It’s 3 a.m. when the joystick hits the floor. I did it. I kicked Anna Kournikova’s butt. I wiped the court with her. Exhausted, I toggle over to the ranking screen and find out I am number two in the world. I am faced with a decision. Do I turn off my XBox and get some sleep before my 7:30 culinary lab, or do I soldier on and go after Martina Hingis in a Grand Slam battle for the top seed?Such is the addictive game play of the hottest sports release of last year for the XBox,” Top Spin. ” Released in the fall of 2003, “Top Spin” has gone on to be the fastest growing title in terms of sales and online usage.

This anything but basic game allows players to compete as or against 16 of the top players in the world. In addition to Hingis and Kournikova, users can select other greats like Pete Sampras or Lleyton Hewitt. If you prefer to grow your own player, you can customize a competitor from scratch using the DNA synthesizer controlling not only height and weight but also skin color, hairstyle and even the severity of a nose break.

Game play offers all the different groundstrokes you would imagine including powerhouse serves and skillful risk shots that will keep your opponent on their toes.

Whether you are all alone or with a group of friends, “Top Spin” offers enough types of play to keep any gamer satisfied. From the one match Exhibition Mode to the Customizable Tournament Mode, the options can be endless as the player decides whether it is a singles or doubles match, what type of court surface and even the gender of the digital athletes.

“Top Spin” goes beyond earlier Tennis Console games in its nuances. The sound of a missed ball hitting the back of the court, the sluggish response of a clay court serve and even the spontaneous applause of the crowd all add to the experience, further immersing the gamer into the action.

Once you have brought your player to the top of the ranks, the only place to go is online. “Top Spin” is now available on XBox Live, and players are lining up to pound their balls. I borrowed a wireless adapter and used my wireless Internet connection at La Maison Du Bayou to enter the online world of “Top Spin.”

This is where “Top Spin” excels. Not only is the game play fast and furious, but also taunting your opponent in real time never felt better.