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June 6, 2006 | 6:22 PM PST
by: Tim Letteney
Taking a look back at the games Rockstar has developed, one might be a little bit confused when seeing their new title on the rack. The name Rockstar has been synonymous with violence. Rockstar tackling table tennis sounds a little bit like Jenna Jameson tackling Shakespeare. That is why there are so few people excited for this game, and that is truly a shame. Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis is one of most enjoyable games available for the 360.
Features
Intuitive controls that are easy to learn and fun to master
Character animations that mirror the momentum of the match
Virtually lag free online play
One of the easiest next-gen games to make a drinking game out of!
Thank You Sir, Can I Have Another!
Make no mistake; while the game may share its origins with oh-so-simplistic pong, there is certainly a moderate amount of depth to be found beyond the immediately accessible, addictive surface layer of the game.
The first thing players will encounter in the game is the serve meter, which provides the player with the ability to set the power and spin of the shot. The player has four types of shots at their disposal –- topspin, backspin, left spin and right spin –- each of which is assigned to one of the four face buttons. Each of these basic shots can be augmented or tweaked by the player prior to the point of impact between the paddle and ball, with the power and distance of the shot controlled via the amount of time the button is held down during the ball’s approach over the net, and the direction of the ball can be affected through leaning the left analog stick one way or the other. In addition to the face buttons, the right analog stick can be used to trigger each of the shots, but this method was more troublesome than it was immersive.
Players should be aware that the on-screen player’s position relative to the ball, as well as the incoming speed and trajectory of the ball both have a large impact on the result of their shots. In order to ensure players could react appropriately to various shots from their opponents, a faint halo surrounding the ball on screen serves as an indicator of the type of spin the ball is traveling with. While paddle controls are very rapid, the actual players move relatively slow –- sometimes frustratingly so. Intentional or not, the slow speed of the on-screen character forces the player to learn to anticipate and position themselves intelligently ahead of time, lest they find themselves out of position and incapable of returning the ball over the net. Coming to grips with the various shots and developing a sense for where the ball is heading and how it will react takes some time, but serves to distinguish the truly great players from the rest of the pack.
Once you get used to putting the right kind of spin on the ball, and conquer placement, the game really opens up. Rockstar has added a rally counter at the bottom right hand of the screen that not only adds pressure to a high scoring rally, but also adds replay value due to the ability to create multiple forms of drinking games around it. It’s a little touch of arcade sensibility thrown into the simulation, and it works nicely in that regard. That unofficial, intoxicated mode of play is valuable, considering the game features a fairly bare-bones package of exhibition and tournament gameplay modes. Rockstar was also nice enough to include a training option in the menu, which is a highly recommended practice for any player planning on taking their game online, as the techniques and strategies covered are essential for those wishing to take on more advanced human opponents. The game features a host of Xbox Live functions, including a spectator mode dubbed the Table Tennis Network, and is presented similarly to ‘Gotham TV’ in Project Gotham Racing 3. It would be nice to see more games with such a spectator function. Players can play in both ranked and unranked matches, and hosts have a number of options for the latter, including points per game, and games per match. Live play was virtually lag-free, and very enjoyable.
Pong to the 360th Power
Rockstar Presents Table Tennis is one of the most visually pleasing games to hit the 360. The character animations are of such a high quality that they actually effect how much the player is immersed in the game. The amount of detail that has been placed into this title is quite impressive. The clothes on the players appear as a separate entity, and once the player begins to sweat, it becomes visible on their apparel. Another very nice touch to the overall feel of the game is that they made the players actually look like everyday human beings, rather than soulless Gap or Calvin Klein models that decided to take their surgically altered bodies and newly formed noses for a nice round of table tennis. It may seem small, but that is a very commendable move on Rockstar’s behalf. They could have easily have put their female players in bikini’s, given their breasts an engine all their own, and sold quite a few more units; instead they made the visual presentation detailed-but-down-to-earth, and the game is both slightly more accessible to a wider audience and more immersive as a result of the decision.
The animations are smooth and the fluidity of the character and idle stance to an active hit never seems mechanical. Even the transition from a focus shot (essentially bullet time) back to the game is smooth. This game exudes class, yes, a Rockstar game…exuding class. The only small eye sore that I have noticed are the scores in the right and lefts corners that occasionally blink. It is a small detraction, but in a rally that nears 100, any distraction from the game is irritating.
Ping Pong
In line with the high quality and attention to detail, Table Tennis’ sound design and character voices are top notch. The in-game sounds fit quite well, but never draw an overt amount of attention to themselves. The crowd sounds are convincing and flow with momentum of the match; that being said, it would have been nice to actually see the crowd here and there. There is some in-game music, but it only kicks in once your rally hits 15. It is a nice touch that adds to the intensity of the match and never seems forced.
Fault
Now it’s time to stop giving the good old folks at Rockstar the proverbial reach around, and nicely ask them to put their collective pants back on. There are a few things about this title that will irritate some folks. The lack of career mode is surprising, and it would be nice to have the ability to create a character to take online. I know Rockstar is going for a “no frills” gaming experience, but the occasional frill adds replay value, even something as small as buying new paddles, or shoes, or grip tape, or whatever the hell professional table tennis players do, because I honestly have no idea and have never cared until now. If not for an almost flawless online experience this game would lose an immense amount of replay value.
Above the Game.
I have heard loads of squabble about this title. “It’s table tennis, how fun can it be?” Hell, buddy, last time I checked hitting a ball back and forth with a friend was pretty fun. I know it sounds odd, but I think a lot of things that bounce are fun. I’m looking at you, Itagaki. I’m guessing that everyone reading this has downloaded and enjoyed Geometry Wars. You probably enjoyed that game a lot more than several games that you have bought and already sold back. It’s simple game, with a simple design, and it’s fun. You don’t always need to imagine you are some super ninja assassin that was grown in a lab and drives a mech that shoots nuclear energy out of its cod piece that occasionally strips girls of loose clothing to have a good time. Some might say, “Why play it on the 360, why not just play it in real life?” I have an answer for ya sonny -- because you are really really bad at ping pong, and have never enjoyed it, much like football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and all the other sports titles that line the game store shelves. Ping pong never seemed fun because you never had the coordination for it; we are all in the same boat with you, so drop the attitude. This is a fun game, and it is well worth your time.
Final Word
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis is a very entertaining game that is certainly worth your time. This out of left field concept shows that Rockstar is capable of more than violent third person sand box shooters. This is a large step for the company. I am excited to see what they tackle next. Who knows, maybe they will make the best curling game you have ever seen.
Features
Thank You Sir, Can I Have Another!
Make no mistake; while the game may share its origins with oh-so-simplistic pong, there is certainly a moderate amount of depth to be found beyond the immediately accessible, addictive surface layer of the game.
The first thing players will encounter in the game is the serve meter, which provides the player with the ability to set the power and spin of the shot. The player has four types of shots at their disposal –- topspin, backspin, left spin and right spin –- each of which is assigned to one of the four face buttons. Each of these basic shots can be augmented or tweaked by the player prior to the point of impact between the paddle and ball, with the power and distance of the shot controlled via the amount of time the button is held down during the ball’s approach over the net, and the direction of the ball can be affected through leaning the left analog stick one way or the other. In addition to the face buttons, the right analog stick can be used to trigger each of the shots, but this method was more troublesome than it was immersive.
Players should be aware that the on-screen player’s position relative to the ball, as well as the incoming speed and trajectory of the ball both have a large impact on the result of their shots. In order to ensure players could react appropriately to various shots from their opponents, a faint halo surrounding the ball on screen serves as an indicator of the type of spin the ball is traveling with. While paddle controls are very rapid, the actual players move relatively slow –- sometimes frustratingly so. Intentional or not, the slow speed of the on-screen character forces the player to learn to anticipate and position themselves intelligently ahead of time, lest they find themselves out of position and incapable of returning the ball over the net. Coming to grips with the various shots and developing a sense for where the ball is heading and how it will react takes some time, but serves to distinguish the truly great players from the rest of the pack.
Once you get used to putting the right kind of spin on the ball, and conquer placement, the game really opens up. Rockstar has added a rally counter at the bottom right hand of the screen that not only adds pressure to a high scoring rally, but also adds replay value due to the ability to create multiple forms of drinking games around it. It’s a little touch of arcade sensibility thrown into the simulation, and it works nicely in that regard. That unofficial, intoxicated mode of play is valuable, considering the game features a fairly bare-bones package of exhibition and tournament gameplay modes. Rockstar was also nice enough to include a training option in the menu, which is a highly recommended practice for any player planning on taking their game online, as the techniques and strategies covered are essential for those wishing to take on more advanced human opponents. The game features a host of Xbox Live functions, including a spectator mode dubbed the Table Tennis Network, and is presented similarly to ‘Gotham TV’ in Project Gotham Racing 3. It would be nice to see more games with such a spectator function. Players can play in both ranked and unranked matches, and hosts have a number of options for the latter, including points per game, and games per match. Live play was virtually lag-free, and very enjoyable.
Pong to the 360th Power
Rockstar Presents Table Tennis is one of the most visually pleasing games to hit the 360. The character animations are of such a high quality that they actually effect how much the player is immersed in the game. The amount of detail that has been placed into this title is quite impressive. The clothes on the players appear as a separate entity, and once the player begins to sweat, it becomes visible on their apparel. Another very nice touch to the overall feel of the game is that they made the players actually look like everyday human beings, rather than soulless Gap or Calvin Klein models that decided to take their surgically altered bodies and newly formed noses for a nice round of table tennis. It may seem small, but that is a very commendable move on Rockstar’s behalf. They could have easily have put their female players in bikini’s, given their breasts an engine all their own, and sold quite a few more units; instead they made the visual presentation detailed-but-down-to-earth, and the game is both slightly more accessible to a wider audience and more immersive as a result of the decision.
The animations are smooth and the fluidity of the character and idle stance to an active hit never seems mechanical. Even the transition from a focus shot (essentially bullet time) back to the game is smooth. This game exudes class, yes, a Rockstar game…exuding class. The only small eye sore that I have noticed are the scores in the right and lefts corners that occasionally blink. It is a small detraction, but in a rally that nears 100, any distraction from the game is irritating.
Ping Pong
In line with the high quality and attention to detail, Table Tennis’ sound design and character voices are top notch. The in-game sounds fit quite well, but never draw an overt amount of attention to themselves. The crowd sounds are convincing and flow with momentum of the match; that being said, it would have been nice to actually see the crowd here and there. There is some in-game music, but it only kicks in once your rally hits 15. It is a nice touch that adds to the intensity of the match and never seems forced.
Fault
Now it’s time to stop giving the good old folks at Rockstar the proverbial reach around, and nicely ask them to put their collective pants back on. There are a few things about this title that will irritate some folks. The lack of career mode is surprising, and it would be nice to have the ability to create a character to take online. I know Rockstar is going for a “no frills” gaming experience, but the occasional frill adds replay value, even something as small as buying new paddles, or shoes, or grip tape, or whatever the hell professional table tennis players do, because I honestly have no idea and have never cared until now. If not for an almost flawless online experience this game would lose an immense amount of replay value.
Above the Game.
I have heard loads of squabble about this title. “It’s table tennis, how fun can it be?” Hell, buddy, last time I checked hitting a ball back and forth with a friend was pretty fun. I know it sounds odd, but I think a lot of things that bounce are fun. I’m looking at you, Itagaki. I’m guessing that everyone reading this has downloaded and enjoyed Geometry Wars. You probably enjoyed that game a lot more than several games that you have bought and already sold back. It’s simple game, with a simple design, and it’s fun. You don’t always need to imagine you are some super ninja assassin that was grown in a lab and drives a mech that shoots nuclear energy out of its cod piece that occasionally strips girls of loose clothing to have a good time. Some might say, “Why play it on the 360, why not just play it in real life?” I have an answer for ya sonny -- because you are really really bad at ping pong, and have never enjoyed it, much like football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and all the other sports titles that line the game store shelves. Ping pong never seemed fun because you never had the coordination for it; we are all in the same boat with you, so drop the attitude. This is a fun game, and it is well worth your time.
Final Word
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis is a very entertaining game that is certainly worth your time. This out of left field concept shows that Rockstar is capable of more than violent third person sand box shooters. This is a large step for the company. I am excited to see what they tackle next. Who knows, maybe they will make the best curling game you have ever seen.
November 20, 2009
