Top Spin 2K25: A Swing and a Miss for This Tennis Dad
Game, Set, Disappointment
As a dad whose life revolves around tennis (thanks, kids!), I was eagerly anticipating the return of Top Spin. The initial nostalgia hit was strong – the pick-up-and-play fun reminded me of those late nights battling friends back in the day. But sadly, that’s where the good times ended, faster than a Federer ace.
Gameplay: Power Trumps Precision
The actual tennis? More like a power-hitting slugfest than a strategic battle of wits. Forget finesse, placement, or building a point – just mash that button and hope the shot meter gods are on your side. It’s the NBA 2K-ification of tennis, and it’s about as fun as a rain delay at Wimbledon.
Career Mode: A Grand Slam of Missed Opportunities
Career mode? A joke. The progression is nonsensical, and the dream of even qualifying for a major early on is laughable. The coaches are a missed opportunity, with leveling them up feeling more like a chore than a reward. And forget about specializing as a power server – the game doesn’t seem to care what skills you build. It’s like trying to volley with a wet noodle.
Roster and Customization: Shallow and Uninspired
The roster? Pathetic. Five months in, and we’re still waiting for new players. Meanwhile, the battle pass for gear is a microtransaction-laden slog with underwhelming rewards. It’s almost like the developers are actively trying to drain the fun out of the game. And don’t even get me started on the character customization options – it’s like trying to dress up a mannequin in a thrift store.
Final Verdict: A Double Fault
Look, I get it. I’m an older gamer. I don’t have time to waste on half-baked games. And Top Spin 2K25, unfortunately, falls squarely into that category. It’s a shallow, frustrating experience that fails to capture the essence of tennis. Even my son, who’s a die-hard fan of the sport, was quickly bored.
So, unless you’re desperate for any kind of tennis game, or you enjoy grinding through microtransactions for mediocre rewards, give this one a pass. There are better ways to spend your time – like, say, actually playing tennis with your kids. Or, you know, watching paint dry.
