Rockstar's table tennis, anyone buying this? I mean really buying it? LOL

Callandor · Apr 11, 2006, 03:44 AM

I got this in my mail from Rockstar, (figures that it was in bulk mail though I guess

) and just couldn't help but post this,

Quote:

http://www.rockstargames.com/tabletennis

One month ago, Rockstar shocked the gaming world with news of what many would think of as our least likely title announcement.

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis.
Today, we show and prove that this is no joke.
The competitive intensity and purity of the Olympic sport, captured with dynamic physics, subtle yet deep gameplay mechanics, and a visual splendor only attainable on a next generation system. We, of course, have been believers since the game's conception - but in recent weeks, Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis has gone on the road, and some of gaming's top journalists have gotten the chance to experience it hands-on.

"You hit the ball, your opponent hits back, you hit it again. But then you get better. Then everyone around you gets better. Soon you are topping 25-hit rallies. You're ripping off more big slams than Shaq and still your opponent won't fall. You hit the focus meter again and again, slamming and slamming and slamming and then, in a dizzying moment of glory, you slam the ball once more off your opponent's chest. You raise your fist and let out a primal scream of victory -- then you realize you are playing ping pong and compose yourself.

Well, that's what Table Tennis will do to you. There's a... learning curve at work where you get better and better and the game gets more addicting and more addicting. Take this as you will, but the preview build of Table Tennis came closer to replicating the feel of the real-life sport than maybe any sports game in history."
- IGN (Jon Miller)

"So engulfing is the reality of Table Tennis that you simply don't notice the clacking of analog sticks over the staccato pok-pa-pok of the raging Ping-Pong rally. Days after we played, we were still walking around the office making little Ping-Pong noises by clucking our tongues.

Sitting down with Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis becomes an exercise in ultimate zen focus. You have only one obligation: return that ball from whence it came. Rockstar's attempt at reaching a platonic ideal of Ping-Pong results in an incredibly addictive, pure experience. All of your attention focuses on getting that ball back over the tiny net and transforming the smug grin on your opponent's face into a sobbing example of the agony of defeat."
- GamesRadar

"Rockstar's title is intense, fast, and engaging... Jon Miller and I got into several serious rallies that lasted what seemed like minutes, and each one required our full attention and concentration. I know, I know, it's still table tennis, but Rockstar has made this work. In its own way, it's just as immediate as any fast-paced first-person shooter."
- IGN (Doug Perry)

"...an early shout for Game of the Year 2006... this is as pure a replication of the classic Caravan Park pastime as you're ever likely to find. And it's brilliant... this is a sport that has everything: the blistering pace, the outrageous rallies, that perfect melding of offensive and defensive mentalities... Gameplay is almost hypnotic, sucking you in until you fall bewitched under its spell. To me, to you, back and forth, tick tock, tick tock – BAM! It's nothing less than a revelation... Mark our words: this will be a smash!"
- GamesMaster UK

Look for more hands-on impressions from print and online outlets over the coming weeks...In the meantime, we welcome you to see it in action, for the first time.

Today's launch of the Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis website features the highly anticipated first official TRAILER in the Videos section. Available in Flash and special HD versions.

The site also features a selection of new screenshots, an overview of some of the player characters, and more. Stay tuned for the launch of the Tradition and Skill Tips sections coming soon.

Quote:

"So engulfing is the reality of Table Tennis that you simply don't notice the clacking of analog sticks over the staccato pok-pa-pok of the raging Ping-Pong rally. Days after we played, we were still walking around the office making little Ping-Pong noises by clucking our tongues.

I know this is the ode to their and my love and many of our love as well for paddle, but anyone else buying this?

I think they just pushed it a little too far lol. But I'll just wait until I've played it myself I guess.

Edit: sorry, I hope red fixes the color issue, if not, may a mod please select a color for me that doesen't clash with any of the other skins, neon heaven is impossible with black. Thank your friend, wysiwyg.

pr0digal jenius · Apr 11, 2006, 04:02 AM

fixed...wow there were a lot of tags in there that were empty, useless, or otherwise improperly done...shoot rockstar's emailer for me

very odd though....do you get guns?

Callandor · Apr 11, 2006, 05:16 AM

Will do lol

, I don't think so though, but it looks to me like alot of sweaty men (or women

) playing ping pong over a little table tennis table doesen't grab me as much as it grabs them dudes at IGN, GamesMaster UK or GamesRadar. Do you guys think of the idea as this exciting?

Thanks for fixing it PJ.

I like ping pong in rl and do have a thing with the paddle thing of old, but I think this game will be mostly popular in the east, or it may just bring out the "talent" in our western players. Maybe I'll get addicted?

***Zardon*** · Apr 11, 2006, 05:22 AM

the graphics are impressive, but it looks extremely boring.

bananaman · Apr 11, 2006, 05:44 AM

I am hoping that the gameplay is really nice and easy to pick up, but with hidden depth, something like Smash Tennis, then I may well be tempted to get this as may be the sort of game you could get people with little gaming experience playing for a bit of a laugh

IvanV · Apr 11, 2006, 06:56 AM

I love regular table tennis. This? Not necessarily bad, but I don't game so much lately so I think I'll pass.

Tamim · Apr 17, 2006, 10:07 AM

Man, I am planning to camp in front of EBGames a week ahead just to secure my copy along with thousands of other gamers who just cant wait!

lol, seriously, ever watched a table tennis game? It's FAST! I dont know how you can press a button and/or move the analog stick repeatedly that fast!

pr0digal jenius · Apr 17, 2006, 10:12 AM

it needs Matrix Mode

~~Alien1~~ · Apr 17, 2006, 01:56 PM

Tennis = boring

SSXeon · Apr 17, 2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

the graphics are impressive, but it looks extremely boring.

yup. What next "Rockstar presents Polo!!!!".

bananaman · Apr 17, 2006, 04:11 PM

I still think it might be one of those games that the joy is the simplicity, I am not holding my breath for this game to be the best game ever made but I think it could be a seriously fun game to play with some mates - really intense

lets not disregard it too quickly, if anything we should all be giving the game a chance as it is trying something new in an industry that is starting to stick to "money makers" more and more

Razgriz · Apr 17, 2006, 04:24 PM

Almost like that game "Let's play with sand"

bananaman · May 24, 2006, 04:40 PM

so to raise this thread from the "dead"

anyone got this yet? I think it is out in the states, but not out in the UK until Friday (although lovely Gameplay have posted mine so i hope it will come tomorrow!)

will post impressions when i get a chance to have a game

Drakon · May 24, 2006, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSXeon

yup. What next "Rockstar presents Polo!!!!".

Ha Ha! Finally, man's game!

YAYitsAndrew · May 24, 2006, 06:03 PM

Rockstar Presents Weeding the Lawn!

The_Neon_Cowboy · May 24, 2006, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

the graphics are impressive, but it looks extremely boring.

it would be mind numbing I think

bananaman · May 25, 2006, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Neon_Cowboy

it would be mind numbing I think

i think, and hope, that this is going ot be one of those games ytou will oinly really play with mates as i can see that SP may get a bit dull. I thik this game is aimed at live and MP more than anything

Razgriz · May 25, 2006, 02:03 AM

while were at it, let's make a lacrosse game!

Erroneus · May 25, 2006, 05:31 AM

I looooooove table tennis, such a fun game

I have played all decent online table tennis games and has table tennis on my pda

So yeah I'm buying a 360 for this game.... and gta 4

bananaman · May 25, 2006, 04:39 PM

update:

is great fun! you really get into the game - as i read somewhere, and it is true, you get in a zen-like concentration.

had a 76 shot rally so far

back to the game

Tobey · May 25, 2006, 11:15 PM

Haha thats intense...

***Zardon*** · May 27, 2006, 05:30 AM

I was totally wrong about this game, I picked it up for £20 locally thinking it would be pretty lame but it is one of the best sports games ive played .. the graphics are great, the atmosphere rocks, but the most amazing aspect is the control method. most sports games have terrible controls or some failing with the way its played meaning one button is all you really need, like the absymal topspin2. As bananaman said once you do the training and understand how spin works as well as focus shots you can end up with some amazing rallies.

Highly recommended and a total shock !

LeanWolf · May 27, 2006, 06:21 AM

yeah I had a suspicion this would be better than anyone thought... I'll have to check it out.

***Zardon*** · May 27, 2006, 09:22 AM

jesper in the second cup finals is just handing my ass to me every game