Top Spin 4

Top Spin 4 is a tennis simulator that focuses on tactics rather than reaction speed. Control is based on the choice of strike and direction, and strong “risky” strikes require precise timing and can end in an error. At higher difficulty levels, matches turn into protracted skirmishes, where the ability to read your opponent is decisive. Career allows you to create your own player, hire a coach and guide him through tournaments to the first place in the ranking. Mentors influence the development of characteristics and give bonuses to specific elements, so that everyone has their own approach to career growth. Court surfaces are also taken into account: on clay, rallies are delayed, and on grass, the serve and play at the net decides. The roster contains stars of different generations, and their manners are recognizable: some keep the pace on the back line, others prefer to go forward. Doubles matches, practice sessions, and online matches complement single-player play, and a shot scoring system helps you understand where you're losing the initiative. It’s also worth noting that the game’s presentation has been worked out in detail: animations, the sound of hits and the reaction of the stands create the feeling of a real tournament. Online matches and doubles matches allow you to test yourself against live opponents, and different courts require different tactics. This is a rare combination of depth and accessibility for a tennis simulator. Top Spin 4 is often called the best tennis simulator of its generation: it has depth, respect for the sport, and a clear entry point for a beginner. The matches are long, but that's what makes the victory valuable.