Grand Slam Tennis 2

Reviewed By Tristan Tancredi

With the rights to all four Grand Slams, EA Sports hits a whole lot of winners with their latest release, Grand Slam Tennis 2.

We here at the Wombat believe there are two important parts to create a great tennis game. Part 1 involves playability and controls. Part 2 involves making the game feel as authentic and realistic as possible. Massive ticks all around here.

Without access to all four Slams (The Australian Open, US Open, French Open and Wimbledon) this game would lose some of it's appeal. So kudos to EA for getting the Grand Slam rights.

Like Top Spin 4 mid 2011, Grand Slam Tennis 2 simply put, is just a glorified version of Pong. Return the ball to the top of the screen in a much nicer spectacle than its 1980s model, resulting in somewhat repetitive gameplay.

In saying that, the game looks gorgeous. From the outside showcourts to the jam packed centre courts, the game looks delightful. The background detail, including the photographers, spectators and ball kids (who never move) are finely detailed.

The players are heavily detailed down to the faintest facial expression. For instance, Lleyton Hewitts mannerisms are spot on when returning serve. Likewise for the entire cast of tennis royalty: Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray, Sharapova, Williams X2 and the beautiful Ana Ivanovic in her lovely yellow and red dress (Think Aus Open 2012).

A host of former greats return to centre court in Grand Slam Tennis 2 including John McEnroe, Pat Cash, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg. This makes for some interesting, and somewhat strange matchups at Grand Slam tournaments. Borg V Federer at the 2012 US Open, a tad unrealistic.

Controlling every shots accuracy and power is ultilised through the innovative control system. Using both the analogue stick and the buttons, gamers perfect top spin, slice, drop shots, lobs and smashes.

For a more genuine tennis experience, connect the PS Move. The PS Move works well and is more of a party starter then the standard controller. Make sure you have plenty of space then swing your way to grand slam glory.

The AI is consistent, yet varies very little. Yes, the players attributes reflect their real life performance (ie Serve Volleyer / Bassliner) but it's the predictability of the opposition which is disappointing. Too often they hit the same top spin return, and they rarely, if ever, net a shot or pull a shot long or wide.

A few nagging issues must be raised, including a slice backhand that often looks no different than a top spin, a lack of menu music and commentary by Pat Cash and John McEnroe that is awfully repetitive (You will hear the same tip on the pros of a deep return a few hundred times). There is also quite a big glitch in the commentary whereby they consistently refer to female tennis players as "he".

Another weird observation included copping a Grand Slam Final at Wimbledon on the outside courts. Imagine if that happened to Federer on the ATP, I guarantee you he would be ropeable.

There are a few options when getting started on Grand Slam Tennis 2. Choose from Play Now mode (Singles and Doubles), Career (10 years to train hard and compete for the Grand Slam), Tournaments, Online Competitions or a training program with John McEnroe. 

One of the great additions to this game is ESPN Grand Slam Classics - Here you can relive 25 of the most memorable moments in tennis history.  From the 2008 US open Semi Final featuring Murray and Nadal, the 2003 Australian Open Final between Serena and Venus Williams and the All time classic 1980 Wimbledon final of Borg and McEnroe.

EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis 2 is an authentic tennis experience and a must have for tennis fans everywhere.
 

Rating: 80%

(Ratings Key/Explanation)