TopSpin 2K25 marks the return of the beloved tennis franchise after more than a decade, and I could not be happier. While TopSpin 4 was released back in 2011, I still find myself going back to it now and again, simply because it’s one of the best tennis games ever made. Thankfully, TopSpin 2K25 serves up an absolute winner, rejuvenating the franchise in all the right ways.
While the character models are a little wonky, and the roster a little thin, I can’t help but fall in love with some of the smoothest and most satisfying mechanics that the series has seen thus far.
The Art of the Shot
Much of TopSpin 2K25’s satisfying nature lies in the timing of its gameplay. It’s admittedly a little tricky to get the hang of, and I strongly recommend completing the Top Spin Academy, a tutorial experience guided and narrated by seven-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe. It’s a lengthy tutorial but takes you through the basics of each of the five shots, which consists of flat, slice, top spin, lob and drop shots.
Every shot is predicated on specific timing, which is highlighted by a dedicated timing bar. Hitting the shot when the marker reaches the end of this bar, ensures that it’s both on target and hit with enough power. There are two ways to actually hit shots as well. Hold the shot button and release at the right time to hit a power shot, or simply wait until the ball comes closer and press the shot button for a more accurate targeted shot. Tossing up between these two options allows players to stretch the floor and the tutorial actually does a great job at highlighting when and where to use each shot, and why it’s used to gain the upper hand.
That being said, shots simply feel so satisfying when hit correctly, and it’s a feeling that never really lets up. Players must also manage a stamina bar which sits below the player, which slowly depletes during play depending on your shot choices. Power shots take up more stamina, as does running about the court on the back foot. Draining this bar essentially reduces your shot accuracy and power. While you do get a portion of it back after each point, it does speak to the importance of managing shot selection and minimising longer rallies, particularly down the stretch of lengthier matches.
There’s also an advanced way to serve with the right analogue stick, but I don’t think it makes a huge difference when compared to the standard button method. Overall, TopSpin 2K25’s gameplay mechanics do a great job of emulating the many layers of tennis, emphasising the need to time and mix shots correctly for the best results. While it’s honestly tough to pick up at first and might frustrate friends when they’re over for a quick match, it’s all worth it when everything clicks together.
Ways to Play
TopSpin 2K25 offers multiple ways to tackle the action on the court, with the main mode being the 2K staple, MyCareer mode. Here, you’ll create your own player with their own attributes and take them through the ranks in a bid to be the greatest. There’s a few layers to this mode, even if it gets a little lost in some bloated menus and repetitive design. Once you’re off and running, you’ll have three ways to engage with your career routine, through training minigames, minigames interlaced with a match, followed by a dedicated tournament which affects your global ranking.
Each task comes with its own rewards including XP and VC (2K’s Virtual Currency returns), which can be used to not only level up your player’s attributes, but purchase some cool gear as well. I didn’t really love the first couple of hours, as your matches feel much shorter and come in the form of 7 or 10-point tie-breakers, but when you start making the four big Grand Slams, things ramp up accordingly. Progression is fairly well-paced, but the amount won from a tournament never really feels justified. In real life, you’ll usually win a couple million for a Grand Slam, but here, you’re left with 100 VC, which will barely buy you a hat.
Thankfully, you can even take your MyPlayer online to compete against others, and even take on daily, weekly and monthly challenges for rewards across both ranked and unranked matches. I feel the longevity will pay off here, but I worry, as always, about the VC money pit and how it will affect these modes moving forward. It’s not totally in your face here like it is in NBA 2K for example, but your earnings generally reflect the hefty amount of time needed to unlock anything noteworthy. Beyond these modes, you’ll find your standard exhibition options which include local matches for up to four players.
Overall, I think there’s enough to keep most players satisfied for the long haul. Even if the MyCareer mode feels a little basic and repetitive at times, it’s still great to play in bite-sized portions, as the gameplay is so consistently rewarding. The progression systems still back the broader feeling of improvement in its nuanced gameplay, so I can forgive its shortcomings for the most part.
The Cherry on TopSpin
TopSpin 2K25 features 24 playable pros at launch, both past and present. Current guns like Carlos Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe, Danil Medvedev and Iga Swiatek are all here, with some recently retired and aging stars Roger Federer and Serena Williams along for the ride. Some legends of the past like Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf are also playable right out of the gate, which is a nice touch.
Some likenesses are better than others, but some of them absolutely miss the mark. It’s honestly crazy how accurate Agassi looks, while Sampras looks like something straight out of the MyPlayer presets. But even so, it’s still a little disappointing that some major stars like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are nowhere to be seen. I understand there are more players on the way, so let’s keep those fingers crossed.
On the other hand, the courts, environments and general presentation look fantastic. While each of the major courts from the four Grand Slams is present, some of the smaller ATP courts from around the globe feature here as well, most of which you’ll see via MyCareer mode. Each court can also be played on across various times of the day, adding some visual flare and variety to the mix.
It also runs incredibly well. TopSpin 2K25 consistently nails its 60fps target, no matter the situation, which is arguably the most important aspect of a game that relies on fluidity and timing through its gameplay. While some muddier textures and wonky facial features can bring down some of the close-up shots, there’s not really much to complain about here.
Final Thoughts
TopSpin 2K25 returns with its head held high, bringing with it some of the strongest action the tennis court has seen in video game form. The timing-based gameplay might be tough to master, but undoubtedly satisfying and rewarding, no matter how you choose to head out and play.
While the MyCareer mode feels a little choppy at times along with its awkward VC reward system, there’s still plenty to unpack as you work towards being the best in the world. I hope some additional famous faces make their way onto the roster soon, but I’m certainly happy to see just how developer Hangar 13 has injected new life and a second chance into a long-dormant sporting franchise.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Fantastic gameplay mechanics; Multiple ways to play; Great performance across the board
Lowlights: The campaign is worn down by clunky menus and awkward VC rewards; Thin roster; Player likeness is hit-and-miss
Developer: Hangar 13
Publisher: 2K Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on PlayStation 5 with a code provided by the publisher.
