TopSpin 2K25: PS5 Review

Developed by Hangar Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Platform: PS5

Tennis as a game on consoles has had a mixed past.

From every decent one there's been, there have been some real stinkers - and the games go way back into the past as well with pixel-led games.

So after a sizeable chunk of time away from the gaming world, tennis is back with a real winner that taps into a sizeable roster of talent to ensure players feel the game they're getting into is a real thing. That's to say there are degrees of authenticity that make the lob and serve register as something genuine.

And that's without mentioning the fact extra locations have been added for players too - it's particularly great to see the venue for the ASB Classic in New Zealand thrown into the mix.

Positioning, spin, timing, and angles all make a huge difference in TopSpin - and a great Academy start means all players get the basics they need to get up to speed. With mini-challenges in the Academy, even the most incompetent of sports sim players can get up with the play and feel like they can make it on the court.

The usual MyCareer elements form most of the game - but whereas some sims manage to make this feel like a bolt-on and a necessity, TopSpin 2K25 makes it feel like it's fun. Whether it's climbing up the ATP rankings or just taking on an opponent, every moment just feels like it would if you were a tennis pro.

With the additional of games with major players like Roger Federer and Coco Gauff (though no Novak Djokovic), TopSpin 2K25 has made the best of its absence away from the scene. Granted, it may have virtual money and be missing a few rungs on its ladder, but this sim is definitely one of the best on the scene.