Top Spin is beautifully balanced between simplicity and complexity. Your array of shots consists of normal, top-spin, slice, lob and two speciality moves – the “risk” shot being the more useful of the two, it requires perfect timing and should be used sparingly.

The game's career mode is reasonably in-depth, although some players may tire of it once they achieve the rank of #1 – which doesn't take too long. The feature which really gives the game replay value, though, is its Xbox Live functionality. Part of Microsoft's XSN range of titles, Top Spin lets you find matches quickly and fairly easily. One of the only flaws in the system is the inability to play doubles matches without the teammates sharing one Xbox console.

It's the best tennis game I've played and will certainly be the standard against which future games are judged. Sega's Virtua Tennis has held that mantle for a long time but it has finally been dethroned. If you're still in doubt; Miss Kournikova does feature in the game. Go get it.

Right out of the box you can tell this is a great game. As soon as you start to play you can see the great job that the developers have done creating the characters and scenes.

Each court is different, from the scenery to the court type. For example if you play on clay you can hear the players slide to get those hard balls, or see the dust come up from when the ball just hit.

Those fans of Virtua Tennis will get a surprise when you realise the control you have over your character's shots. From topspin shots to slice and even risk moves which will either win the game for you or make you lose – though they can fail quite easily.

There is also a player creation tool when you start a career, where you can actually sculpt the face of your player. I believe this is a tool needed in every sports game – it's just incredible.

Top Spin is one of those games you'll pick up when you get sick of all your other games and play it with your mates. There are to many great features to describe here. Just buy the game and become number one.