Top Spin 3 - Boxed - PS3

The third game in the Top Spin series updates the concept of the two previous tennis titles with some new features. The most important change is that more control is returned to the player to increase the difficulty level. In the previous version, the AI took control of timing and positioning; players only had to press a button for their shots, and if they held it longer, they became more difficult. In this version, the player controls the power of the shot, the positioning of the player, and the timing required for a successful shot. If the player has to run to reach the ball, it will never be as precise and powerful as if they were already in position. Most of these changes are introduced gradually in Tennis School, where players become familiar with the new controls.

There are about twenty professional players modelled after their real counterparts and each with their own style. Famous players such as Roger Federer and Justine Henin are included, as well as some legends such as Boris Becker, Björn Borg and Monica Seles. Not all legends are available simultaneously for all three platforms (including Wii). An editor is included to design your own characters. The weather changes dynamically and the players' costumes show traces of grass or dirt as the game progresses. Similarly, the players' faces show them sweating after prolonged play.

In addition to regular matches, there is a full career mode where the player starts with very low statistics. These can be improved through training and matches, but they can never all be brought to maximum. Instead, players must decide whether to train some powerful abilities or become an all-round player. This is reflected especially in the number of wins, for example based on forehands or backhands.

In addition to quick matches, the world tour is also supported online. The world rankings start every fourteen days and do not continue endlessly as in the previous version. Some of the tournaments are the US Open, Australian Open and Roland Garros, but Wimbledon is not included. There are different difficulty levels, six camera modes, and the graphics are more detailed than in previous versions.