Top Spin E3 2005 Hands-On

Top Spin was a big hit on the Xbox and publisher 2K Sports is looking to duplicate that success on the PlayStation 2 (finally!). We checked out a work-in-progress version of the game today at the 2K E3 booth, and the same addictive gameplay that made the Xbox game so fun seems to have found its way to the PS2 as well.

The game features the standard list of lob, topspin, slice, and regular shots--all mapped to the PS2 face buttons. Some added complexity comes in the form of risk and drop shots, which can be used on either regular volley shots or on serves. When serving up the ball, for example, you'll pull off a risk shot by holding down the R1 trigger, which will bring up a meter graphic with a quickly moving cursor. Release the cursor in the middle of the meter and you'll pull off a slamming power serve worthy of Roger Federer. Fail to do so and your serve will likely end up straight in the net.

The same mechanic will also apply to volley shots, though things get more complex when you consider you'll also be moving your player over the court, so paying attention to a quickly moving meter will be considerably more difficult. One cool feature is the ability to let your feelings loose on the court by using the L2 and R2 triggers. Hit a nice set-winning shot and you can trigger a celebration with the R2 trigger; lose a match to a girl and you'll be slamming your finger repeatedly on the L2 trigger as your tennis star throws a fit.

So far, Top Spin's graphics aren't anything too special, especially when compared to the far more impressive Top Spin 2 on Xbox 360 (which was also playable on the floor today). Still, the game moved at a decent clip and the demo's two featured players (Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer) were fairly recognizable, especially up close. Currently 60 percent done, Top Spin is due to hit PS2s in November. Stay tuned to our coverage of the game in the future, along with a full review once it's released.