Top Spin 2

the game is good. obviously do not expect the graphics to be like xbox, for gameboy standards its great.
only thing i thought game lacked was the match details are not given in the end, which shows how many aces, winners, etc.

Be warned that this game is not what you may expect. It is definately the most realistic handheld tennis game I have ever played. The button combinations are intuitive to give you a large selection of shots. The physics are good and the tennis is good.

I think I should say what is wrong with the game. The only thing that really dissapointed me was the lack of an option to play doubles (I like doubles a lot). The only other thing was a lack of customizable options. You can customize your shirt, stripe, shorts, and hair color. And that is about it. Otherwise it's a great game.

I think the problem that most people have with the game is a timing issue that ultimately only punishes poor tennis tactics. Basically the ball is moving at a realistic speed so if you don't start holding down the button soon enough, your player will not swing in time to return the ball (in real tennis, if you don't prepare your shot early enough, you will probably miss too). If you reposition yourself properly after each shot, all you really have to do is press and hold the button combination for the desired shot before the ball gets to you and your player will run after the ball by himself. I actually find this "fault" to be a good thing. In real tennis, once you have developed proper footwork and technique (the pros in top spin have or they wouldn't be pros), all you really have to do is take your racket back as early as possible and focus on the ball being conscious of what you plan on doing with the shot. Your developed motor skills will work almost automatically. Top spin 2 for GBA simulates this pretty well. Just as in real tennis, the task for the player becomes where to place the ball (with what spin, pace, and height) and where to reposition after the shot just like in real tennis. The game becomes more strategy based than most tennis games in the market and the points play out like real ATP/WTA style points (if you play right). So far, the best points I have ever played in a tennis game are in this game. But that is because I understand proper tennis tactics (at least to a certain extent). Try playing like you do in arcade, dumbed down games and you will get crushed. Get this game if you want to play like a pro in a tennis videogame. If you just want mindnumbing arcade gameplay, get Virtua Tennis. In this game you will compare your strenghts and weaknesses to your opponent's and construct a proper strategy based on that.

Oh, and the minigames are pretty fun too. I really like the system of improving your character too.

Sound: well, it's probably not the best sound in the selection of GBA games, but it's pretty good for a handheld tennis title. You hear a satisfying smack when you hit the ball and the scorekeeper's voice is clear. Some may have complained about the music, but it grows on you. I have found myself not wanting to continue from the main menu because I want to hear the music. For midi file handheld music, it's pretty good (I would never listen to it besides while playing GBA though).

The graphics aren't bad. They may not be the flashiest, but they get the job done. The animation overall is very good for gba. The shots look real and the ball travels a realistic path.

So if you would like a realistic tennis experience, get this and below I will have some pointers to get you started in the right direction.
-either get on the baseline or on the net. There is a big box between the baseline and service line called no-mans land (if you have no clue what I'm talking about, google "tennis court"). Pretty self explanatory huh? I once watched a gameplay video by the gamespot reviewers titled "timing issues". The problem wasn't the timing, the problem was that half the time, their player was in no mans land with balls bouncing around his feet. Stay back on the baseline or go all the way passed the service line. Don't wait around to get crushed in no mans land.
-press the shot button well before the ball gets to you. It is probably easier to learn how to time properly from the baseline. It's a little tougher on the net. Think of the button as a command to prepare to hit the ball instead of actually hitting the ball. By pressing 'A' you are preparing your player to hit a safe shot to where you are directing with the control pad.
-hit cross court. This means hit diagonally. This will give you more time to reposition your player and is the most reliable way to hit.
-attack down the line. This means hitting the ball from your right side to his left side or from your left side to his right side. The down the line shot is an attacking shot and should not be used when you are not in a position to attack (like when you are on the run).
-Use safe shots and topspin shots from the baseline. Slice when you are stretched out and when you are on the net.
-Remember these are guidelines and not rules. If going against one of these guidelines causes you to win, do it.

Hopefully, that should help anyone who wants this game. If you want a realistic handheld tennis game, this is it. It's not your flashy arcade tennis, but it gives a tennis experience very few games can offer. It is especially good if you are a serious tennis player in real life to help work on tactics.

If you ever played top spin on the console, just stick with that, this portable verison sucks, the controls arent that responsive and it doesnt play like the console with the holding the button to charge your swing and etc. If you like tennis games and want to play on GBA then I suggest you play Mario tennis power tour, its really fun, tops spin 2 for gba is not