Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

[tcrews]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

I appreciate it visualizer, or as I should say regarding your icon, eye appreciate it. I'm not sure either. Though I do understand it. I think we've all seen posts from people saying they're undefeated in this game or that game and have compiled a 256-0 online record blah blah. So I can understand why some, depending on which boards they come from, can see a post like mine and immediately assume I'm being an arrogant jerk. But the reality is I'm just trying to remedy this problem so I can go back to enjoying the game as much as I was, and as much as everyone else still is. Trust me, one thing I've learned about myself is that in all the sports video games I play. I would much rather have a challenging match/game/fight and lose, then I would rather have an easy one and win. Winning is great, when you've worked for it, but when it's not challenging, it's not fun, and you're just going through the motions.

That being said I'm going to attempt to fix some things with my game. I noticed that even though I've met criteria for a few trophies, I haven't unlocked them. So I think that might be a key to whatever is wrong. Does that ring a bell for anyone that's had a similar problem in the past? Maybe my game isn't saving? Hard drive too full?

Thanks for the support visualizer, much appreciated sir.

[tcrews]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

Yeah change the default difficulty to very hard. That could be the problem. Don't take it the wrong way but when you mentioned the return service winners then I knew that couldn't be on the very hard difficulty so that's why I called you out on it. My apologies, it's just that I've heard stuff like this before about other games being way too easy and I would play them online and beat them pretty easily and I could tell the way they were playing that they weren't very good on any skill level.

I can understand that. Much like I was just posting to visualizer. There are so many people that boast about their online gaming skills, with the treasure trove of them being on gaming forums, that I can understand the reaction. But I can sit here and say my hand to God, I am playing on very hard, and I am winning very, very easily. I hate it, if this was someone else's problem I would go out of my way to help find a solution because I loathe winning easily. Nothing sucks the fun out of a game quicker than it being too easy. I know I have a problem somewhere. All I can say is that I hope I can fix it and hope 2k can help me if I end up needing to call them. Pardon the pun, but I'll keep you and Visualizer posted.

Also, I apologize for the heat in my response. I just felt like I was being attacked despite going out of my way to make it clear that I wasn't looking for props or anything. Ultimately, I just want to get the crap kicked out of me by the CPU so I can actually improve.

[The Visualizer]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

tcrews,

I don't know what help "calling" 2K is gonna do, if I were you I'd just work thru Career Mode on Very Hard and unlock that Expert difficulty.

I don't seem to have much success returning winners off the CPU's serves like you do. You must just really have the timing down good. Do you get "good" or "perfect" feedback a lot on your swings? Timing is everything in this game. I get the timing right probably about the half the time. Returning winners would be a lot harder if the CPU actually put some heat on their serves rather than lightly tapping it to you, hopefully Expert difficulty will change this.

[The Bimmer]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

All you have to do is win a Grand Slam tournament on "VERY HARD" to unlock expert mode. If this game is so easy on very hard we should be hearing impressions about EXPERT MODE by now. Please!!!

[rangerrick012]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

The one ongoing issue I'm having w/ online play is the lack of forced and unforced errors, particularly when you're playing a guy who's dumped all of his skills into offensive and defensive baseline play. I'll play shots that I feel should either lead to UEs or a forced error, but the opponent gets it back no problem. That's my biggest complaint w/ the game thus far.

I'm still seeing very challenging matches against the CPU on very hard difficulty. I just reached the 'new talent' status, level 19 after finishing my 1st season, and am still having close matches w/ guys level 11-13 range. I haven't lost a match in awhile, but it's still a challenge and expect it to get tougher when I step up to the Masters tournaments.

[LorenzoDC]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

I've never payed this game in previous versions, and I've been having a lot of fun with this one. I'm strictly an offline player.

I've been in career mode learning my way through normal difficuty, and have been doing well, even to where it's become too easy. But some tournaments have semis and finals in hard mode, even if I am set on normal.

I don't mid that, I'd like to skill up. I've been doing practice modes and repeating my way through the Academy, getting more consistent.

That said, my level 20 created player cannot n- or I should say, I cannot - beat anyone on hard level. Can't do it. I just got Federer to beat me 7-5, that was my best ever set against him, I usually lose in embarrassing fashion.

What I need is some more tips besides "do practoce mode" to help me on hard level, which others around here find so easy. Is there a resource of tips somewhere? The game is becoming a lot less fun for me as I've been doing exhibition matches in hard level to try to get better, over and over, and I get a little better, never really compete or win on an even level, no matter who I play.

I know it must be possible, as you guys all do it. I'm not a spaz, I play Madden with pretty tough sliders customized using Playmaker's sliders and some tweaks of my own, and I do very well. But this game is kicking my *** on hard level.

So, where do I go for more coaching and tips? I don't want to quit. But normal level is getting boring.

Thanks in advance for any help or direction.

[The Visualizer]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

I've never payed this game in previous versions, and I've been having a lot of fun with this one. I'm strictly an offline player.

I've been in career mode learning my way through normal difficuty, and have been doing well, even to where it's become too easy. But some tournaments have semis and finals in hard mode, even if I am set on normal.

I don't mid that, I'd like to skill up. I've been doing practice modes and repeating my way through the Academy, getting more consistent.

That said, my level 20 created player cannot n- or I should say, I cannot - beat anyone on hard level. Can't do it. I just got Federer to beat me 7-5, that was my best ever set against him, I usually lose in embarrassing fashion.

What I need is some more tips besides "do practoce mode" to help me on hard level, which others around here find so easy. Is there a resource of tips somewhere? The game is becoming a lot less fun for me as I've been doing exhibition matches in hard level to try to get better, over and over, and I get a little better, never really compete or win on an even level, no matter who I play.

I know it must be possible, as you guys all do it. I'm not a spaz, I play Madden with pretty tough sliders customized using Playmaker's sliders and some tweaks of my own, and I do very well. But this game is kicking my *** on hard level.

So, where do I go for more coaching and tips? I don't want to quit. But normal level is getting boring.

Thanks in advance for any help or direction.

here's some tips:

-Serve with the Right Stick to get maximum power, get the timing down and start aiming towards the outside a bit to try for an ace or at least make a return more difficult. You should be on the offensive whenever you serve.

-Timing on your swings is everything in the game. You need to make sure you do all you can to get "good" or "perfect" swings on both your power and accurate swings. Swinging "Too Late" is what is probably holding you back right now as it kills your power and prevents you from working the outside properly.

-Notice what kind of shots are coming back at you. If your opponent hits a slice (you should be able to tell by his swing motion, the distinct sound and the slow trajectory) DO NOT return the shot with a power swing, just use an accurate swing (tap the button). If you try to power it back at him, a number of bad things will happen. Use this tactic against them, the slice can buy you time and can force errors especially against opponents that like to use power shots frequently.

-If you opponent has you on the run and you can barely get to a ball to return it, DO NOT return the shot with the power swing as it will more than likely result in you hitting it out of play. It's generally also a good idea to return these shots cross court as a lot of times your momentum will cause it to go out if you hit it up the line even with good timing.

-Learn to use extreme angles when you have time to return. Use the top spin swing (B button on 360) and aim the shot towards the other side of the court and diagonally down in that same direction at the same time. This creates a tough angle for your opponent as opposed to just holding left or right.

-There is a proper way to setup beforehand to return serves from both positions depending on what side your opponent is serving from. If they will be serving across from their body you want to be a step up from the baseline with your outside foot between the 2 vertical lines. You need to primarily defend these type of serves towards the outside. When your opponent is serving from this direction it's generally a better idea to return the ball right up the line than going across the court as it will put him on his backhand.

-On your opponent's serve when he swings back across his body, you need to be back on the baseline with your outside foot on or slightly inside the inside-vertical line. You need to be more worried about serves coming down the middle as your opponent will be able to curve them properly and will not be able to get as extreme a curve/angle to hit it outside. I've found it's almost essential in this game to return these serves across court because if you send it up the line and it's weak your opponent will have a strong forehand coming back your way across the court that's gonna be a winner 99% of the time.

-Learn how to serve and volley using by holding down the RB and using A (on 360) to serve. If you throw this in on your opponent from time to time and rush the net you can get easy points and also give them something else to think about.


That's all I got for now, hope it helps!

[CMH]

How do you hit shots to the front court rather than the back?

All of shots always go to the back but I've seen the CPU take soft returns and hammer them down the front court and outside which is nearly an impossible angle to cover.

I don't expect to do it all the time, but I've had opportunities to take advantage of that part of the court and couldn't capitalize. I end up hitting to the back court which gives the opponent time to recover.

In short, points I could win I'm losing because I can't hit the parts of the court I'm trying to hit. It's like I'm only able to cover two parts: the left and right back. The front is unavailable to me and that makes me predictable bc the CPU knows I'm either going deep left or deep right.

I've also tried to deliver drop shots when the opponent is deep and it doesn't work. I hold R2 (PS3) and square and all I get is a slice return. I'd like to force the opponent to move forward. I'm only making them go left and right.


Sent from my mobile device.

[LorenzoDC]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

here's some tips:

-Serve with the Right Stick to get maximum power, get the timing down and start aiming towards the outside a bit to try for an ace or at least make a return more difficult. You should be on the offensive whenever you serve.

-Timing on your swings is everything in the game. You need to make sure you do all you can to get "good" or "perfect" swings on both your power and accurate swings. Swinging "Too Late" is what is probably holding you back right now as it kills your power and prevents you from working the outside properly.

-Notice what kind of shots are coming back at you. If your opponent hits a slice (you should be able to tell by his swing motion, the distinct sound and the slow trajectory) DO NOT return the shot with a power swing, just use an accurate swing (tap the button). If you try to power it back at him, a number of bad things will happen. Use this tactic against them, the slice can buy you time and can force errors especially against opponents that like to use power shots frequently.

-If you opponent has you on the run and you can barely get to a ball to return it, DO NOT return the shot with the power swing as it will more than likely result in you hitting it out of play. It's generally also a good idea to return these shots cross court as a lot of times your momentum will cause it to go out if you hit it up the line even with good timing.

-Learn to use extreme angles when you have time to return. Use the top spin swing (B button on 360) and aim the shot towards the other side of the court and diagonally down in that same direction at the same time. This creates a tough angle for your opponent as opposed to just holding left or right.

-There is a proper way to setup beforehand to return serves from both positions depending on what side your opponent is serving from. If they will be serving across from their body you want to be a step up from the baseline with your outside foot between the 2 vertical lines. You need to primarily defend these type of serves towards the outside. When your opponent is serving from this direction it's generally a better idea to return the ball right up the line than going across the court as it will put him on his backhand.

-On your opponent's serve when he swings back across his body, you need to be back on the baseline with your outside foot on or slightly inside the inside-vertical line. You need to be more worried about serves coming down the middle as your opponent will be able to curve them properly and will not be able to get as extreme a curve/angle to hit it outside. I've found it's almost essential in this game to return these serves across court because if you send it up the line and it's weak your opponent will have a strong forehand coming back your way across the court that's gonna be a winner 99% of the time.

-Learn how to serve and volley using by holding down the RB and using A (on 360) to serve. If you throw this in on your opponent from time to time and rush the net you can get easy points and also give them something else to think about.


That's all I got for now, hope it helps!

Wow, thanks a lot for such a great list of tips. There's plenty for me to work on here.

Here's where I've been on a lot of these subjects:

1. I have been serving with the right stick, to the T or out wide, mixing up the spins or going flat. I don't get many aces but I do serve pretty well. The player I've created is an offensive baseline player with maybe 2 points in serve/volley and 3 in defense. He has coach bonuses to power. Where I'm losing points is mostly after the serve, though I wish I could get an ace or two, above and beyond the odd service winner. Serve level is at about 77 or so. (Also about the same for FH, BH and Power and Stamina for my player).
2. I'm pretty decent with timing in practice but get gummed up during match play on the run. I do get too late swings more often than I should, but I do get a decent amount of good timing as well. I think I could get better about this by shot selection, placement and occasionally positioning if I get sharper on those front. I'd have to make fewer low percentage or defensive shots.
3. I can tell the difference among shots coming back at me, and I listen to the sound off the opponent's racket as well. But I have been pretty random with my shot choices going back, mostly slices and topspin, trying to mix it up and not going flat too often (my timing is worse on those for some reason). I'll have to pay more attention to the whole rock-paper-scissors aspect of what shots to return with what answers.
4. I'll try this on the run advice more. I think I use too few accuracy shots because I get inconsistent with the placement and even a well timed ball that's too shot or badly placed gets smoked back at me. I need to get more consistent depth. Plus, since my player gets a bonus to power where power shots take less time to set up, I tend to overuse it probably, meaning my timing goes off and I serve up a duck anyway. I do tend to go cross court on these when I'm running like hell though, mostly topspin I guess.
5. Returning serves has been a real bad area for me, I don't get a sense of where to place myself and the auto-return function always gives back a duck, and I'm on defense from the get. I'll definitely try these tips. Also, when I can return with good timing, I've just been tending to try to place it where the weakest ground stroke is, regardless. I do that a lot by the way, go for the weakest ground stroke, maybe too predictably. I should probably try to mix it up more, at least with accuracy shots to the opposite corner, to set up my cross court power shots to the weak side.
6. I rarely come to the net, maybe I should mix that in more, though this player I've created is weakest there, with volley showing a grey bar and reflexes with a weak yellow one. I basically only come in when I've forced the opponent to hit such a weak defensive shot on the run that coming in and slamming it home is obvious.

I'll try all the stuff you mention. I also notice a fair number of points I should be putting away when I have the opponent on the ropes I somehow let slip past me, maybe by staying after the weak side rather than take the open court or with some shot timed (and placed) badly enough that I let them back in.

I also notice sometimes that I may hit a great serve out wide and my momentum carries me a little toward no man's land and a decent return up the line toasts me. Generally, I get frustrated by how many (to me) amazing replies I get when I do get good or perfect timing, placement and pace and I flip from offense suddenly to defense. But that may just be a function of not having enough easy soft points to contrast this with by not doing enough of all these other things right.

Thanks again! If anyone else has tips for "how I learned not to suck" I'm all ears!

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

How do you hit shots to the front court rather than the back?

All of shots always go to the back but I've seen the CPU take soft returns and hammer them down the front court and outside which is nearly an impossible angle to cover.

I don't expect to do it all the time, but I've had opportunities to take advantage of that part of the court and couldn't capitalize. I end up hitting to the back court which gives the opponent time to recover.

In short, points I could win I'm losing because I can't hit the parts of the court I'm trying to hit. It's like I'm only able to cover two parts: the left and right back. The front is unavailable to me and that makes me predictable bc the CPU knows I'm either going deep left or deep right.

I've also tried to deliver drop shots when the opponent is deep and it doesn't work. I hold R2 (PS3) and square and all I get is a slice return. I'd like to force the opponent to move forward. I'm only making them go left and right.


Sent from my mobile device.

Only use the drop shot if they hit a ball that forces you up to the front half of the court and do a cross court drop shot. If you do that, it forces them to come all the way up to the front of the court and they usually give a weak return and u can slice it back down the other side of the court for an easy winner. Drop shots are really the only way I know how to hit it in the front court, cross court top spin shots are also pretty good for that if you do a control shot instead of a power shot. A lot of times that will end up resulting in a nice curving shot across the court that forces the opponent way outside for an easy winner to the other side of the court.

Edit: I play on Very Hard and I'm something like 22-1 in career mode so far.

[The Visualizer]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

How do you hit shots to the front court rather than the back?

All of shots always go to the back but I've seen the CPU take soft returns and hammer them down the front court and outside which is nearly an impossible angle to cover.

I don't expect to do it all the time, but I've had opportunities to take advantage of that part of the court and couldn't capitalize. I end up hitting to the back court which gives the opponent time to recover.

In short, points I could win I'm losing because I can't hit the parts of the court I'm trying to hit. It's like I'm only able to cover two parts: the left and right back. The front is unavailable to me and that makes me predictable bc the CPU knows I'm either going deep left or deep right.

I've also tried to deliver drop shots when the opponent is deep and it doesn't work. I hold R2 (PS3) and square and all I get is a slice return. I'd like to force the opponent to move forward. I'm only making them go left and right.


Sent from my mobile device.

For getting drop shots to fall, my best advice is to only try them on slow returns that you can setup for (that you should normally use a power shot on) that bounce a little high and always aim back across the court from you. If you try to return a slice or shot that you have to rundown with a dropshot it won't make it over the net.

As far as working the front court if your opponent forces you out wide, use a top spin shot aimed across the court while also holding diagonally down in that same direction to flatten the angle out and force your opponent to either come towards the net or go out wider than usual.

[Methlab]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

"Methlab - I can honestly say that in all my posting here, I don't think I have ever talked about my skills or boasted or anything like that. I have commented on slider threads when I'm trying to find a more difficult yet realistic set. But a lot of the reason we're on slider threads to begin with is to find something that makes the game more challenging while still being realistic. So it's not a "me" trait or anything. The reason I'm not playing online is because I've had this for less than a week now and still have a lot to learn. What system are you on? If it's PS3 I'll add you and we can have a few matches. You'll probably beat the crap out of me. Playing offline is one thing but online is another beast. Looking forward to it whenever I decide to make the jump. "

I doubt it..Im not that great yet, and unfortunately on Xbox. But you will LOVE the challenge of a human player..it is just a far tougher experience IMO.

[Dudd]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

Just played one guy in back to back quick matches online, looks like if you build up a monster server he's virtually impossible to beat. He put 8 aces on me in the first match and 7 in the second, just two service games in each match. How the hell are you supposed to stop guys who can serve at 130-140+ and place the ball at will, the only time I was even able to get a racket on the ball was when I was standing so far wide I was off screen, but of course when I did that he just began to serve it up the middle and get aces that way. He got his first serve in at 100% in the first match and 82% in the second match, just absurd percentages to begin with and at that rate, you can go for an ace on your second serve as well. First time I've run into somebody like that, seems completely unbeatable unless you can serve just like that. He's a 98 serve and a 98 power

[CMH]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

Blah. If you create a player just so you could ace everyone out of the room then you're not worth the time to play.

Thanks for the tips on the question guys.

[VinylOne]

Re: Top Spin 4 Impressions/Questions Thread

Got this game, played a doubles matches on hard with my bro...pretty crazy score: 0-3, 3-0, 4-3 we won the tiebreaker