Topspin 3 (360)

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:50 am

Guess I'm in the minority, but I'm tiring of the learning curve. I just don't put enough time into it, not with all the other games that I'm trying to get some time with. So when I do play, it's that much tougher. Think I'll probably mess around with it for the rest of the week then probably return it to GF.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 1:31 am

I am getting more used to serving with the stick now to the point that I prefer it over the old method. It seems to add more ooomph too.

There are not many in the game today, but if you want the CPU to play an attacking game, serve & volley type, try S. Rabari.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:19 am

I've definitely got a sickness...after finding out Nadal was only on the PS3 version, I mentioned it to my wife, and now I have both versions

I agree, once you get used to using the R-stick for serving, it's the only way to go. You can rip off a lot faster serves using it, too.

TheTruth · Post by **TheTruth** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:31 am

I picked this up a couple of days ago and really like it so far. Started a career last night and stayed up past 1 in the morning building up my player. It reminded me a lot of the Captain your country mode in Euro 08 (which I am still in the middle of) and very enjoyable in that you can play quick matches and see improvements rather quickly. I just don't have the time to play full 3 out of 5 set matches, but it would be good if they had that option in there for those that do. And I read the tourny mode is rather good in that you can do full 3 out of 5. It's a bummer that Nadal isn't in the 360 version, but I will not buy a ps3 just for Nadal. Has anyone seen a created Nadal out there?

Has anyone figured out the timeing of the R and L trigger (power and accuracy) shots yet? In the training it said release when the ball is at it's highest, but it seems hit or miss, mostly miss so far. And do you have to release the trigger and the shot button or just the shot button?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:35 am

TCrouch wrote:I've definitely got a sickness...after finding out Nadal was only on the PS3 version, I mentioned it to my wife, and now I have both versions

Heh...I do too. Till I sell the 360 one on ebay today anyway.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:16 pm

With the PS3 controller, the shoulder combo shots are much easier to pull, still you have to have good timing and be positionally sound to score a winner. At this point I am used to the new controls to the point that I don't even think about them anymore. It truly feels like you are more in control of the game and it feels much more gratifying in every swing you take and connect. No framerates issues, no hiccups, this games just takes much more strategy and placement to score winners.

Here's a very accurate view on the game, I am loving it, I played a lot of tennis games and this is the best that I had my hands on.

http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/sports/tops ... ks;story;3

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:25 pm

I'll agree--my kids all play in a Tennis League and I ended up having a blast playing with them, so I play a bunch, too. For some reason, I got bored with most tennis games after a few minutes, though. This one doesn't have that effect. The positioning thought process you go through on a court translates, as I kept getting whacked in the head or chest with a ball when I just ran to the point. The "release the button" timing is great, so instead of just running to a spot and holding a button I must release to swing. What a concept.

I really, really dig it the more I play it, and it's been a considerable amount already.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:43 pm

What this game lacks though is atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the crowd. Ssshh alright during points being played, but how about more screaming and shouting during hard won points. And players should add a bit more grunt too, especially the girls

.

Now if they come up with a patch with the likes of McEnroe, Connors, Agassi, I'll be in heaven, heck even if they charge a fee I would go for it.

Terry do you use the same gamertag for your PS3?

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:52 pm

Yeah, but I've never played my PS3 online, and any time I try to download game updates for ANY game, it goes a couple of percent and then just craps out. The online components to the PS3 just drive me nuts. I get signed out randomly, stuff won't update, etc. It's like it won't work with wireless, despite having an integrated wireless adapter, and it works like sh*t in the same exact place my 360 works flawlessly in. I've never even attempted to go online with it.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:53 pm

Not sure if it's true or not, but I've read where there may be downloadable pros (past and present) in upcoming updates.

Now with that said, can someone please explain to me how in the world you hit a cross court shot? I played through the training school. I created a new character, and went up against some guy who looked like he should be playing rugby and not tennis. We played on some playground court in Chicago. The entire game, I was just hitting it right back to center court and right where he was positioned. The rallies were long and frustrating, and of course I lost because eventually I would make an errant shot, or miss the ball completely.

I understand the technique to hit a shot in this game. What I don't understand is how you put angle on the ball. Lets say for instance, I'm running to my right. I'm holding the button down, correct as I'm running? Then when I get positioned, I try and put some angle on the ball and hit it cross court. So, I attempt to press the stick to the left, right? Well, the dang ball just goes right back to the center.

?

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 1:05 pm

It took me a few minutes to figure that out. See, it's not like VT where you hold the button down and that charges your shot. You want to run to get in proper position and then hold the button. You'll find out that if you get into solid position and simply TAP the button, you can still hit an effective shot. Holding the button WILL generate more power, but proper position and timing are far more important. In order of importance, in my experience:

1. Proper position.
2. Proper timing.
3. Holding the button.

If you screw up #1 or #2, your shot is screwed no matter what. If you get 1 and 2 flawless and don't perform 3, you can still rip a pretty good shot off.

With that being said, the quicker you learn to get into proper position, the better off you'll be. A couple of steps before my shot, I will aim the other direction for a shot. So I'll be running left, and then just as I get near the shot location, hold right on the stick. I'll finish my running left animation and then pull the ball cross court. So you're holding shot direction after you press the button and are nearing position.

It's harder to explain than to do, but you aim the shot just as you finish using the stick to move. The momentum carries you into your final shot position with the last step or two, even if you're holding the opposite direction.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 1:11 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Not sure if it's true or not, but I've read where there may be downloadable pros (past and present) in upcoming updates.

That would be awesome!

sportdan30 wrote: I understand the technique to hit a shot in this game. What I don't understand is how you put angle on the ball. Lets say for instance, I'm running to my right. I'm holding the button down, correct as I'm running? Then when I get positioned, I try and put some angle on the ball and hit it cross court. So, I attempt to press the stick to the left, right? Well, the dang ball just goes right back to the center.

Correct in theory, I am not sure which button you're holding down though when you make the run for the ball as the only button you should be holding it's the RS steering you to the right. As you're making your run I would have already the LS aiming left for the crosscourt shot and then hit the ball. If you hit the ball at the same time that you're aiming the direction that you want it's too late.

spooky157 · Post by **spooky157** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 3:50 pm

10spro wrote:
sportdan30 wrote: I understand the technique to hit a shot in this game. What I don't understand is how you put angle on the ball. Lets say for instance, I'm running to my right. I'm holding the button down, correct as I'm running? Then when I get positioned, I try and put some angle on the ball and hit it cross court. So, I attempt to press the stick to the left, right? Well, the dang ball just goes right back to the center.
Correct in theory, I am not sure which button you're holding down though when you make the run for the ball as the only button you should be holding it's the RS steering you to the right. As you're making your run I would have already the LS aiming left for the crosscourt shot and then hit the ball. If you hit the ball at the same time that you're aiming the direction that you want it's too late.

Wait - you use the RS to steer your player and the LS to aim the shot? I'm having the same problem as sportdan but I've been using the LS to run and to aim my shots so I'm not exactly sure when I should stop running and when to start aiming. So I've been pretty much hitting shots to the direction I've been running.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:12 pm

Spooky57, forget the RS for now. Going LS is the best way to go, especially if you're just getting to know the controls, I guess you never really stop your player to hit a shot, so your momentum with the LS is key, it's hard to explain but keep aiming right or left (depending what you want to do with your shot selection) with the LS and your momentum and your position to the ball will dictate how well prepared you were for your shot.

I know a lot of people want to just grab the game and play but I can't emphasize how important it is to try the tutorial first.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:49 pm

The tutorial for serving slices on the demo tells you to do a circle on the RS but I can't get it to work.

I hit X for the player to lob the ball up and try the circle but nothing happens.

Plus, if you just hit X once, it lobs, then hits the serve on its own.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:20 pm

wco81 wrote:The tutorial for serving slices on the demo tells you to do a circle on the RS but I can't get it to work.

I hit X for the player to lob the ball up and try the circle but nothing happens.

Plus, if you just hit X once, it lobs, then hits the serve on its own.

I serve strictly with the RS now. You actually pull down RS, then do a semi-circle counterclockwise and snap it up, say for a slice serve. And since you use the buttons, it's a square for a slice serve not circle. This is one aspect of the game I think it needs some improvement. I'd like to see more speed added into a serve, and if you pick a guy like Becker and Roddick you may see the difference.

PadresFan104 · Post by **PadresFan104** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 12:42 pm

Tried the demo last night, and it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I really like how proper timing is implemented. I'll be picking this one up.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:56 pm

Demo is way too easy to beat now. I can beat Nadal from the baseline or the net.

Haven't mastered serving but at whatever difficulty the demo is set at, you don't pay a penalty for a basic serve.

Tried to rent it at Blockbuster but didn't have it. At $8 for a 5-day rental, maybe just as well.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:17 pm

I like the demo as well and I plan on getting it for sure, just waiting for the price drop.

Btw how do you get to play Nadal? The only thing I saw was an exhibition tie breaker between Federer and Roddick.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:18 pm

It's been said a few times in this thread that R. Nasal only appears on the PS3. The demo only has Federer & Roddick. Now those of you playing the demo, you should really try to at least rent the game once you get used to the controls it just plays a fine game of tennis. I tried the hard level last time and boy the CPU will push you harder for sure, the rallies are longer and you just have almost no room for any kind of unforced errors. The shits made by the CPU seems to be quicker too.

Just started my career and I won my first tournament. Into the juniors now, can't wait to see my progress.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:37 am

10spro wrote:The shits made by the CPU seems to be quicker too.

The CPU should have taken smaller doses of Ex-Lax, for sure.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:00 am

TCrouch wrote:
10spro wrote:The shits made by the CPU seems to be quicker too.
The CPU should have taken smaller doses of Ex-Lax, for sure.

And you thought the sweat stains were realistic.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:42 am

Picked this one up today and man i'm glad i did. I tried the demo this morning and really liked it so i grabbed the PS3 version. Jumped into the US Open with Blake and proceeded to lose in the first round 6-1, 6-1, 6-3. I then entered the Australian with Roddick and something just clicked as i started to grow more comfortable with the controls and won handily 6-4, 6-1, 6-0. I use the RS to serve and primarily the x button and even hit a few R2 power shots in.

I love sports games that reward you in appropriate ways like this one, i.e., a shot played while being in position with the correct swing mechanics feels so rewarding. The only thing i'm struggling with is net play. Is there a net play tutorial?

Regardless, i am enjoying this one immensely so far.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 4:55 pm

macsomjrr wrote:
TCrouch wrote:
10spro wrote:The shits made by the CPU seems to be quicker too.
The CPU should have taken smaller doses of Ex-Lax, for sure.
And you thought the sweat stains were realistic.

See what happens when you type on the move on the itouch?

Online matches anyone?

Leadfoot5 · Post by **Leadfoot5** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:46 am

Played a local doubles match today and it was a blast!! Highly recommend it if you can get some friends into the game. Lots of great gaming to be had, especially during tie-breaks!!!