(continued from previous page) ...few and far between (a factor largely attributed to the new gameplay mechanics and subsequent learning curve they create.)

The biggest downfall of the game is undoubtedly the sluggish feeling that emanates during gameplay; it’s as though the title fails to react to the player’s commands on-screen, and thus takes a few seconds to recognise your actions. Fortunately, while this may sound like a huge blow to the game itself, it isn’t necessarily as bad as it seems. After a few hours of playing, you start to fall into the groove of it and everything starts to feel as though it flows naturally which is how any game should feel. Outside of this small minor annoyance, the gameplay overall provides a realistic experience.

One of the things you may not be accustomed to is how much momentum plays into the game. If you happen to twitch your analog one way too much, you’ll end up completely removing yourself from perhaps making a play on your opponents return. Though this does add quite a bit of realism to the game, it may perhaps actually be taking it a tad too far in terms of sensitivity. I sometimes found myself frustrated because of the outcome a slight twitch too far would create. On top of adding a much better system of momentum, they’ve also made volleys and returns very realistic in terms of swing times and when you have to press the button in order to accomplish it. This is where the issue of a steep learning curve truly comes into play.

Elsewhere, 2K Sports has done an incredible job bringing the real-life tennis feel directly to your PlayStation 3. The fluid animations and the realistic sound of the ball hitting your racket are very authentic to say the least. Furthermore, if you happen to be using a DualShock 3, you’ll be notified of a great shot whenever the controller happens to rumble, which is a nice touch.

Outside of the offline play, you can also pit your skills against others with the option of participating in online matches. Aside from engaging in a standard match with other players around the globe, you’ll also be able to join the World Tour using the character you created offline. The World Tour works in two-week intervals and allows you to play in tournaments, where you can obtain experience and points depending on your performance. While this does add a substantial amount of replay value to the game, it would have been nice to develop actual Tour leagues for you and your friends. As for the online play itself, the controls have a slight delay though fortunately the games are genuinely lag-free (minus a bit of slowdown every now and again).

Another disappointing issue with Top Spin 3 is the presentation. Considering 2K Sports’ past efforts in this department, TS3 in comparison has completely dropped the ball. The crowd feedback is virtually non-existent, subsequently rendering any victories you stack up utterly devoid of meaning. As such, where your efforts would typically be met with copious and exuberant applause there awaits nothing but a dead silence, accompanied only by your player’s victory walk.

Ultimately, despite its flaws and disappointments, Top Spin 3 nonetheless managers to offer up a realistic tennis experience applicable to both die-hard and casual fans of the genre alike. Though newcomers may be put off by the steep learning curve, they’ll find that if they put enough time into it, the game can be a very rewarding experience.