GC '07: Table Tennis Hands-On

LEIPZIG, Germany--Nobody saw last year's Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis coming. Fewer still figured a game based on that odd little sport would be any good. As it turned out, Table Tennis surprised everyone, with a gorgeous and imminently playable game that beneath its simple exterior held a surprisingly fun game engine. With the upcoming Wii version of Table Tennis, the game is due to surprise a few more folks with a control scheme that fits the Wii's unique setup to the letter. We had a chance to get some extended playtime with the game today and were left impressed with how the game is coming across on the Wii.

The stark interface in Table Tennis belies its depth, and that's no less true with the Wii version. With three distinct control schemes, you can play the game to suit your level of desired challenge. The first and easiest way to play the game is the default control scheme, which uses just the Wii Remote. To serve the ball, you simply press the A button, move the Wii Remote up, and then whack the ball by swiping with your controller. A meter pops up to show you the ideal spot to hit the ball; if you take a swipe anywhere near the top of the meter, you'll put the ball into play. Once the ball is in play, you can hit it by moving your controller as you might a regular ping-pong paddle. The timing takes a little bit of getting used to because the movement of the Wii Remote isn't exactly synched to the player's hand. Thus, you'll want to "load" your next whack before the ball reaches you. This is an especially important skill once the balls start flying and the pace picks up.

Once you've gotten used to the timing of the swing, it's time to work in the different spin types in the game. These are all controlled with the D pad: down for backspin, up for top spin, and left or right for left or right side spin, respectively. Spin will soon become a natural part of your rallies, especially when using the more advanced control schemes. Another aspect that isn't as readily apparent--but according to producers is just as important--is how you hit the ball. In other words, the ball will move differently depending on if you hit it forehand or backhand using your Wii Remote. Pressing the B button before your swing will let you perform a more powerful focus shot.

Though the standard control scheme works fine for beginners, the more advanced control setups--both of which utilize the Nunchuk attachment--better demonstrate the depth of the engine behind Table Tennis. The so-called "sharpshooter" setup uses the Nunchuk's analog stick as a way to aim your shot. For instance, before you swing, if you push up and left on the stick, your shot will aim toward that corner of the table. Similarly, if you push down and right, your player will aim his shot to drop short on that side of the table. If you comb the aiming mechanism with the spin mechanics, you've got that much more control over your shots.

The final and perhaps most satisfying control setup is known as "control freak." Here, the Nunchuk's analog stick controls your player's movement, as well as the aim of your shots. As with other aspects of the game, it will take some time getting used to moving your player. However, after some practice, you'll begin to get the hang of moving your player to get to steeply angled shots from your opponent and positioning your player so that he or she can make the most of his or her shots. For example, you'll be able to make sure your player is in position to hit a strong forehand top spin shot down your opponent's throat.

Though the Wii version of Table Tennis isn't as graphically impressive as the Xbox 360 version, it does look good. In fact, familiar characters from the original game--such as Liu Ping and Jesper--are immediately recognizable in the Wii version. They also move with the same fluidity and deceptive speed as in the Xbox 360 version of the game. It's probably not that far of a stretch to call the detailed player models in the game some of the best looking to appear on the console.

However you wish to play it, Table Tennis for the Wii looks to provide a good time on the Nintendo console. At the very least, if our hands-on time with the game is anything to go by, it will certainly increase your heart rate. The game is due for release in October, and we'll be bringing you more on the game as soon as it becomes available.