Top Spin 2 (DS)

[THATinkjar]

I saw this listed over on Play.com the other week - priced as a budget title (a mere £9.99, to be exact) - and I couldn't resist. Despite reading plenty of criticism - mostly in relation to the irritating slowdown that occurs each and every time the ball reaches either player (just before you take a swing) - I thought I should sample this for myself.

And I'm pleased I did. If you're in the market for a competent game of tennis on your DS (and you only have a choice of two, although Prince of Tennis is still stuck in Japan), then I would easily recommend this - if you can find it fairly cheap.

Yes - the slowdown is bad. Yes - it is very bad. Probably as bad as you may have read or been told. It is a complete mystery to me as to how this slipped through. But, I am equally as surprised to learn that so many people who have played this, have failed to look past this problem and appreciate that there is a very decent game underneath.

This slowdown - while bothersome - has never once affected my choice of shot, or the outcome of a rally, etc. This game really shouldn't be overlooked without a quick play, because you really might be missing out.

Has anyone else played this?

[Windy Miller]

After I heard about it on DSR, I've taken a wide berth around it. A very quick look at Gamerankings gives me...


IGN - 4 out of 10 40.0%
GameSpot - 2.9 out of 10 29.0%
Nintendo Power - 6 out of 10 60.0%
3D Avenue - 4 out of 5 80.0%
Revolution Europe - 4 out of 10 40.0%
Modojo - 2 out of 5 40.0%
Games Master UK - 87 out of 100 87.0%
NGC Magazine UK - 70 out of 100 70.0%

So I won't be buying it. :/ There's just too many games that are demanding my money at the moment. Plus I've got Mario Tennis Power Tour waiting to be played.