Top Spin

 Xbox
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 38
  3. Negative: 3 out of 38
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  1. ShaneB.
    Dec 5, 2003
    8
    I HATE SPORT GAMES> yet this game, i am scared to say is amazingly fun to play. The single player is a fun diversion but get 4 friends together and this is just about the most fun you will have on you xbox. Great stuff.
  2. T.Green
    Jan 24, 2004
    9
    Excellent! The closest thing to a complaint that I have about it is that the contrast is a little too low on some courts (glaring brightness makes it hard to see the ball). Superb in all other areas.
  3. BigD.
    Jan 5, 2004
    8
    Very Nice, and about time another tennis game hits the shelf!
  4. DaveR.
    Feb 21, 2004
    9
    Top Spin combines a simulation type approach with an arcade feel. It really sucks you into the matches and leaves you wanting more. It is quite challenging as you work your way up the ranking ladder. A definite buy for sports enthusiasts.
  5. JanosK.
    Apr 2, 2004
    6
    The 1-player mode sucks compared to Sega's Virtua Tennis but it's cool to be able to create a player of your own and use it in matches with friends.
  6. Loothor
    May 21, 2004
    7
    This game is the perfect example of why video game reviewers are lame. It would appear to deserve all it's great ratings at first glance. It certainly has great graphics and a wonderful character creation engine, but it is ultimately only really fun as a two player game. The one player mode is devoid of any really interesting goals and the underfunctional training mode is used up in This game is the perfect example of why video game reviewers are lame. It would appear to deserve all it's great ratings at first glance. It certainly has great graphics and a wonderful character creation engine, but it is ultimately only really fun as a two player game. The one player mode is devoid of any really interesting goals and the underfunctional training mode is used up in the first hour or so of gameplay, leaving you with nothing to do but play the same repetitive tourneys over and over again. The CPU AI is poor, and is obviously much more situationally driven than character driven. It feels nothing like playing against a real person, and you will generally kick the CPU's ass in straight sets over and over again for the first couple hours of game play and then ultimate switch off between kicking the CPU's ass or getting your ass kicked. Close matches are an extreme rarity. Buy this game if you have a friend to play with, but don't bother if you would be playing solo. Ultimately this game is the best looking tennis game to date, but the gameplay is a weak shadow of the tennis classic -- Virtua Tennis.… Expand
  7. ChrisE.
    Sep 11, 2004
    10
    This game is so much fun I can't stop playing it i want to stop but i can its too much fun best game ever EVER!
  8. DC
    Nov 24, 2003
    6
    At first glance it appears to have everything but the gameplay online lets it down. One dimensional play and over powerfull risk or volly shots make the game unbalanced. An online spectator mode or lobby would have made it a lot better as well. Fun in the short single player but expect to be destroyed online till you adjust.
  9. M.B.
    Nov 24, 2003
    7
    Great game, superb graphics and gameplay. But it simply is too easy. I nailed the 14 stars and am now ranked #1, completed all my sponsors requests, won all the grand slams after about 8 hours. Needs more complex ball striking, more difficulty. Overall a good title, good to play online I guess, but the standalone game is simply too easy.
  10. J.D.
    Nov 3, 2003
    9
    While a more in-depth Career and Player Customization mode would be appreciated, I understand the need to simplify these steps in order to get to the real meat of this game: XSN. If you haven't taken Top Spin online then you have neutered your gaming experience. Best. Xbox. Sports. Network. Title.
  11. MatthieuR.
    Nov 4, 2003
    10
    Very addictive! Takes the Virtua Tennis formula to new levels with better graphics and -never thought I'd say this- gameplay. Cool career mode as well. The only downer is the interminable loading times.
  12. EdI.
    Nov 6, 2003
    9
    1. Incredible, deep create-a-player mode. 2. Stunning graphics...it makes good use of the Xbox's power. Trust me, I'm a graphics whore. 3. XBox Live compatible. >>One downside are the loading times. Avg. load time was about 10-15 seconds...?
  13. JJ
    Dec 1, 2003
    8
    I am a huge golf and tennis buff...I have gotten about 5 hours into topspin....great game....i ENJOYED virtua tennis A LOT....it is just amazing how alike it is with VTENNIS...(which is better on GBA...i am not kidding...many great minigames...and indepth world circuit) but if you want another great game....I WAS SKEPTICAL BUT LINKS 2004 IS JUST ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE...if you like ARCADE I am a huge golf and tennis buff...I have gotten about 5 hours into topspin....great game....i ENJOYED virtua tennis A LOT....it is just amazing how alike it is with VTENNIS...(which is better on GBA...i am not kidding...many great minigames...and indepth world circuit) but if you want another great game....I WAS SKEPTICAL BUT LINKS 2004 IS JUST ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE...if you like ARCADE GOLF...go with TIGER...if you like realistic play with touchy controls and difficult putting....GO WITH LINKS...it would be the GRAN TURISMO of Golf Games. xbox live is kinda corrupt in my mind...when i attempted to play unreal....i didnt just get my butt kicked...i think i got something in my eye...i feel...i dont know if modified boxes are being used but in my opinion THE ONLY PURE GAME LEFT IS TETRIS WORLDS... ;)… Expand
  14. LauriN.
    Oct 27, 2003
    9
    Four words: The complete tennis experience.
  15. TomL
    Jan 14, 2004
    9
    Hey man, Top Spin is not a bad drop hey? I didn't create and model a player on myself though cause I couldn't be bothered. However, I still managed to reach number 2 in the world, just quietly. I think you'll find that Gustavo Kuerten is quite a difficult player to beat though if you decide to try and become number 1 on the pro circuit. Guga mate!!! Nah man, seriously Hey man, Top Spin is not a bad drop hey? I didn't create and model a player on myself though cause I couldn't be bothered. However, I still managed to reach number 2 in the world, just quietly. I think you'll find that Gustavo Kuerten is quite a difficult player to beat though if you decide to try and become number 1 on the pro circuit. Guga mate!!! Nah man, seriously though, it is quite a decent effort for a tennis game.… Expand
  16. ScottS.
    Jan 28, 2004
    7
    I got this game because I became addicted to tennis last year and I actually spent around 20hrs creating and modelling a player that looked exactly like me . The game was easy to pick up but I got frustrated by the amount of curve Guga could get in his shots, I mean it is ridiculous. I really love to play with Harkleroad though...she is not bad a bad drop is she?
  17. NickR.
    Feb 18, 2004
    9
    Great game, a must have for any tennis fan! Gameplay couldn't be better. Only problem is where's Roddick...
  18. JakeK.
    Jul 3, 2004
    10
    Great game: the incredibly detailed create player is genius, and the real-life sponsors are a nice touch. It is also just SO fun to pick up and play for hours at a time.
  19. JLo
    Nov 1, 2003
    9
    As a tennis player, and gamer I can say that Top Spin is by far (for now) the best tennis video game...more realistic than any other on the market, and it shows in the gameplay....which can be seen as a flaw by non-tennis players. I read the multiple reviews concerning the difficulty of actually hitting "risk" shots, I am here to say that after a little practice you can start hitting the As a tennis player, and gamer I can say that Top Spin is by far (for now) the best tennis video game...more realistic than any other on the market, and it shows in the gameplay....which can be seen as a flaw by non-tennis players. I read the multiple reviews concerning the difficulty of actually hitting "risk" shots, I am here to say that after a little practice you can start hitting the risk shot with some consistency...it's not as tough as they all make it to be...if you use it properly. It's true load times are a little long, and occur pretty often (such as loading between menus)...and the CPU controlled characters are really insane at the higher levels... But the graphics, gameplay, and overall detail are top notch...great game!… Expand
  20. AlB.
    Nov 14, 2003
    6
    I'm a bit torn between liking this game and not liking it. First impression is that the game is stunning - amazingly perfect graphics, great gameplay without much of a learning curve. BUT... As time as gone on, I have become a bit disillusioned with the gameplay. After a while, you realize that the software is doing a lot for you - you're not actually determining whether the I'm a bit torn between liking this game and not liking it. First impression is that the game is stunning - amazingly perfect graphics, great gameplay without much of a learning curve. BUT... As time as gone on, I have become a bit disillusioned with the gameplay. After a while, you realize that the software is doing a lot for you - you're not actually determining whether the ball hits the line or goes out. Depending upon your character's setup, the 14 ability "stars" and the 4 skills, it can literally be IMPOSSIBLE to hit a ball out. There really should have been more opportunity for "user error". This concept works at first - everyone seems blown away by the game - but over time I am finding flaws such as the career mode being far too brief (In a few short hours of gameplay I had already maxxed out my 14 ability "stars"), and I am fearful that, before too long, this game might be gathering dust despite its jaw-dropping first impressions. I sincerely hope that when XSN Sports starts up (hopefully soon!) with live online tournament action, my opinion will change. At this point, I am skeptical on that...… Expand
  21. VirgilJ.
    Nov 26, 2003
    10
    Super tennis! No.1.
  22. MarcusB.
    Nov 4, 2003
    10
    I can't stand people who think that online gaming is and should be the focus in any game (I'm talking to you J.D.). The depth of this game is not in the online aspect, which is fun if you like playing against people who disconnect continuously, but rather the deep career mode which allows you to craft your player from the ground up. Great game.
  23. Uter
    Dec 23, 2003
    8
    I think this is the best tennis game ever made gameplay wise. The players have great animation, but their likenesses could look a little better. Also more than just the standard gameplay modes would have been nice.
  24. PeteC.
    Dec 29, 2003
    7
    This is a fun, addicting game, but a few annoying quirks really let it down. For one thing, I have played the game for over 10 hours, and have never once hit the ball into the net. Also, your player will too often tap it in instead of drilling it, setting up the opposing player for a kill shot. If you love tennis like I do, this is really the only game to buy, but for anyone else This is a fun, addicting game, but a few annoying quirks really let it down. For one thing, I have played the game for over 10 hours, and have never once hit the ball into the net. Also, your player will too often tap it in instead of drilling it, setting up the opposing player for a kill shot. If you love tennis like I do, this is really the only game to buy, but for anyone else it's only worth a rental.… Expand
  25. AkhilK.
    Dec 7, 2003
    10
    What an awesome tennis game. With its solid presentation, sweet graphics and utterly astounding gameplay, it is THE game to own.
  26. Cable3
    Nov 25, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am not a tennis fan, but I figured I'd give this game a shot since it was free. I have to say while being able to make my own character and choose what playstyle fits me best, I think the creators may have put a little too much emphasis on forcing players to get good or lose. There are many others players out there who would prefer to play a game casually and just for fun, this game isn't a casual experience. It starts out fun in the career mode with minor matches and pro matches that really help you get a grasp on how to play well. However, once you hit the grand slam tournaments it gets very challenging and frustrating. This game, like many others could do with different modes, easy, medium and hard. Rather then expect players to just enjoy the game on one difficulty. Hardcore players complain its too easy, while casuals complain its too hard. If you want more people to enjoy the game allow it to be playable by everyone whether they are just looking for fun or looking for a challenge. Don't force players to either adapt or give up. I can see why this game was given for free with xbox back in the day. Its no surprise with its lack of re-playability.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Xbox Game of 2003
18
#18 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
51
#51 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    68
    7 / 7 / 6 / 7 - 27 [Vol 814; 23 July 2004]
  2. Xbox Nation Magazine
    90
    The best tennis videogame ever made. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.93]
  3. NTSC-uk
    90
    It joins the ranks of "Winning Eleven" as a title that can be truly decreed master of all it surveys. With the significantly improved gameplay over its peers and additional online elements, it must be considered as an essential purchase.
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