TopSpin 2K25 will mark the return of one of the most beloved sports simulators of all time, with the latest installment in the series allowing players to step into the court of some of the most prestigious tennis venues in the world. As the first TopSpin release since TopSpin 4 in 2011, there was a lot of pressure on the shoulders of this game, but fortunately, it managed to bring the best of 2K’s career mechanics to tennis. The different game modes the release offers will satisfy fans of the sport and casual players alike.
2K’s commitment to inclusivity shines through in TopSpin 2K25, with its career modes that allow players to experience the journey from a small professional level to the top. The title introduces MyPLAYER, a feature that invites users to create their own tennis star, regardless of gender, for both the men’s and women’s circuits. In a groundbreaking move, TopSpin 2K25 offers custom players a wide range of prosthetics to choose from, each with its unique style to match the season’s outfits. Once the players are ready, they can embark on a tour in the innovative new MyCAREER mode.
While the concept of the MyCAREER mode isn’t particularly new, it’s been updated to provide a complete experience than previous attempts at living virtual tennis glory. The new players start at the 250 level, climbing towards the Grand Slams that will carve their name in the sport’s history. Another brilliant addition to the career mode is how the players have limited energy, meaning they must carefully select where they will play to avoid risking an injury. The trajectory of the career mode is also designed to allow the player to climb based on skill instead of repetitive achievements, thanks to a series of specific goals that will enable the user to go from rookies to stars.
The gameplay on the court is much more satisfying this time, with modern consoles allowing TopSpin 2K25 to make each shot count. Speed, direction, timing and impact are essential to dominate every time the player hits the ball. Gone are the days when simply pressing a button while aiming the joysticks around ensured a victory for the user. Like in real life, the player has a split second to decide what kind of shot will move the point towards their favour, with flat, topspin, drop-shots and volleys becoming a part of their arsenal.
Not only is the shot selection very sophisticated, but the court’s surface makes a difference in the strategy needed to win. Grass courts are faster, clay courts are slower, and only some players will be effective on some surfaces. And speaking about every player, image licensing is always complicated in tennis games, with every athlete needing to be contacted to be featured, unlike other sports games. Nevertheless, the selection in 2K25 is promising, with legends such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Andy Murray and modern WTA superstar Iga Swiatek as some of the names available for playing.
As with most modern video games, TopSpin 2K25 will become a live service game after release, with a new pass allowing players to unlock new outfits for their stars occasionally. The first season will focus on the Roland Garros Grand Slam tournament, considering how the 2024 clay season is in full effect. The live service game aspect of TopSpin 2K25 will remain a mystery, and time will tell if it was a positive addition to the franchise or not. But at the moment, it’s beginning to look unnecessary for a game that only needed an online multiplayer to take off.
The training sessions, featuring the voice of tennis legend John McEnroe, are straight to the point and don’t waste much time by making the player repeat the same shots repeatedly. When the learning experience of TopSpin 2K25 starts to become intuitive, users can focus on improving their skills until they win the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. The sky is the limit for anyone who picks up the controller to pick up the racquet.
With skill-based gameplay, numerous options for customization, and a respectable understanding of how the tennis circuit works, TopSpin 2K25 perfectly justifies the franchise’s return under 2K. It allows players to step into the court of their favorite tennis tournament in their quest to become the best in history. Time will tell if the studio will focus on the live service aspect in the future or if more titles can be expected. But in the meantime, the launch version of TopSpin 2K25 should satisfy fans of the sport.
Rating: 8/10
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