i'm already cringing as 2k sports is making topspin 4...wish pam development could make a new tennis game
there were a few reasons why i thought topspin 1 was better than 2. in ts2 there were no instant replays, the sound of the racquet hitting the ball sounded like a drum, and the computer was too predictable, was able to win tournaments without losing a game. the hard level on ts1 was much more difficult
I see your point. What I like about T1 and T2 is the size and speed of the ball. It has more of a cartoonish/arcade look when the ball is hit flat and hard. But the fact that you can get so many balls back on the dead run while way out of position, makes it exciting and challenging. It really keeps you in the moment, although it is not as realistic for constructing points. I do agree that the hard level was tougher on T1. At the time I played T1, I had a PS2. Now I have an XBox360. I do have T2 for the XBox, but not T1. It's been a long time since i've played T1. But I do recall that I really liked the gameplay.
I have played most of the games and here are my rankings:
1)Topspin 4-Realistic gameplay that requires more strategy than reaction time, excellent variety of players(past and present), challenging levels and sufficient variety of camera angles.
2)Smashcourt Tennis 3-(Surprised nobody mentioned this one) Exciting gameplay w some realistic elements(although certainly more of an arcade style game at heart), Realistic player game styles and looks, certainly requires good timing and patience to set up points and move to the ball(especially at net) and a variety of camera angles. Not enough players to choose from, though.
3)TIE-Virtua Tennis 4- Best graphics, arcade style game that still requires good timing, patience and strategy to build and finish points. 3)Topspin 2-(see above).
5)Virtual Tennis 2009-Excellent Graphics, good player variety and variety of camera angles. Too much of an arcade style for my taste, but still fun to play.
6)Topspin 3- Great variety of venues and players to choose from.
Gameplay is weak, too difficult to time and control shots and the herky jerky movement of players is distracting.
