No one else picked this game up? Sorta suprised to see no impressions here. I grabbed it the other day and I'm quite happy with it thus far--it's sort of stripped down as far as game modes go--there is no real career mode, just several tournements you can compete in SP to unlock characters and gear. The game seems to be very focused on the multiplayer component of it all..which works out pretty damn well..

The play mechanics are pretty simple--four buttons, for directions of spin--you can put up to two spins on the ball at once--there is an indicator that can tell you which way the ball is spinning to make it easier to judge what you should return it with..the game get extremely fast--especially when both players are at max focus...at max focus the lights dim around the table and a spotlight highlights the action as both players shots are enhanced and ya it gets pretty intense...focus is charged by holding your shots..the longer you hold a spin button down (you can also use the right analog for returns, i prefer the digital input personally) the more spin you put on the ball, the more spin you put on the ball the more focus you gain--you can do a "focus shot" by holding down the right bumper--or you can just let the focus fill all three levels to reach max (red, yellow, green)..the left bumper is for hitting drop/light shots..

Graphics are top notch, some of the best models I've seen period--the model viewer in the extra's menu is a nice touch.

Seems to be getting a lot of unnecessary hate--this game is basically great when it comes down to what counts--gameplay. If you enjoy the *sport* of ping pong, this is a pretty damn enjoyable game--it delivers a realistic experience that mechanically is a lot like the real thing..if you like tennis at all, it's worth a look--the game can be faster, more intense than its big brother.

I'm going to a Rockstar tourney tonight, looking forward to it. Depending on how much beer I have I'll see if I can post some impressions, though there is a thread in the Gamesh forum...

It's out tomorrow here, I'm picking it up regardless I think. I like what I'm hearing about it.