E3: Top Spin 360 Hands-On

How has this classic tennis title fared in the transition to next-gen?

One of the few bright spots of Microsoft's XSN lineup was the original Top Spin, a viciously addictive and beautiful tennis game that was a showcase for the Xbox hardware, Microsoft's online service and first-party efforts. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a similar impact from the new Xbox 360 title, you will be sorely disappointed.

The new Xbox 360 controller molds well to your hands, and makes Top Spin a pleasurable experience. Much like the last game, you can perform a variety of moves by hitting buttons in combination with the directional stick. It's a very fluid, easy system that allows for pick up and play and legitimate strategy for veterans.

For instance, beginners can simply sit back and volley, hoping that a conservative defensive play will win out in the end. Veterans however, can carefully maneuver their player to take advantage of the court and the game definitely rewards you for being aggressive. It's never lopsided, though.

Disappointingly, the Xbox 360 version of Top Spin looks like the good 'ole Xbox version. The 360 sequel is a bit sharper and textures a bit prettier, but nothing that would even be considered a significant improvement over the original. And as is, there was noticeable slowdown during the show floor demo.

Top Spin 360 plans to take advantage of licensed players, and continue to push the XSN brand in the forefront of Microsoft's Xbox Live services for the next generation console. Although details were sketchy, it goes without saying that Microsoft plans on putting a considerable amount of online content in Top Spin.

Although it plays the same, Top Spin looks the same and that does not compute when dealing with next-gen hardware. Sources say the game is still quite early, and there is a good amount of time to clean up the game, which was obviously rushed for E3. Yet fans can breathe easy knowing that the core of one of the best titles in the current Xbox library looks to be intact for its next gen debut.

Will Federman
Contributor, Kikizo Games