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Grand Slam Tennis

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7.9 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 59 critic reviews
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Based on 44 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: EA Canada

Genre(s): Sports

Players: 4

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: June 8, 2009

Summary

Specifically designed for the Wii, EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis puts the racket in the palm of your hand and delivers the deepest tennis experience. Users feel like they are actually playing tennis, performing real forehands and backhands in their living rooms. The game is one of the first to be compatible with Wii MotionPlus, which enhances the one-to-one motion with added shot depth and precise ball placement. [EA Sports]

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

A great choice to lead the Wii MotionPlus charge, combining summertime fun with great gameplay.

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WonderwallWeb

With a few tennis games out this summer there is plenty of choice but Grand Slam Tennis is THE choice for Nintendo Wii owners.

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GamePro

As a quality tennis title and an impressive showcase of Nintendo's new tech, EA's ambitious first effort easily takes the cup.

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PGNx Media

It’s the best tennis game on any console.

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Games Master UK

Our new favourite tennis game on Wii. It works perfectly. [Aug 2009, p.76]

NGamer UK

The best tennis game on Wii, and probably the most enjoyable one we've played on any console since Mario Tennis on N64. [Aug 2009, p.62]

Game Chronicles

With Grand Slam Tennis EA has set a new standard for motion control input, tennis games, and Wii games in general.

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NZGamer

It’s fun, accessible to all gamers, challenging and very easy on the eye graphically.

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Impulsegamer

To sum it up, EA Sport’s Grand Slam Tennis is definitely one of the best sport games that we have played on the console, thanks to Wii MotionPlus.

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IGN

An impressive package on Wii, and one of the best tennis games I’ve ever played.

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GameTrailers

If you're a tennis player, or just someone who's mastered and grown tired of Wii Sports Tennis, pick up Grand Slam Tennis with a MotionPlus add-on and prepare to be amazed. Just saddle that amazement with a little bit of patience. The learning curve makes pick-up games with the uninitiated a bore, but with the incredible online functionality, a viable opponent is just a series of ones and zeroes away.

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Play.tm

They say timing is everything and there's a sense that EA will be onto a winner here simply by being the first fully integrated MotionPlus tennis game to hit the shelves.

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Vandal Online

This is definitely a good game, the most complete tennis game on Wii and the one with the more realistic control, undoubtedly.

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Gameplanet

EA's Grand Slam Tennis packs in everything you would expect from a well made tennis title.

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Kombo

Grand Slam Tennis will be a rising star in the sports realm once gamers get their hands on this one.

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Game Over Online

Grand Slam Tennis is not perfect, but it is the best tennis outing to date on the Wii.

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MEGamers

A great sports game with an extensive use of new gameplay hardware. Definitely worth a purchase.

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Gaming Age

I can’t recommend Grand Slam Tennis enough for Wii owners, and am excited to see what changes are made when this title hits Xbox 360 and PS3 later this year.

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Multiplayer.it

Grand Slam Tennis has some faults, but, with MotionPlus, it's the first game of a new generation: interaction is taken where it had never been. Muddled, but revolutionary.

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GameZone

This is an excellent starting point for this tennis game and will give both hardcore tennis fans and casual gamers a great gameplay experience.

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Worth Playing

As one of the first MotionPlus titles out of the gate, Grand Slam Tennis is an excellent way to show off the power of Nintendo's new accessory.

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HellBored

The Wiimote is designed to let you feel like you’re playing the game, so you need to let it. You also need to spend a lot of time learning the ropes, because you didn’t buy Grand Slam Tennis for it to play like Wii Sports. It may be tough to master it but master it you can, and to be fair the Motion Plus does a remarkably good job of recreating what you want when you know how to use it.

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GameDaily

A steep learning curve, however, may impede their progress, especially without the benefit of a tutorial. Aside from that huge omission, Grand Slam Tennis is a well-made and fun game appropriate for wannabe tennis stars of all ages.

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GamingXP

This title is surprisingly entertaining. If you like sports and you aren’t afraid of a real work out in front of your Wii, Grand Slam Tennis won’t disappoint you.

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GameFocus

While it’s not quite an Ace for EA Sports: Grand Slam Tennis, it’s is easily the most recommendable tennis game on the Wii so far. Its deep game play mechanics coupled with its excellent multiplayer make this a must have for tennis fans and casual gamers alike.

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Telegraph

The satisfaction felt at the end of a hard-fought point is all the greater for the knowledge that you’ve guided that perfect shot with a deft flick of your wrist as opposed to a well-timed button press. Though ultimately lacking the precision a truly great tennis game needs, EA should be commended for a superb Wii effort which amply demonstrates the publisher’s commitment to the format.

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Eurogamer

Far from being "crippled by unintuitive controls", the reality is that it's beautifully intuitive, and just about shades Virtua Tennis 2009 on Wii by simply having a more satisfying feel to it.

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Gameplayer Sweden

Despite the underwhelming presentation, EA Sports manages to deliver a very authentic tennis experience. That is if you play the game with Wii Motion Plus - without it you're better of with something else.

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Cheat Code Central

Grand Slam Tennis is one of the most impressive sports games packages that I've seen in a while. EA deserves to be commended for getting on the ball with MotionPlus and offering up a game that provides a compelling reason to purchase the accessory.

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Teletext GameCentral

EA's tennis and Wii MotionPlus debut is a success after all and an encouraging sign for the future.

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Everyeye.it

Grand Slam Tennis is a great tennis simulation. Probably the Wii Motion plus does not shows its real potential, but this product is perfect for tennis lovers, thanks to the big variety of shots, the large number of game modes and a perfect online support.

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Thunderbolt

A true diamond in the rough.

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DarkStation

Luckily though Grand Slam Tennis is a refreshing take on a sport that has been otherwise overlooked in past years and comes through with what I think is a rather solid first showing.

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Gamer.nl

Grand Slam Tennis is an excellent sports title with sharp controls, an abundance of modes and a unique visual style. The importance of the addition of the Wii Motion Plus is shown here.

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Cubed3

A really good first attempt at using Wii MotionPlus and a genuinely enjoyable experience. Whilst it might have a few flaws in terms of gameplay and it does look decidedly rubbish, the basic game is very good with some surprising subtleties.

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N-Europe

Although there is a rock-bed of solid tennis mechanics at play, the weak serve mechanics and ‘play it safe’ mantra leave this title shy of being a true champion.

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Eurogamer Portugal

Grand Slam imposes their own pace of play, determining the new coordinates of the virtual tennis for the Nintendo Wii.

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Eurogamer Italy

A good game that thanks to the Wii Motion Plus becomes an unforgettable playing experience both for casual gamers and tennis fans. EA Sports did it again!

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XGN

All in all, definitely a fun game which, despite the errors, still gets a rather high score. The most important factor for this score is the great gameplay combined with very good sounds. Furthermore the addition of Wii Motionplus! in combination with the cheap price earns this game a fine [75].

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SpazioGames

With Grand Slam Tennis, the Wii has a new king in the genre. The game has everything that a fan can desire for: good graphics, game modes and longevity. The great multiplayer mode and motion plus support give the title even more appeal. Unfortunately some minor problems don't let the game reach the excellence.

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Gameplayer

Grand Slam Tennis still comes highly recommended, both as an epic party game, a great online experience, and one of the better tennis experiences on the system.

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Nintendo Power

A solid first effort for the new franchise that, while a bit rough in some parts, offers the most well-rounded tennis experience on the Wii. [July 2009, p.88]

Gamervision

EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis is a great offering, and a fantastic first outing for the series. It isn't without fault, however, and isn't the casual experience some hoped it would be.

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3DJuegos

Good graphics, game modes and longevity. A solid first effort for the franchise that offers one of the most well-rounded tennis experience on the Wii.

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InsideGamer.nl

Grand Slam Tennis is decent tennis game, but could have been better. The animations are bad and we’re missing a tutorial. The Wii Motion Plus is a nice additions, but if you’re going to play with your friends, it is necessary fort hem to also add the Wii Motion Plus. Without, it isn’t a fair fight.

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LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Very good tennis simulation excels especially in the multiplayer part. Do not be discouraged by the somewhat exaggerated difficulty - take your time and enjoy the full scale of realistic strikes. [Aug 2009]

Eurogamer Spain

Although having cartoon visual, Grand Slam Tennis is more a simulation than an arcade game like Virtua Tennis.

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Video Game Talk

But with the controls implementation difficult to get a handle on and the graphics looking unfinished, the Wii tennis throne remains slightly out of reach, but it's a solid debut for the franchise.

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Cynamite

Grand Slam Tennis is fun, but it’s hard to master for beginners. Wii MotionPlus works very good and gives the game an extra touch.

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Meristation

Tennis. That's what everything's about in Grand Slam Tennis, the latest effort of EA Sports to convince the Nintendo Wii community about its wishes for this new philosophy that they're up to at the moment. And it's a very good way to start a new road, with plenty of gameplay styles, an interesting graphic engine and the use of the Wii MotionPlus. For the first time in the history of this console, we can cross a ball with hammering to remote.

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Game Informer

A definite upgrade for casual gamers who want a deeper tennis experience than Wii Sports. [July 2009, p.85]

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VideoGamer

If you're after the most realistic feeling tennis game on the market, Grand Slam Tennis for Wii is it, when it works. MotionPlus-enabled shots can be performed by feel alone (as long as you're not lobbing or performing drop shots) and this will be enough for a lot of gamers – just be prepared for a fair few annoying moments. If you're after an in-depth single-player experience you might be disappointed though, as what's on offer here is geared around playing with friends.

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Nintendo Life

The MotionPlus controls, inconsistent and ultimately underwhelming as they are, provide a level of direct control not capable with Wii games of the past. There are some definite kinks to iron out but Grand Slam Tennis is an overall solid debut in a franchise with a lot of potential and is sure to satisfy those looking for a casual game of tennis.

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1UP

EA's tennis game is far from perfect, and the control inconsistencies will be too much to overcome for any but the most dedicated tennis fans, but it's a good early attempt; hopefully as developers become more comfortable with the add-on, they'll create more precise (and easier to learn) controls.

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GameSpot

EA's new tennis game makes a number of unforced errors that hamper what could've been a brilliant package.

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RealGamer

The game modes are nice and varied and the graphical style is great, however the actual tennis games tend to descend into uninspiring baseline games, especially with the computer.

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NintendoWorldReport

A decent, but not great, first MotionPlus and tennis effort from EA. It isn't very fun as a pick-up-and-play title because of the steep learning curve. However, if you take your time and read up on the controls online, it can be a great game.

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games(TM)

MotionPlus adds a welcome layer of immersion, but it never does enough to completely mend the game's flaws. Matches are often frustrating, shots will still bounce past your player and the AI will sometimes second-guess you, placing you in a poor position to return a serve. [Sept 2009, p.126]

Level7.nu

This is the first game to support Nintendo's new add-on Wii Motion Plus and the additional precision does benefit the game a whole lot. Without the add-on the controls are somewhat flimsy and imprecise, but with Motion Plus added in the mix the controls really feel natural and precise. Unfortunately there are still a whole lot of motions that aren't registered correctly, and the presentation isn't somewhat shoddy. Grand Slam Tennis is proof that Motion Plus does improve precision but it can't save a mediocre game.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.9 (out of 10) based on 44 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

James R gave it an8:
I absolutely love this game. I would like to see more players (especially current ones) and more events besides the Grand Slams next year. The controls also aren't perfect. They are, however, better than anything else on the system. If you take the time to let the controller center between points, which you are given ample opportunity to do, then it works great. It has great online and challenging AI. Bear in mind that this is the first game in a new series and it uses an attachment that Nintendo hasn't even showcased yet. With that in mind, this game is a huge success. I can't wait until next year's. Forget the negative reviews. If you take the time, it works great.

Bob A gave it a3:
If you are only to read one of these reviews -- Read This One! Do not purchase this game as you will be wasting your money on a game that has some of the most frustrating controls of any Wii game. The game will force you to swing back swings when you are obviously pointing front, it doesn't know where the controller so positions the player to make a back swing even though you are facing completely forward. Just don't buy this game, its not worth it, even with MotionPlus its just not good.

Josh F gave it a9:
Fantastic tennis game. easily the most realistic one out there, from the controls to the motions of the characters to the courts, everything. anyone complaining about the motionplus clearly doesn't understand how to use it, cuz it works great for me. i'd assume that they get it off center and don't know how to reset it (hold it still for 2 seconds, then it will be back to the right position). the only reason i gave it a 9 rather than a 10 is because there are some glitches online (i love online play btw, its great), but there is a serve glitch, a double bounce glitch, and serve and volley players have it way too easy (learn how to play the game, seriously).

Alex S. gave it a9:
This is by far the most authentic tennis game ever made. Once you get a grip on the controls ( I recommend checking out the EA Forums) the game is perfect. In future I hope EA includes an in-game tutorial so people don't have to watch Youtube video on how to play the game.

Joel C gave it a10:
I don't understand the problems people are having with the M+. For me, as in a real game of tennis, before every serve my Wiimote is centered and ready to go, because you never know which way the serve will come. And it's worked flawlessly for me. The critics are morons, buy this game. The best tennis game I have ever played. Don't like tennis? Then rent it first. I love tennis however, and I love this game. For realz yo.

Trey H gave it a5:
Lots of modes and features and more adult than wii sports, but the motionplus controller just isn't solid. 3/10 times its fantastic, but then 2/10 its entirely lost. It seems to work better in practice mode, but in real games where unpredictable response is required, its just too inconsistent.

Wiirdo gave it a7:
Having played both Virtua Tennis 2009 and Grand Slam Tennis, I thought I'd weigh in with my take on which game to get. The answer? Grand Slam Tennis. Even though GST interrupts motion control with button presses for drop shots and lobs, the end result is superior to VT2009's scheme, which is plagued by dodgy swing recognition. In VT, if you swing just a *bit* too quickly, you hit a normal slice instead of a drop. Swing just a *bit* too slowly, and your motion doesn't register at all. The ball sails harmlessly by, and you lose the point. Maddening. While buttons aren't optimal, they're a better solution. GST's graphics are also *much* more polished than VT2009. The players look better, animations are smoother, the frame rate is more stable. Created characters look significantly better in GST, also. Skill development may not be as good in GST as it is in VT2009, but then not every skill minigame in VT works. Some (blockbreaker) are waaay too easy. Some (pirate ship) are insanely difficult with WM+. I kind of like the pre-tournament challenges in GST - winning abilities of defeated opponents. In either game, there's going to be a *ton* of grinding to get your created character to where you want him/her to be. It's tough to compare online play between the two games because, after a week of VT2009, I was only able to play two matches. There just aren't that many people online. This may change after the game is released in Europe, but it's still frustrating. GST fares *much* better in this regard. Both games play smoothly, with little to no lag. There are two things that VT2009 does better than GST, and I'd be remiss not to mention them. I find VT2009 to be much more fun when playing without a WM+. As another user review mentioned, without WM+, VT2009 is like a really, really good version of Top Spin 3. The second thing that VT2009 does better than GST is keep the wm+ calibrated. After a week of VT2009, I can count on one hand the number of times that points were ruined by poor wm+ calibration. It happens much more frequently in GST, unfortunately. 3-5 times per match is not uncommon. And that's ultimately what keeps GST from being a first-rate title. If we could combine EA's control scheme and Sega's ability to keep wm+ from fritzing out, we'd have one heck of a game on our hands. But we can't, which leaves us with a choice. Arcade tennis (VT 2009) that's just as good (if not better) without wm+. Or a deeper, more "sim"-type game (GST) that will have you fighting back urges to fling your wm+ across the room, a la John McEnroe. Final score: GST with the narrow victory. Grand Slam Tennis: 7.5 Virtua Tennis 7.2

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