After a long 13-year hiatus, the TopSpin series makes its grand return to the courts. This time, it is sporting its new 2K name, TopSpin 2K25, all while remaining true to what makes the series so unique: the gameplay. But is TopSpin 2K25 a master stroke return or a game struggling to make the Grand Slam?
Here is our SGO review of TopSpin 2K25.
TopSpin 2K25 Review
Presentation: Looking at the part
When it comes to sports games mirroring their real-life counterparts, none do it better than 2K Sports. TopSpin 2K25 is no exception. Whether you are playing in a smaller tournament or competing in Wimbledon, 2K’s tennis game always looks the part.
The US Open appears almost identical to what you would see on TV, and with players mimicking their real-life counterparts’ forehand and backhand techniques, the comparison is almost uncanny. The best example I can use is how NBA 2K can nearly fool spectating eyes into thinking you’re watching a live NBA match-up; it is that comparable.
Hearing sounds
Not only does TopSpin look the part, but it sounds fantastic, too. Fans react to skillful rallies, furious serves, and dramatic match points. There was even a point when I heard a helicopter flying over the stadium as I was playing in a match. Small, subtle details like this push the immersion level in sports games to new heights.
Of course, the game has its basic tennis noises, like players grunting, the chair umpire screaming ‘fault,’ and the sound of the ball being whacked for eight minutes straight. It all contributes to the overall visual and audio experience of TopSpin 2K25.
Gameplay
Similar to the presentation, the gameplay in TopSpin 2K25 is excellent. 2K built its new game on the foundation of Top Spin 4‘s gameplay, so many returning fans should be familiar with it. However, new players might struggle to get the ball rolling.
Timing is everything
The timing in TopSpin will make or break you. It is the defining mechanic that makes a match easy or a nightmare. Unfortunately, during the game’s ‘TopSpin Academy,’ where players are introduced to the game’s core mechanics, the game fails to emphasize the importance of pressing the button before your player hits the ball. It’s more about when the button is released.
The game mentions it a few times, but new players will come in thinking that the ball needs to be hit at the exact moment it reaches their tennis player. This has led to many frustrating matches and inconsistent hits. There is a meter that is displayed before you hit the ball, but it’s more of a distraction than a helpful tool. Once I removed the shot timing meter and followed the ball myself, I found it easier to time my hits correctly. It’s also more visually pleasing to not have a constant shot meter show above your player’s head.
However, once players realize that they need to release the shot buttons right before hitting the ball, they will start to find their stride and tennis style and enjoy how fun and challenging TopSpin’s gameplay can be.
The overall gameplay in TopSpin 2K25 revolves around movement and various shots: slice, top spin, flat, and lob. This, combined with fluid gameplay, really delivers an excellent tennis experience. I can honestly say that I am addicted to the gameplay, and this is probably the most fun I’ve had playing a sports game in a while. TopSpin 2K25 nails this aspect of the game and deserves your purchase off gameplay alone.
Game Modes
In terms of game modes, TopSpin 2K25 has little going for it outside of MyCareer. The game offers some competitive modes like the 2K Tour and World Tour, but both modes are similar in scope.
2K & World Tour
2K Tour enables players to use real pros like Serena Williams and Roger Federer to compete online, complete objectives, and earn points
World Tour enables fans to put their customized MyPlayer to the test against other MyPlayers in tournaments to earn points and climb leaderboards. Both modes are pretty straightforward.
Since this is 2K’s first TopSpin game in thirteen years, the developers seem to be playing it safe in terms of game modes. Hopefully, we will get a wider variety of game modes in future titles.
MyPlayer
Now, let’s explore the two main modes players will spend most of their time in: MyPlayer and MyCareer.
MyPlayer is where you can create your tennis pro and customize their look, playstyle, court attire, and more. Unfortunately, the main customization portion of your character is bland, especially compared to how deep the customization is in other 2K Sports series like NBA 2K and WWE 2K.
There are few hairstyle options, and I wish there were more playstyle options at the beginning of your career so you won’t have to spend your match earnings on different ones down the line.
Other than that, MyPlayer is pretty straightforward.
MyCareer
The majority of players will spend their time in MyCareer in TopSpin 2K25. Overall, the mode is fun, but I think it’s the bare minimum from 2K Sports.
In MyCareer, Players will compete in the lesser known tournaments and work their way up the world ranking, elevating them to Grand Slam tournaments.
However, there are mitigating factors that slow your progression up the rankings. The main one is injury. As you travel around the world and compete in tournaments, your players’ fatigue percentage will drop, and they could pick up injuries, which will keep them out for a month or longer and cause them to drop down the rankings. So, managing their health is vital in TopSpin 2K25.
In MyCareer, competing in tournaments is one of many ways to earn attribute points and virtual currency. Players can also train and compete in special events, which are objective-based matches that yield great rewards and are a lot of fun, too.
Overall, tennis is a sport that doesn’t have the benefit of a team or league structure like most of the popular sports games. So, the developers will need to think outside the box to come up with more unique modes in the future. I’m not saying these modes aren’t fun, but having more variety in future titles would be nice.
Verdict
2K Sports has another game that excels in gameplay and presentation. TopSpin 2K25 is the best sports game I’ve played in years, and it’s all credit to the fantastic gameplay and addicting fun. Besides the lack of variety in game modes and some minor graphical issues, TopSpin 2K25 is a return to glory for tennis video games.