Table Tennis is yet another stroke of genius from the GTA developers.
A physics-heavy and highly rendered yet simple game that capitalizes on the “pick up and play” aspects of XBL Arcade games. Although it is an enjoyable game, Rockstar seems to be in the right place at the right time, and prove that 360 owners are starved for content.
This game is very simple, and offers few choices on the menu. There is a great training mode that I highly recommend. The controls are intuitive even for, me a gamer that has never played a tennis game before. An exhibition mode for quick one-offs. There is a tournament mode than can be considered the “campaign”. And lastly Xbox live, of course. I have only dipped into the online a little, but my first game was against an older player that I pimped 2old2play.com too, so I’m optimistic. The two-player game is very cool as it is one screen as opposed to split-screen.
The characters are awesomely rendered and the arenas are simple. Rockstar has taken the high ground and this is game is pure class. I don’t think the inclusion of double-D’s would have added anything to the experience. One big compliant for me is the lack of a character generator, which we will have to wait for in the second installment. The focus is on the physics which are very realistic. The ball moves realistically and the entire game feels very real. You get sucked into the mental aspect of the game as you try to out maneuver your opponent. One detail that I really liked is that during an intense rally, the lights dim around the table and the crowd “disappears” as the focus is put on the game. This is a very nice touch that adds to the experience. All the music is techno which may or not be a plus, depending on your tastes. A little variety would have been nice.
All in all, a very enjoyable game. I feel that $39 might be a little high for this title, however. $29 might have been a better price for Table Tennis because, in my opinion, it is really half a game. Take away the unlockables, and this could be a great XBL arcade game. New characters and clothes could be downloadable content. Maybe Rockstar missed the opportunity to be the first high-quality content Arcade game. I’m not sure if there was such a drought of quality games for the 360, this would be such a talked about (or played) game. The novelty may wear off faster for Table Tennis than a game with more playable hours.
Graphics 9- Great looking models and animations (let’s hope there’s not a Hot Coffee mod).
Sound 8.5- Great effects and subdued techno soundtrack gels nicely. There is a handful of songs, but it all sounded like the same song to me.
Overall 8.5- Don’t waste your money renting, you’ll want to have it for online and to play with non-gamers at parties.
This game is very simple, and offers few choices on the menu. There is a great training mode that I highly recommend. The controls are intuitive even for, me a gamer that has never played a tennis game before. An exhibition mode for quick one-offs. There is a tournament mode than can be considered the “campaign”. And lastly Xbox live, of course. I have only dipped into the online a little, but my first game was against an older player that I pimped 2old2play.com too, so I’m optimistic. The two-player game is very cool as it is one screen as opposed to split-screen.
The characters are awesomely rendered and the arenas are simple. Rockstar has taken the high ground and this is game is pure class. I don’t think the inclusion of double-D’s would have added anything to the experience. One big compliant for me is the lack of a character generator, which we will have to wait for in the second installment. The focus is on the physics which are very realistic. The ball moves realistically and the entire game feels very real. You get sucked into the mental aspect of the game as you try to out maneuver your opponent. One detail that I really liked is that during an intense rally, the lights dim around the table and the crowd “disappears” as the focus is put on the game. This is a very nice touch that adds to the experience. All the music is techno which may or not be a plus, depending on your tastes. A little variety would have been nice.
All in all, a very enjoyable game. I feel that $39 might be a little high for this title, however. $29 might have been a better price for Table Tennis because, in my opinion, it is really half a game. Take away the unlockables, and this could be a great XBL arcade game. New characters and clothes could be downloadable content. Maybe Rockstar missed the opportunity to be the first high-quality content Arcade game. I’m not sure if there was such a drought of quality games for the 360, this would be such a talked about (or played) game. The novelty may wear off faster for Table Tennis than a game with more playable hours.
Scores (out of ten)
Gameplay 8.0- Online and 2-player will rule, lack of customization hurts single player.Graphics 9- Great looking models and animations (let’s hope there’s not a Hot Coffee mod).
Sound 8.5- Great effects and subdued techno soundtrack gels nicely. There is a handful of songs, but it all sounded like the same song to me.
Overall 8.5- Don’t waste your money renting, you’ll want to have it for online and to play with non-gamers at parties.
