Topspin 3 (360)

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:18 am

Spooky wrote:
Jared wrote:MacsomJRR contributed a review of Top Spin 3. Link is below:

Top Spin 3 (360)
Great review. Thank you!

I agree. Great review and it sums up the game perfectly.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:21 am

Sport73 wrote:This is a terrific game. Hopped online and gave RallyMonkey a good schooling last night. I don't find the controls sluggish at all, and it has certainly 'clicked' for me and I'm able to power shots down the line at will.

A few tips for those getting started:

1. Use subtle movements to position yourself for the ball, your player will LOCK IN once he's in position, and won't move again no matter how much you wiggle the Left stick.

I'm not getting this "locked in" thing at all. My player can always move a little bit before hitting the ball and doesn't ever seem to "lock in" like you say.
Anyone else able to do this? Maybe I just need more practice at getting into the correct position? Do you move into position and then let go of the stick for a split second?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:23 am

JackB1 wrote: If you are running crosscourt and barely are able to reach the ball, obviously you wont get much power on it. But in this game, you can be powered up already.

I agree it's hard to replicate on a controller and I think they did a pretty good job with this game.

Nobody does it better than Federer running to his forehand side.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:44 am

JackB1 wrote:I'm not getting this "locked in" thing at all. My player can always move a little bit before hitting the ball and doesn't ever seem to "lock in" like you say.
Anyone else able to do this? Maybe I just need more practice at getting into the correct position? Do you move into position and then let go of the stick for a split second?

Yes, I do it a ton. When you get near that "perfect" spot, your player will just stop moving. You can hold the shot button and move the stick anywhere you want and your player will be rooted in place, and you'll hit your most powerful shots from that state.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:17 pm

If you take the time to learn the new control scheme (go to Top Spin School!) and show some patience in the early going you’ll start to appreciate just how much depth the game can have.

Nice review and this is probably the most important statement in the entire thing. This is not a pick up and play title, nor is it a "can perfect the game in one week" title. This game, and i am talking to gameplay here, takes a while to get. But much like others who are enjoying it, when it does click it feels very very good. I am treating this game as i would learning tennis, or any sport, from the ground up. I have gotten to the point where my baseline play is pretty solid. Now i want to incorporate net play. After that i'll try and build risk shots into my play. I like that, at least as of now, there is a next step for me to try and perfect. Not to many games are built like this one.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:45 pm

TCrouch wrote: Yes, I do it a ton. When you get near that "perfect" spot, your player will just stop moving. You can hold the shot button and move the stick anywhere you want and your player will be rooted in place, and you'll hit your most powerful shots from that state.

So can you overrun the "spot" if you dont stop moving or do you just run to the spot and it locks you in (like catching a fly in most bb games)? I am expecting the game any day now from gamefly and have only played the demo, so I will practice a lot more when I get the full game.

Hopefully I can get some online games in with you guys.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:56 pm

It's very precise...you can miss it completely very easily. You can also end up off by a foot and have to make some strange reaching shot that goes into the net or out of bounds. It's also dependent upon the ball's height, not just the angle. If you go in a perfect line to the ball's path, but it's bouncing near your feet, then that's not the right spot. You have to work on both angles--the angle to the ball flight, and the spot where you'll have the ball's bounce at the correct height.

It takes some practice, but it's worth it when you figure it out.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:58 pm

The stamina meter is a nice addition to the game. Nothing more satisfying than running your opponent side to side and see him in the red as he serves...and then double fault. As that player fatigues, they become less effective much like you would expect to see in a real game of tennis.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:10 pm

TCrouch wrote:It's very precise...you can miss it completely very easily. You can also end up off by a foot and have to make some strange reaching shot that goes into the net or out of bounds. It's also dependent upon the ball's height, not just the angle. If you go in a perfect line to the ball's path, but it's bouncing near your feet, then that's not the right spot. You have to work on both angles--the angle to the ball flight, and the spot where you'll have the ball's bounce at the correct height.

It takes some practice, but it's worth it when you figure it out.

Figuring out where that sweet spot in both angles is the toughest part but once you get it the game does get easier. Then the hardest part becomes how do you get your player in the perfect spot to hit the ball at that spot.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:55 am

finally got my Gamefly copy last night. I fired up the game and jumped into Career mode and won my first 3 required matches. It definitely takes some time to get the timing down. I still can't get my player to "lock in" to position.
The tutorial tells you to keep moving till the last second to try and get in proper hitting position. I just don't get this "lock in" thing

I noticed there are more parts to Tennis School than in the demo, so those of you that skipped it, you might want to go over those additional parts to the Tennis School that weren't in the demo. I like that this game is challenging. if you want a "pick up and play" tennis game, there is always VT. This game REALLY emphasizes positioning and timing, just like real tennis. I can't wait to try some online games, but need to get more practice playing solo for a while. Only negative for me is that they didn't make the game completely playable using the thumbsticks and the shoulder buttons (like NHL08). Seems like tennis would be perfect for that....similar to how Rockstar did that ping pong game.

Question.......when serving with the right stick...How do you get more power behind it? It seems to be the same to me all the time. Also, do you guys use the left bumper to return to center or just move with the left stick and right bumper?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:21 am

JackB1 wrote: Question.......when serving with the right stick...How do you get more power behind it? It seems to be the same to me all the time. Also, do you guys use the left bumper to return to center or just move with the left stick and right bumper?

Sounds like an old cliche by now...but you guessed it: Good timing. Also try to pick guys that have pop on their serves, guys like Roddick, Becker. Lower the RS gently and at the moment that you think your player will contact the ball bring up the RS for a flat serve. If you mis-time it, the ball will drop over your head. And like the rest of the game, just good old practice until you get used to the stick. I was using the face buttons first for serving but I got used to the stick, it's just natural for me.

Regarding the left bumper to return to the center, if you have good movement and you're controlling the rallies, I hardly use it. Only when I am being toyed by an opponent and forced wide that I try to get back to the middle.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 11:59 am

I played an absolutely epic game last night against a random that totally re-enthused my interest in getting better at this game. He took the first set 3-1 and I won the second set 4-2 after ton of back and forth with some really crafty shots getting thrown in here and there. The final elimination tie-breaker was insane. We ended up going 7-7 until I managed to squeak out the last two point to win the match. It was awesome:)

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 12:08 pm

macsomjrr wrote:I played an absolutely epic game last night against a random that totally re-enthused my interest in getting better at this game. He took the first set 3-1 and I won the second set 4-2 after ton of back and forth with some really crafty shots getting thrown in here and there. The final elimination tie-breaker was insane. We ended up going 7-7 until I managed to squeak out the last two point to win the match. It was awesome:)

Sounds great. I can't wait to get better at this game so I can challenge some of you guys online. When you play online, do you use your "created player"
or do you pick some Pros?

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 12:37 pm

JackB1 wrote:
macsomjrr wrote:I played an absolutely epic game last night against a random that totally re-enthused my interest in getting better at this game. He took the first set 3-1 and I won the second set 4-2 after ton of back and forth with some really crafty shots getting thrown in here and there. The final elimination tie-breaker was insane. We ended up going 7-7 until I managed to squeak out the last two point to win the match. It was awesome:)
Sounds great. I can't wait to get better at this game so I can challenge some of you guys online. When you play online, do you use your "created player"
or do you pick some Pros?

I use my created player most of the time just b/c I want to get my ratings up as high as I can and because none of the pros have camo shorts with pirate mustache:) Its a bit frustrating b/c I'm usually playing guys who're 10-15 points higher than me so I'm working hard for every point but its more fun that way.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:26 pm

I am in the middle of my career in juniors. Playing the grass tourneys now and I haven't lost yet. However I am seeing that streak about to be broken as the serve & volley guys are causing me a share of headaches. They attack you as soon as they get a chance and unless you have sharp passing shots and good movement, you're doomed.

For those players that need points in your career start on the easy tournaments and start building him on from there.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:18 pm

TheTruth wrote:Well, I have been playing a career and am now rated in the low 60's and am routinely beating Federer and Roddick (360 version). In fact I haven't lost since I hit the 60 mark. Has anyone else had to change the difficulty yet? Does it get outrageously hard?

Anyone have this for the 360 and want to play some online games?

What skill level are you playing on? The default is normal, correct?

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:00 am

10spro wrote:I am in the middle of my career in juniors. Playing the grass tourneys now and I haven't lost yet. However I am seeing that streak about to be broken as the serve & volley guys are causing me a share of headaches. They attack you as soon as they get a chance and unless you have sharp passing shots and good movement, you're doomed.

For those players that need points in your career start on the easy tournaments and start building him on from there.

I just started a career and I dont see where you pick and choose who to play? I only have an option for "next game". ?? I am only about 7 or 8 matches into career mode.

TheTruth · Post by **TheTruth** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:05 am

sportdan30 wrote:
TheTruth wrote:Well, I have been playing a career and am now rated in the low 60's and am routinely beating Federer and Roddick (360 version). In fact I haven't lost since I hit the 60 mark. Has anyone else had to change the difficulty yet? Does it get outrageously hard?

Anyone have this for the 360 and want to play some online games?
What skill level are you playing on? The default is normal, correct?

Yes, this is on default normal.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:59 am

JackB1 wrote:
10spro wrote:I am in the middle of my career in juniors. Playing the grass tourneys now and I haven't lost yet. However I am seeing that streak about to be broken as the serve & volley guys are causing me a share of headaches. They attack you as soon as they get a chance and unless you have sharp passing shots and good movement, you're doomed.

For those players that need points in your career start on the easy tournaments and start building him on from there.
I just started a career and I dont see where you pick and choose who to play? I only have an option for "next game". ?? I am only about 7 or 8 matches into career mode.

You don't, it comes randomly at you. I was just stating that at one point of your career, the serve & volley guys will be in your alley, and they can cause a bit more trouble than say a baseliner or all court player. Tournamenst are hard or easy, I know there's a difference in price money, not sure about the XP points.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:51 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Boys,

It clicked! It clicked! I finally got it after playing the demo this evening......and I couldn't be happier.

That happened to me over the weekend too and I'm extremely happy. I just refused to give up on the game when I was hearing how great it is and I've been waiting for a great tennis game for years. I put a lot of time into the demo and finally it hit me. Practicing and doing the tutorial stuff in the full version has made it even better.

At first the game seemed a little slow, but now these 40 year old reflexes are really appreciating the pace!

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:54 am

well I finally won my first juniors match. It came after about 5 straight losses and boy did it feel good! The AI in this game almost seems "human" to me sometimes.

I think I can say that things finally "clicked" for me as far as the timing and positioning goes, but I still have a lot to learn. I am still "hit or miss" using the left and right triggers and will only do so when ahead. All in all, I am really enjoying this game a lot. Has anyone tried the "zoom" camera? I makes you feel like you are really on the court. I had to switch back to the "TV-close" camera though, because it lets you judge depth much better.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:24 pm

I have a play that can get me out of trouble when I am down. I don't think it's necessarily a glitch but it's worked for me 90% of the time when I need a point. There's a tourney going so I won't blow it out, but if you want to try it feel free to PM me. I have the PS3 version.

On exhibitions I have been playing on the hard level using the Pros, I had some excellent matches.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:42 pm

I bought the 360 version at Amazon.com for $9.99 part of their BF deals. At first I thought the games controls sucked when compared to TS1 and TS2. After playing the game some more the controls finally clicked and now I totally love TS3. It's by far the best Tennis game I have ever played.

The best thing about it is the court positioning of your player and how you strike the ball. I was playing a match between Roddick and Federer and it was an awesome baseline match. I was down 2 games to 1 in the only set I played. It was a sea saw match. I finally broke serve and won 7-5 Roddick for the win.

One other thing that's cool about the game is viewing the composure level of the AI. Anyway TS3 is now my favorite Tennis game and best of all it only cost me $10 with free shipping and no tax.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:52 pm

Rodster wrote:I bought the 360 version at Amazon.com for $9.99 part of their BF deals. At first I thought the games controls sucked when compared to TS1 and TS2. After playing the game some more the controls finally clicked and now I totally love TS3. It's by far the best Tennis game I have ever played.

You nailed it. Once you get used to the controls (and it is not like it is that different - plus it is a more logical swing setup) it is an amazing game of tennis. Has terrific varied AI and the risk shot setup is much better over the previous editions (though still too easy to risk serve).

If they had a descent career mode this would be my sports game of the year. They really should force you to play the first match of this game with pros in an exhibition to see how good the tennis is. Playing the early career mode matches is not a good indicator of the quality of the game and the pace is mind numbingly slow.

Sadly they skimped in many aspects of the game, like presentation, features and accessories. How in the heck do you make a tennis game with Bjorn Borg and not have wristbands?

Here is hoping PAM is working on Top Spin 4.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:53 pm

Hmm, PS3 version is $28, same as VT3!

Oh well maybe when it drops further.

By then we should know about the EA game for which they got the exclusive Wimbledon license.