A lot of Ooooing and Aaaaing Going On ! (Grand Slam Tennis (Wii))

Member Name: stickywicket

Product:	Grand Slam Tennis (Wii)
Date:	28/07/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Just play.

Disadvantages: It Hurts.

I knew this would happen. I ache all over already and this game has only been in the house 24 hours. It's pure evil but I love it.

Many years ago I had a Sega Mega Drive and was - and still am - very proud of completing Grand Slam Tennis as Monica Seles. Funny how tennis a simple game can still induce the same compitive madness, the game doesn't change - the graphics and platforms do.

First please note we do have Wii Motion Plus, so this review is written with that in mind.

There are two teenage boys in this household, therefore all reading of manuals is usually left entirely down to me - and that's usually because either they become frustrated after 4 minutes of unsuccessful gameplay, or I've been thrashed and figure they know something I don't.

So they were straight into a singles exhibition match, Andy Murray vs Roger Federer. There are new and old champions to choose from Sampras, Borg and Becker to Murray, Williams and Nadal. Nobody bothered with the option to practice until a good few matches later. Which is always interesting because I feel it offers simple load and play features.

Me, I had quick run through the available practice session, because being a fan of Rockstars Table Tennis on the Wii and Wii Sports they all require different serving actions. This also includes a ball machine which is good for a warm up.

This - again like Table Tennis - has a decent sound track, bit of bass and you get a rhythm going. The ball thudding is loud but realistic, and satisfying when coupled with the striking sounds.

These are typical Wii cartoony graphics, but sometime I like the simpleness of it all. Pat Cash commentating is enough to make you smile without being intrusive or annoying. And should you upset McEnroe you'll know about it !

Upon the third time of being demolished in straight sets I decided to smuggle the booklet out and read what I was doing wrong with this Wii motion plus business.

Holding the motion plus remote does give a realism to playing this It's all in the follow through. That's your aim. It does give you the edge. Unbelievably sensitive, striking the ball after the bounce is the key (unless you are aiming for a lob or drop shot) You can move your player left and right when serving but no need to when the ball is in play. You stretch and your player will dive if need be. This is taking some mastering because other Wii games do have that couple of seconds delay.

Enough about my lack lustre tennis career. What does the game offer ? Well the speed of the singles matches were good, so doubles came up next. I'm not a fan of this real or otherwise. Didn't seem to get a chance to get involved, if there's two of you playing then the Wii is the other 50% and seems to take over in this arena.

Create a player, the usual create a look stuff, nothing too fancy, and a choice of four different skills. If you play and progress well through the ranks on Grand Slam you get to unlock various clothing and gear upgrades. As you learn and beat the legends you can also gain abilities of said superstars.

The Game Modes have something for everyone. Grand Slam - the main event. Compete in The Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

Pre Tournament Challenges - winn three challenges and go head to head with a legend.

Tennis Party, three different modes, seven games for up to four players. The party thing is another simple Wii delight, quick easy and everyone can get involved.

You can of course play online against friends or anyone else.We haven't ventured out there yet for fear of losing all street credibility in two minutes.

Now another interesting little feature called Get Fit. If you are anything like me and throw your complete heart and soul into this you can track how many calories you burn while playing as a created player. Another tie in to the get off the sofa directive that seems to be working.

I haven't ventured very far into many arenas as yet, the boys are really enjoying it and yes shouting at umpires, emulating McEnroe by posing in disbelief at a call, and muttering at each other. So all in all a normal day in the stickywicket household.

Summary: Brilliant tennis game, with many options, simple setup, highly competitive.