I don’t know about the rest of you folks, but I can’t help but stare. Just look at that marvelous head of hair, slick with gel. And what eighties/nineties woman could resist that glorious George Michael-esque “no razor has touched my face in days” look? *Sigh* Oh, Boris...if only we had met fifteen years ago; if only 2K Sports had achieved this digital doppelgänger on the Genesis; if only I were a member of the fairer sex...we could have been something special.

But alas, that cannot be. Now, in lieu of stroking your grizzled face, I shall have to settle for tearing through the tennis world with you on our way to the World No. 1 ranking. What’s that? You retired in 1999? No matter; we can make it if we try — in 2K Sports’ Top Spin 3. Here, let me show you some of the men who will fall victim to your blade racket: Roger Federer, Gaël Monfils, Andy Murray, and Andy Roddick. They may look threatening, but they will be no match for your “Baron von Slam” serve — or your pensive gaze into the distance.

Wait, where was I? Um...anyway, 2K Sports has just released the list of international tennis stars, past and present, who will be playable in their upcoming game. In addition to 16 of the top players in the world today (17 on the PS3; more on that later), Top Spin 3 will feature three “classic legends” of the sport, roughly split up by decades — one each for the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Hit the jump for the full press release, including the official cast of characters. Top Spin 3 will be out this spring for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and DS.

2K Sports Reveals Renowned Lineup of Current and Legendary Stars for Top Spin 3

Tennis greats get back in the game, marking a first for next-generation consoles

New York, NY – February 20, 2008 – 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is pleased to announce the all-star player lineup for Top Spin 3, the industry's most realistic and action-packed tennis video game experience. The star-studded lineup features today's sensations, including Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, as well as Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles, three of the sport's legendary players. Top Spin 3 marks the first time these iconic pros have appeared in a next-generation video game.

Created by PAM Development, a 2K studio, Top Spin 3 is slated for a spring 2008 release for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system, and Nintendo DS™.

"With Top Spin 3, we wanted to give gamers the choice to play with their favorite tennis players, as well as classic legends, an option that no other tennis game is offering," said Chris Snyder, Director of Marketing for 2K Sports. "Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles have given the game of tennis such great history, and we are excited to have them join the current roster of professionals in the most realistic tennis video game to date."

The Top Spin 3 player lineup includes the following:

• Mario Ancic
• Tomas Berdych
• James Blake
• Roger Federer
• Tommy Haas
• Justine Henin
• Svetlana Kuznetsova
• Amelie Mauresmo
• Gael Monfils
• Andy Murray
• Rafael Nadal*
• David Nalbandian
• Mark Philippoussis
• Andy Roddick
• Maria Sharapova
• Nicole Vaidisova
• Caroline Wozniacki

Classic legends**

• Boris Becker
• Bjorn Borg
• Monica Seles

Top Spin 3 offers the most authentic gameplay and features, including signature player animations and expressions, weather changes and situation-specific behaviors, along with revamped audio with enhanced crowd reaction.

Fans will also have the opportunity to play on more than 40 prestigious and visually stunning venues from around the world such as Roland Garros in Paris (French Open) and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (Australian Open). Adding to the immersive gameplay experience, fans can utilize a new and innovative Player Creator to customize their own unique tennis stars with free-form body sculpting, makeup and tattoos. Competitive players will also be able to create matches online and test their skills against friends or other ranked players around the world. For more information on Top Spin 3, visit www.topspin3thegame.com.

*Rafael Nadal will appear only on the PLAYSTATION 3 system
**Classic legends not available on all platforms

Frankly, if Sony’s idea of exclusive content is to keep Rafael Nadal on their console only, they might need to rethink their strategy. But I guess it’s a start, and since Rafa is beloved by tennis fans the world over, this move might actually be something that leads people to pick the PS3 version over the 360 version — assuming all other variables are equal, of course. So tell us, friends: is this exclusivity a coup for Sony, or ultimately inconsequential? Let us know in the comments below.