Ace conclusion
If you’re willing to put time into Top Spin 3, the rewards are here for the taking. Risk shots are back and just as tricky to master, but still as satisfying to execute. With a combination of LT and RT triggers and face buttons you can pull off some awesome power shots and you can now use the bumpers to run into the net after a baseline shot or dart back to the baseline after a strong serve. The right thumb stick has also been utilised and can be used to serve, as well as to lob and drop-shot your opponent.There are also plenty of other game modes to keep you busy throughout the summer, including the main career mode which sees you starting your journey at the bottom of the rankings, earning cash and points so that you can build up attributes in a bid to become the World number one. There are also four online game modes: singles, doubles, quick-match and world tour, which come complete with live stat-tracking.
All of the standard customisable options are available to make your player stand out on court, including an impressive facial and physical menu where you can tweak everything from your nose size to your weight and a new body sculpting feature that allows you to chisel even more aspects of your player. You can even add make-up and tattoos!
Click for larger imageVisually, there have been a few changes. The character models once again are very impressive and look like their real-life counterparts and now, thanks to six different camera angles, you can see various shots of them with sweat dripping down their brows or a range of facial expressions depicting their joy or if their agony.
Top Spin 3 is the most complete tennis simulation out of the Top Spin games so far and comes jam-packed with game modes and features that should keep serious tennis fans interested over the Wimbledon period and beyond. The steep learning curve may be an issue to those looking for a quick tennis fix, but if you’re willing to invest time and effort into mastering the techniques and skill that you will need to win the major trophies, then playing Top Spin 3 will be fulfilling experience.
Pros
Deep and rewarding control system
All the players, all the tournaments
Great online options
Cons
Miles different than Top Spin 2 -Fans will either love it or hate it.
Steep learning curve
Top Spin 3 is tough, but the rewards are there for all hardcore tennis fans.
HEXUS Awards
Top Spin 3 - Xbox 360 (7.8/10)
