Top Spin returning to virtual tennis courts soon
The new version promises a lot of gameplay options, but can it keep its in-game purchases in check?
KOSTAS FARKONAS
PublishED: March 13, 2024
Anyone who’s been into tennis video games during the last 30 years knows that there have only ever been three such franchises really worth investing a lot of time and effort in: Sega’s Virtua Tennis, Nintendo’s Mario Tennis and 2K Sports’ Top Spin. Nintendo offered a high-quality Mario Tennis version to Switch owners in 2018, but PlayStation and Xbox owners were left out in the cold for more than a decade, as the last time a new version of Virtua Tennis or Top Spin was released was way, way back in 2011. A very long time indeed.
Well, PS4/PS5 and Xbox One/Xbox Series owners (as well as PC gamers) need not wait for much longer: Top Spin 2K25 will be out for every one of those formats on Friday, April 26th and can be pre-ordered today. As is usually the case with all major releases nowadays, it seems, the game will be offered in Standard, Deluxe and “Grand Slam” editions, each one offering some, more or a lot of extra cosmetics and… yes, virtual currency. Here is a brief trailer 2K Sports published to mark the announcement of its newest title.
According to 2K Sports, gamers will be able to do the following – among other things – in Top Spin 2K25:
- Win the career Grand Slam: Travel the world as an up-and-coming pro, go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennis, and step onto the court at Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open as you strive to become a Grand Slam Champion in My CAREER.
- Compete at iconic venues: Visit some of the most vibrant courts on the tennis circuit in Top Spin 2K25. Featuring 48 unique courts, including 15 real-life venues, from the four Grand Slam tournaments to larger-than-life international arenas like Indian Wells, and more. Outdoor venues also offer the option of three different times of day to play.
- Dominate the court online: Test your My PLAYER’s mettle and showcase your tennis prowess on the World Tour or step into the 2K Tour as a playable pro, and challenge players around the world with cross-play support.
- Play as Tennis Legends & Rising Stars: Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe, Andre Agassi and many others are officially included in the game. Choose from over 24 playable pros and unleash their explosive power and clever finesse against other players locally or online.
- Personalize your My PLAYER: Create a player tailored to your play style and define your look on the court! With a wide range of customization options, you can fine-tune your attributes and earn new Coaches, Fittings and gear from leading tennis brands.
- Train with John McEnroe: From power serves to gorgeous drop-shots, learn how to play like a legend with John McEnroe at the Top Spin Academy. Master advanced controls as you progress through a series of skill-sharpening drills and challenges to gain an edge on every surface.
The trailer does mention that Top Spin 2K25 includes in-game purchases, so it will be interesting to see how 2K Sports chose to handle those in terms of game progression after the rather embarrassing NBA 2K24 fiasco last year. It seems that the company at least made sure to include a high-quality soundtrack, so there is that.
The game’s official website is rather sparse at the moment, but it’s expected to offer more details and media material soon. Here’s hope that consumers who love tennis games will not be rewarded for their 13-year-long patience with another blatant monetization scheme disguised as a Top Spin title, yes?