. Each court carries different advantages & disadvantages, which is a nice touch by the developers e.g. on hard courts, the ball bounces more quicker than on grass, which tends to bounce higher & drops slower.Bad:1) Player roster - to me, it seems like majority of tennis games are sexist, why? Why does every tennis game only include less than 10 female stars while more than 10 for the male stars? I thought 'Virtua Tennis 3' was bad with only 7 female players, but 'Top Spin 3' beat that record, with 5 (I'm excluding legendary player Seles & recently retired Justin Henin). If you look at the list of playable characters from exhibition mode, it doesn't look that bad, as you have more than 40 characters to choose from, but the problem lies in the 20+ characters are frauds, if you're a tennis novice, you'll be tricked that these players are real than fictional. It begs the question, if 'Top Spin 3' has that much capacity to have that many playable characters, why didn't they make a bit more effort & replace these fictional players with real life 1's?Here's a list of the REAL life players (* are retired)Men:- Roger Federer- Rafael Nadal (lucky us, this is exclusive to PS3 only)- James Blake- Gael Monfils- David Nalbandian- Mario Ancic- Andrew Murray- Andy Roddick- Tomas Berdych- Mark Philippoussis- Tommy Haas- Boris Becker*- Bjorn Borg*Women:- Maria Sharapova- Svetlana Kuznetsova- Nicole Vaidisova- Caroline Wozniacki- Amelie Mauresmo- Justine Henin* (I count her as retired, but when this game was made, she was still active)- Monica Seles*2) Controls - a bit irritating if you ask me, but I said the same thing for 'FIFA' series when they've changed the shooting & passing system. Instead of hitting the ball by simply tapping or holding a button, you have time you're shots & let go of the button at the right moment to return the shot, otherwise you'll completely miss the ball. 'Top Spin School' is apparent for those who has never played the game before & teaches everything you need to know, however I found it a waste of time, as it doesn't help at all. It's like a teacher patronising you telling you "Good" or "Excellent" even though you did completely rubbish. At 1 point I completely missed my serving target (which I have to add, is REALLY tough, it's nigh impossible to get an ace) but the game told me it was "Excellent".Having said that, you're better off playing exhibition matches & eventually you'll get a hang of it (you won't be a pro within a week, I can assure you on that).3) Created players - creating player is brilliant, however you only get 4 slots (meaning you can only create 4 players) plus you are ltd to enter no more than 10 characteristics, so if you're name exceed more than 10 letters, you're practically screwed. What's even worst is you can't vs. your created players (unlike 'Virtua Tennis 3' & 'Smash Court'), so it's either use him/her or don't at all. 2 reasons why this bother me;A) If you created real life tennis stars, you can't vs. 'em without being them.B) Future downloadable characters can only be chosen by pressing the start button & load them up, much similar to created players, so you can see the problem here, you (probably) can't vs. downloaded players either.NOTE: Scratch the last comment, cuz I found out earlier this month that 2K Sports has no intention to release ANY downloadable content (players or new products), & this came from the administrators in 2K Sports forum.4) Wimbledon - in this game, Wimbledon is excluded (dunno why), instead they replaced the grass Grand Slam with Dublin! This is pretty silly.5) Career mode - Ok, I know I listed career mode on the good section too, but there are few negatives about it too. 1st thing 1st, any hardcore tennis fan will be disappointed to know that the tournaments don't start off realistically (i.e. you start from the 1/4 finals in lower ranked tournaments, while in the Grand Slams you start as the last 16). It'll be nice if you start from round 1 & play all the way through the final. Plus there's no doubles matches nor you can see a scene where the player won the tournament lifting the trophy. Now this is the major flaw, once you've reached Pro status & become ranked #1 at the end of the yr, you practically finished career mode. You cannot continue (like, starting the 2nd yr) playing through tournaments. It's like forceful retirement. You can however avoid this by not becoming world #1, which is pretty much match fixing if you ask me.Another irritance to tennis fans is that you cannot play a 6 game set, instead, you'll play half of that (3 games for a set). However you can play 6 game sets in exhibition mode.I know 'Virtua Tennis 3' is arcade-y so therefore they can have obscure (training) mini games, but it would be nice to have some sort of training program during career mode, or at least suffer some minor/major injuries in the process (training/tournaments), but you don't get that.To sum it up, if you're a not-a-huge tennis fan & prefer simplistic tennis, stick with 'Virtua Tennis 3'. If you a mad tennis fanatic & can endure frustration of the controls then this is a game made for you.

2.7.2008

I happen to own both Virtua Tennis 3 and Top Spin 3, and let me tell you...I've not played one of them for a while!Whilst Virtua Tennis is a good game, but you have to admit, it is not the most challenging game out there...Where as Top Spin 3 is difficult, VERY difficult, I still struggle to win on 'Easy'...However, I think that is the beauty of the game, it certainly challenges you! This somehow makes you appreciate every point you get. I admit, when I first got the game, I thought I would never get used to the awkward controls, but half an hour in, I really got the hang of them. In this game practice REALLY DOES make perfect!Top Spin 3 really is an underappreciated and underrated game in my opinion,the graphics are outstanding...the sound could be better, but that's only a minor detail really, and thank God you are able to turn the God awful indie/pop soundtrack off. The gameplay is brilliant, and the best I have experienced in a tennis game, and the good thing is, it really has lasting effect! I can see myself playing this game for many, MANY months to come...no joke!Presentation: 8.5 - The menus are very easy to navigate through and look swish. The cover art could be better, but hey...Overall though a well presented gameGraphics: 9.0 - Truly outstanding visuals, the players look brilliant, and player creation looks great as well, the attention to detail really is fantastic. The 40 tennis courts also look brilliant as well, and you may often mistake the game for a real tennis match, (as my Nan has done)Sound: 8.0 - On the court, the sounds are good, but could be better, especially with the crowd, which seems to be very stop-startish...The crowd noise doesn't really flow, and to be honest, you don't hear them much at all, when you do a risky shot, for instance you'll hear a huge gasp from the crowd, but that's about it in terms of noise when your actually playing a point.The soundtrack is dismal...But that's coming from a metalhead, indie/pop fans will eat it right up, thank God you can turn the soundtrack off though!Gameplay: 9.0 - At first, many people... (Including me) will hate the control system, but believe me, after half an hour or so, you WILL get the hang of it! Once you have the controls...under control...You will realise that this game is much more exiting and challenging than Virtua Tennis 3Lasting Appeal: 9.0 - There are plenty off challenges and tournaments in career mode alone to keep you interested for a very long time! I for one can see myself playing this game for a long time, I want to be FINALLY be able to beat an opponent in hard mode, and the challenge of that will keep me entertained for long enough!Overall: 9.0Fantastic game, and the best tennis game out there!

26.9.2008

As somebody who owns both Virtua Tennis 3 and Top Spin 3, I have to say that although Virtua Tennis 3 is brilliant, Top Spin 3 is in a league of it's own.Believe it or not I'm not a real fan of real-life tennis. The reason I bought Top Spin 3 in the first place was because I enjoyed Virtua Tennis 3 so much.In comparison to Virtua Tennis 3, here are the reasons I believe Top Spin 3 beats the competition:- Graphics. From the sweat on the players' skin to the crowd, stadium and ball boys, I was very impressed with the attention to detail.- Gameplay - Top Spin 3 requires you to practice and learn to reach your potential. The power, speed and accuracy of your shots depends on your quick thinking.

23.1.2010

When I first purchased this game I found it very difficult to master the controls. However, once I had tried the new feature of "Tennis School", the controls are much easier to master than I first thought. Unlike some other tennis games on PS3, Top Spin 3 is more serious and really makes you feel as if you are watching a real tennis match. The Graphics are very good and the official players look real. Once you have mastered the controls, the game becomes really addictive and you constantly want to improve your player.Despite all the positives, there are some minor problems. First of all movement. The movement of the players at time is comical, especially when you are at the net volleying.

4.8.2008

Top Spin 3 is a fantastic all-round tennis game. I stress the word tennis, as if you aren't really a tennis fan, but want a tennis game I'd go for Virtua Tennis.The thing about this game is that it takes time to learn the basics and even more time to master them. It is also a slow game, but this doesn't take away from the awesome fun you can have. The fun, for me, comes in learning how to hit the more advanced shots, and eventually going on to the 5th set against Federer or Nadal on a high difficulty setting. The graphics and gameplay are excellent aswell, compared to Virtua Tennis, which is more like an arcade game and doesn't take long to master.Single player on Top Spin 3 is excellent,

12.9.2008

After having Top Spin for around a month i can say it's a very good game. When a game is developed that is classed more as a simulation than an arcade it will always put off people that prefer to play these games more casually. It is completely true that this isn't the game you would get if you wanted to have a couple of sets with some mates every now and then (if they didn't already have the game). It is fairly hard to learn. However i would much rather have a game that requires me to perfect my skills and enhance the basic shots, yes it will get frustrating at times but the rewards are much greater when you succeed. Much like in real sport, you have to work hard to get good results.

7.7.2008

I have had Smash Court Tennis 2 and Virtua Tennis 3 and was waiting for Vitrtua Tennis 4 and decided to see what Top Spin 3 was like.Having played Virtua tennis it is a little difficult to change between the two games, mainly because on Virtua tennis it is impossible to hit the net and it is impossible to hit the ball out, no matter how badly you time the shot the ball will go in.On Top Spin 3 however, if you miss time the shot, you will either not get it quite where you want it or hit it out or at the net, if you go for a high risk shot and miss time it, you will not get it in. It is hard to pick up on but with determination time and patience you will be a match winner and it is great,

21.8.2009

This is without doubt the most realistic-looking tennis game I have ever played. From the courts and stadiums down to the player's faces and movements, everything is perfect. Roddick's unusually serve is captures, as is Federer's left hand movement when he strokes a forehand.This obviously enhances the game a lot, and it kept me playing and interested at the beginning when I was still struggling to get to grips with the way the game plays. To be honest, I still don't think it plays as well as it could. There's something lacking in terms of player movement, as they aren't particularly agile around the court. This can make games a little frustrating, especially when you've chosen a faster player like Nadal.

21.6.2008

This game has great graphics, good controls and it is very fun at the first time you play it, so if you play it 2 hours a day, the first 10 minutes of the game will be fun but then it gets boring.I am right handed but I can uderstand that it would be hard too play if you are a lefty, no lefties on the game- not sure why rafael nadal wasn't on the wii.The game itself is very slow, and hard to get a grasp of the serve. Yes, it is too slow, there is not enough speed on the ball and the oppenents are very easy to beat- shame there is no online mode.I probably think there isn't enough speed on the ball as I'm not that good at the moment but I will get better and probably enjor the game a lot more then I do now!If I was honest the gameplay on wii sports is better(

17.1.2011

Top Spin 3 is, simply put, my favorite sports game I have played on a console. Now, granted, I am a huge tennis fan, but this is seriously an awesome game. The mechanics of the game take awhile to get used to (it's pretty picky about timing and such), but once you get the hang of it, it is so much fun to strategize out your shots, hit an awesome forehand down the line, and smash a serve on the T! I am currently using the Career mode, which allows you to design your own character, then advance your abilities as you play through your career. It is exciting to play as yourself, and it's a lot of fun to see your player get better and better. You get to choose which areas in which your player advances,

23.9.2008

The realism of this game is superb. Last night my brother walked into the room and asked me who was playing tennis, he thought i was watching tv, and his eyesight is near perfect. Also much effort has clearly been put into reproducing the playing styles of the players, which they have done really well. There are some nice touches too to add to the realism, eg. the plane sounds on the US Open court, Flushing Meadows, just like in real life.Althoug it is not as easy to pick up and play as virtual tennis, it is very rewarding once you get to grips with it. The career mode is decent imo, although some disagree, however not having wimbledon isn't too big a deal because they've got all the masters tournaments (apart from Shanghai - soon to be O2 arena - at the end of the season)

28.6.2008

Totally different to Virtua Tennis, more realistic.People get dirty, sweaty, tired. Then they make mistakes, start hitting the shots wrong. At the start of each service, you are shown a heart rate monitor above each characters head. When its up, their hearts are beating fast and they tire. I found myself trying to tire out my opponent, by getting them to run around the court like a maniac.Laughing at the mess they were in as I ran them ragged, the sweat, the dirt and the red face. Just as in real life, they'll be trying to do the same to you, who'll run out of steam first?It takes a while to get the hang of playing this game, you can't just pick it up and play it like Virtua Tennis.

23.10.2008

Have to say this is a lot harder to play that some of the others, as timing the hit can be quite difficult. However saying that, it probably what makes this a little more realistic and less arcade than some of the other games around. The graphics are nice as well, as you get more tired, your player sweats and your accuracy etc. decreases. Very good soundtrack as well. Just could be improved in a couple of areas, would like to see the training area give to some points to improve your player and not just through tournaments and matches. For that Virtua Tennis seems a little more complete......

24.6.2008

To be honust ive played on most tennis games, and it's gotta be said this is the best 1...it's nearly like watching real t.v! the graphics are superb and so is the gameplay. Career mode's brilliant! there's hours of fun and so much detail..it's good how you build your player up, instead of jumping strait into grand slams playing well which is abit un-realistic.the only BUT about this game is how hard it is!it needs alot of practice..but you soon get used it.overall it's a brilliant tennis game but not 5 stars, but im sure the next Top Spin will be...(and it also has some ace music :D:D)

29.5.2009

this game looks great. the gameplay is great, when it works. occationally you will power up a shot slightly too long and the player will hold his racket up to hit and never swing. this is frustrating to say the least. the career mode is good. i was a little disappoined that there was no mini games but i knew that from before. if you want the mini games get virtua tennis.plus the music list seems to comprise of about 5 songs, most of which i liked before but have now heard way too much because they are constantly on repeat and cant be turned off.graphics - 9/10gameplay - 6/10music - 4/10

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