2K Sports Unleashes Top Spin 3!

By: Eric M. Martin

Wednesday May 14, 2008

Game producer Anthony DeLuca speaks about Top Spin 3 and its various release formats.
The number one rated tennis franchise title returns on Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. The end of June will mark the beginning of Top Spin 3’s running of the numbers. Top Spin 2 was a successful launch title for the Xbox 360, and now that 2K Sports is actively developing alongside the creative teams at 2K China for the other consoles, this will allow Top Spin 3 to potentially reach a broader gaming audience.

Anthony DeLuca mentioned that the Top Spin 3 project has given them a large reason to go back to the drawing board in regards to gameplay elements inherent within a tennis title. The more firsthand features include the different types of shots added into each release. Players can choose to return to singular button presses for serves and volleys, but Top Spin 3 gives the option to play in more of a simulation format. Different buttons will control different types of shots, analog controls (where applicable) are utilized for serve power and accuracy, and the Press and Hold features add shot dynamics.

With regards to the wide range of system releases, some things were changed between versions. Although there is no performance difference between the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, they will boast a graphical advantage over the Nintendo Wii. On the other hand, the Wii-remote and Nunchuk allows for a full range of motion and more of a simulated tennis feel. The Wii version will not be as simple as the tennis game found on Wii Sports, yet promises to be just as family-friendly. The DS version is entirely different, taking the focus to a more multiplayer and party-game atmosphere. Unfortunately, not much was disclosed about the DS version at this time.

The fruits of research and feedback from players is an integrated tutorial known as Top Spin School. At TSS, the main goal is to maximize the player’s overall interactive experience by going over all of the control options, from serves to shots, Signature Styles, Press and Hold features, analog stick functions, and shot mapping to each of the buttons used. Going to Top Spin School will definitely give you the knowledge necessary to make it through Career Mode or Exhibition Matches. However, for the more “hands-on” gamer, you have the ability to pick up and play regardless of your experience.

Lots of licensing went into making Top Spin 3 as realistic as possible. According to Anthony, dealing with each individual player and their agents, as opposed to players associations with other sports, was a real treat. They encountered no resistance and were even able to get feedback from the players themselves, which not only helped in terms of overall development, but really gave that extra special punch to the Signature Style of each player. On top of that, brand names for gear and clothing were more than willing to co-operate, which gave Top Spin 3 a lot of room for unlockable extras. Finally, some of the players were even hooked up to motion capture equipment, adding to the 1500+ animation sequences found within.

Sorry Wii players, but online capability will be for Xbox 360 and PS3 versions only. Sorry anyone that’s not Sony, but Rafael Nadal is a PS3 exclusive. Don’t worry, you’ll still have Roger Federer, Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles to contend with. For those who are not online defunct, World Tour Mode will offer a large ranking system that holds bi-monthly tournaments. During World Tour Mode, ranking matchups will be random, so you might not always play someone at your skill level. However, there are always online Exhibition matches where you can pit yourself against a like rank. For those of you Achievement hounds, scope this out:

Tennis Elbow Achievement - lose your first XBLA Singles Match without any wins Tennis Teacher Achievement - win your first XBLA Singles Match without any losses

Whether your prefence is grass, clay, or hard court, Top Spin 3 is sure to hold something for the likes of tennis enthusiasts and fans of the franchise alike. Look toward your local store shelves at the end of June!