The highly anticipated tennis game published by 2K Games and developed by Hangar 13, TopSpin 2K25, is about to debut, but before that, the international press has given its verdict on the production.
First reviews of TopSpin 2K25
Shacknews – 8/10
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Despite a few hiccups, TopSpin 2K25 is worth waiting for. Although this new game doesn't have a lot going for it, it does a good job of getting the fundamentals right. Mastering the new swing meter is a real challenge, but once you get the hang of the timing, it's easy to get in the zone and spend hours strategically hitting balls into the field without realizing the number of hours that have passed. MyCareer mode, while restrictive in places, rewards consistent play and wise choices over the long term. TopSpin 2K25 is a promising reboot which suggests great potential for future opuses in the series and which brings tennis simulations up to date.
Push Square – 8/10
TopSpin 2K25 is a confident revival that's well worth the 13-year wait. Granted, it's not for everyone, especially due to its fairly steep learning curve, but for us, that's what we love about this game. It inspired us to delve into the core mechanics of the game and training to climb the ranks. We felt this competitive side that made us want to master our playstyle and ultimately show off our MyPlayer, cosmetics and all. It's a sports game that can proudly stand alongside its 2K brethren, and we're excited to see it return to action.
Twinfinite – 3.5/5
On the court, TopSpin 2K25 is brilliant. It's realistic, satisfying, and enjoyable to play, especially when you learn to master the timing needed for each type of shot. It's just a shame that a tennis game of such quality ends up in such bland game modes, which force you to grind for very limited progression.
Gamereactor UK – 7/10
I don't really know what it is, but there is a feeling that everything is “just right” about this game. This is clearly a well-made version of tennis as a game and it is at its best. best during grueling matches where it really captures how tennis really works with its controls. But the visuals could be a little more detailed and a little more realistic instead of being a little cartoonish. I also wish there were little things like reactions to decisions, such as if a ball was a questionable out, and a bit more excitement in the way the career mode was designed. It's just these little things that could have taken the game up a notch or more. It's difficult to comment on something as simple as a sport where two people hit a ball between them, especially if the content doesn't offer much more. So, in the same way that Pong didn't need much more to work best when the ball was flying between players, that's also where this game shines the most and makes Top Spin a fun tennis game.
CGMagazine – 6/10
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Honestly, I can't remember a single time when I had fun playing Top Spin 2K25, even when I was winning. Every victory felt hollow in the face of clunky controls, uninspiring gameplay that somehow finds a way to be too greedy, and outdated graphics. I know I implied that Mario Tennis prioritized fun over technicality, but after playing it again during this review, not only is it incredibly fun, but there really is a surprising amount of nuance, not only in the N64 version, but also in more recent versions like Mario Tennis Aces. These games are much more fun, go for it.
TopSpin 2K25 is therefore doing quite well, but clearly does not seem perfect, especially from the point of view of its technique, career mode and progression. Fans of the discipline should, however, find what they are looking for, given the limited supply of tennis games on the market.
TopSpin 2K25 will be available from April 26 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC.
Details of TopSpin 2K25 editions
Pre-order TopSpin 2K25 Standard Edition
- TopSpin 2K25 game
- The “In the Spotlight” pack (pre-order bonus)
- Alternative outfits Serena Williams and Roger Federer
- Nightfall Wilson Lot
- Night Versions of Tournaments
Pre-order TopSpin 2K25 Deluxe Edition
- The TopSpin 2K25 game (cross-gen pack)
- 3 day early access
- The “In the spotlight” pack
- Alternative outfits Serena Williams and Roger Federer
- Nightfall Wilson Lot
- Night Versions of Tournaments
- The “New Wave” pack
- Alternative outfits Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Frances Tiafoe
- New Wave glasses, a New Wave top, New Wave bottoms, New Wave shoes, and a New Wave wristband.
- The “rise of a rookie” pack
- A MyPLAYER boost to level 10 and 1,700 VC.
Pre-order TopSpin 2K25 Grand Slam Edition
- The TopSpin 2K25 game (cross-gen pack)
- 3 day early access
- The “In the spotlight” pack
- Alternative outfits Serena Williams and Roger Federer
- Nightfall Wilson Lot
- Night Versions of Tournaments
- The “New Wave” pack
- Alternative outfits Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Frances Tiafoe
- New Wave glasses, a New Wave top, New Wave bottoms, New Wave shoes, and a New Wave wristband.
- The “rise of a rookie” pack
- A MyPLAYER boost to level 10 and 1,700 VC.
- The “Grand Slam Champions” pack
- A championship racket (cosmetic)
- Champion service
- The “full access” pack
- Six season passes for Center Court
- Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, and Australian Open t-shirts.