Grand Slam Tennis 2 Review for Xbox 360

System: Xbox 360, PS3*
Dev: EA
Pub: EA
Release: February 14, 2012
Players: 1-2
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p

Unfortunately, there are a few flaws. First of all, the game does get a little repetitive. It doesn't feel like the playstyles of your A.I. vary enough to seem as if you are actually playing different opponents. Second of all, it's easy. On the base difficulty you can fly through your matches with relative ease, In fact, I would say that the difficulty curve is the biggest downfall of this game. A.I. opponents are either too easy or too hard, and there is absolutely nothing in between.

Grand Slam Tennis 2's graphics are a big improvement over its predecessor on the Wii. Animations are smooth, models are realistic, and even the crowd has this vibrancy to it that accurately simulates a professional tennis match.

Grand Slam Tennis 2 Screenshot

And speaking of realism, there is advertising all over this game. From the ESPN logo being absolutely everywhere to the bank logos that plaster the court walls, this game has all the rampant ad pushes that a normal ESPN tennis match would have.

In the end, Grand Slam Tennis 2 is a competently put together tennis game that stands up to competitors such as FIFA and Virtual tennis. It's fun, it doesn't overstay its welcome, and it has just enough features to keep you coming back for more. If you are a tennis fan, you'll gush over the realism, and if you are a more casual sports game player, you'll simply enjoy the brand new control scheme which is easily the game's biggest selling point. If I really needed to nitpick, I'd say that the lack of Kinect compatibility with the Xbox version is a little annoying considering the PS3 version is compatible with the PS Move. However, after I complained about the PS Move controls practically requiring me to be a pro tennis player to use, wishing for Kinect compatibility strikes me as slightly hypocritical.

Here's my final word on the game: As someone who is admittedly not a tennis fan, I enjoyed my time with Grand Slam Tennis 2. That being said, it won't convert me into a tennis fanatic, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone other than existing tennis fans. However, if you just so happen to be a tennis aficionado and you want an alternative to some of the other tennis games on the market, Grand Slam Tennis does just fine.

By
Angelo M. D'Argenio
Contributing Writer
Date: February 16, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
Grand Slam Tennis 2's graphics are far better than the outdated graphics of its Wii counterpart.

4.2

Control
The new and innovative control scheme is probably the best part of this game.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The announcers are quite annoying and get far too repetitive for their own good.

3.7

Play Value
There is quite a bit of replay value in career mode, but you'll still want to primarily play against other people.

3.6

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Control every shot with the right analog stick, smashing forehands, backhands, overheads, and volleys with precision, accuracy, and power. Utilize this innovative control system to take your game to the top!

Become a true Grand Slam champion by capturing all four major championships, for the first time ever in Next Gen gaming. The prestige of some of the most historic events in tennis jumps to life like never before, including the Australian Open, French Open, U.S. Open, and exclusive to EA SPORTS, Wimbledon.

Play with or against more than 20 of the greatest players to ever grace the courts, including Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Borg, Sharapova, the Williams sisters, and exclusive to Grand Slam Tennis 2, seventeen-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe.

The playing styles and behaviors of the sport's greatest stars are captured right down to their signature swings. Realistic tactics and strategies are your keys to success against each legend on a variety of court surfaces including clay and grass. The organic A.I. adapts to your game so there's never a dull moment in Grand Slam Tennis 2

Relive the most memorable moments in tennis. From Borg vs. McEnroe to Nadal vs. Federer, play your way through history while unlocking up to 25 amazing Grand Slam moments.

Play countless hours of tennis in a deep 10-year Career mode or battle head-to-head online. Experience a wide variety of online gameplay features, including EA SPORTS Game Face and more, keeping your experience fresh and authentic.