Grand Slam Tennis & Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10

By Martin Korda Published 1 April, 2009

Thrashing around with EA's MotionPlus games.

With the footy season racing towards a climactic finale and the first shoots of spring poking out of the frosty soil like a puppy peeking through a letterbox, it won't be long before we're dusting off grandpa's old wooden tennis racket and golf clubs and heading out to thwack a few balls around (badly), then retreating home to nurse chapped hands and tennis elbow. This year, however, we're going to have a couple of home-based alternatives to choose from thanks to EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and the publisher's first foray into the world of Henman Hill, Grand Slam Tennis. With both games employing MotionPlus for extra control, we could be in for the most realistic sporting experiences ever witnessed on Wii.

First up is Grand Slam Tennis. Featuring all the Grand Slams replete with faithfully recreated courts and a wealth of pros both current (e.g. Federer) and legendary (e.g. Sampras), Grand Slam Tennis attempts to faithfully emulate its real-life counterpart while remaining accessible to everyone. Courts and players have received the now-obligatory Wii cartoon-style makeover, with courts considerably narrower than in real life and players more squat than the finely tuned athletes they're based on. Each pro has been lovingly recreated and possesses many of the mannerisms of his or her real-world counterpart, such as Nadal yanking his pants out of his arse crack and pumping his fist victoriously. [Is this right? - Ed]

'Grand Slam Tennis & Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10' Screenshot 1

Flick the Wiimote above your head then slam it down to serve.

While the presentation may be looking solid, the true test comes on court, and in this department, Grand Slam Tennis teems with promise. Using the new MotionPlus mode the action is certainly realistic. With the Wiimote representing your racket you must accurately time shots to make the best possible connection with the ball. Swing too early or late and the shot is weak or misplaced, while missing the ball is all too easy if you flap the Wiimote like you're trying to swat a pigeon that's mistaken your head for a giant breadcrumb.

The key innovation here is the ability to rotate the Wiimote in order to pull off different shot types. Twist the controller forward and you'll apply topspin, while rotating backwards enables you to slice. Keeping the remote central executes a flat shot. The strength with which you swing and how far you pull the controller sideways also influences the flight of the ball, allowing you to genuinely aim for the court's corners and pull your opponent out of position. With your thumb over the A button and your index finger poised above B, you can further mix up your shot types, with A allowing you to lob and B executing a drop-shot. Your player's movements are either automatically controlled or, if you're feeling brave, there's an option to navigate your player with the nunchuk control stick. And for advanced players, the d-pad can be used to rush the net - a particularly useful trick on grass.

While Grand Slam may be EA's first flirtation with tennis, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 is the latest instalment of a series that's been running for a decade, but only in very recent years has the franchise begun displaying the true potential provided by the Wii remote.

After last year's version saw a number of advancements both in terms of accessibility and club control, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 has borrowed many of the concepts from its predecessor and attempted to take them to the next level. After a couple of rounds with the latest code the portents are encouraging, with the added sensitivity of MotionPlus providing an unprecedented level of control. It's not quite (virtually) 1:1 as EA is claiming, but it's certainly as close as any game has yet come to providing realistic reactions from virtual sports equipment. By twisting the remote you can now draw or fade your shot, while the power with which you swing influences shot distances far more than last year.

Putting is another area that's been revamped. Whereas previously, sinking the ball from fifty yards often seemed easier than putting from directly in front of the flag, a new system now incorporates both forward and backswing momentum, which, coupled with MotionPlus, increases putting sensitivity and results in more challenging and satisfying putts. Last year's All-Play mode, which proved so successful at allowing novices to take on seasoned players, reprises its role here, with newcomers able to see exactly where their shots will land, while the game's more forgiving swing system should hopefully prevent beginners from hooking their shots into the rough on a regular basis.

'Grand Slam Tennis & Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10' Screenshot 2

Dynamic weather conditions will influence the flight and bounce of the ball.

Other innovations include the addition of dynamic weather effects, with rain and wind influencing the ball's flight and bounce, while courses are looking far more populated with spectators (numbers will depend on the importance of each tournament) who coo, whoop, groan and cheer in relation to the quality of your play. When facing pressure shots or when an accurate drive is headed directly for the hole, a pounding heartbeat effect swells from the speakers to add extra tension. With a host of other pro players other than Tiger set to feature, and a new Tournament mode that'll allow you and up to three friends to play simultaneously online (EA has promised us more information on both in April), Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 could just be the best Wii golf game to date.

Both Grand Slam Tennis and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 are certainly showing ample potential. With increased levels of control thanks to MotionPlus, hardcore sports fans could be about to sample simulated sporting experiences that actually utilise real life techniques, while features such as All-Play are likely to ensure that both games are as widely accessible as they are entertaining. So long as EA doesn't balls it up at the final hurdle, this summer we could be in for hours of sporting entertainment without having to suffer the indignity of digging up our archaic sporting equipment and embarrassing ourselves in public.

Grand Slam Tennis is due out for Wii in June, while Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 has yet to have a release date set. It usually comes out in August.

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About Martin Korda

Read more articles from Martin by visiting the Martin Korda archive page.

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Comments (39) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Tonka #1 3 years ago

    Sounds good. I'm a bit sceptical on the desire for 1:1. What if I'm a shit golf player? I am actually. I wouldn't stand a chance on the PGA tour irl so the aid I get in videogames is much needed.

    That said, putting in Wii Sports golf is shit. M+ should be able to fix that.

  • Tonka #2 3 years ago

    You really don't get it do you?

  • Stompy #3 3 years ago

    A lot of people won't get it, Tonka. "Waving your arms around to hit a ball" is something you can do in "real life"... but playing a tennis game using a joystick and buttons is endlessly entertaining!!! It's just so much less like tennis it's a whole new game.

  • Santino #4 3 years ago

    looking forward to the tennis especially, might pick up tiger as well as i left the series a few years ago due to it all feeling the same.

  • JetSetWilly #5 3 years ago

    Really looking forward to Tiger Woods with M+.

  • Widge #6 3 years ago

    Nice, I would NEVER get a golf or tennis game but that would actually appeal massively.

  • neonemesis #7 3 years ago

    Just a observation but this isn't the first EA tennis game as the article says at the beginning. There was also IMG International Tour Tennis for the Mega Drive, a US only game with very expensive rights involved. Didn't do very well so EA didn't do any more.

  • figaro7 #8 3 years ago

    This grand slam tennis is raising an eyebrow and m+ might just sway me to get it over virtua tennis. However they both look awesome!

  • rover #9 3 years ago

    "After a couple of rounds with the latest code the portents are encouraging, with the added sensitivity of MotionPlus providing an unprecedented level of control."

    Sorry, got to call you out on this one as the above quote suggests you played the M+ version of Tiger. Which hasn't been demonstrated to UK press, as far as I'm aware, and won't be until late April. If you mean you watched a video demo, you should probably disclose that. My apologies if I am incorrect.

  • jonsaan #10 3 years ago

    Sounds cool. Although you have to wonder at what point you just go outside and play real tennis or golf. I don't want it too realistic as I'm shit at real golf!

  • Chalee #11 3 years ago

    jonsaan - you can't enjoy real tennis while drunk at 1 am with friends. Well you can but you know what I mean :)

  • DonnieDarko333 #12 3 years ago

    Grand Slam Tennis is scheduled for June 19th but NOE wont announce a date for MotionPlus...just tell us god damn it!

  • Tonka #13 3 years ago

    You really don't get it.

  • roz123 #14 3 years ago

    lol, simon cant you see that the m+ is turning the "waggle stick" into something a lot lot more. Give me that level of control over 360 or PS3 graphics anyday of the week.

  • JahB #15 3 years ago

    lol, simon cant you see that the m+ is turning the "waggle stick" into something a lot lot more. Give me that level of control over 360 or PS3 graphics anyday of the week.

    and you know this because you actually tried this? all the promises for M+ nintendo made before - right before the wii launched. and i for one am not gonna buy into their marketing promises until i see it work with my own eyes

  • roz123 #16 3 years ago

    no i've not seen it but i havent heard a bad word about it yet

  • Krelle #17 3 years ago

    simon0044 - Gets to ride the Ignore-train out of pure stupidity.
    Have fun Simon!

  • Chalee #18 3 years ago

    The trick is to own a monster pc AND a wii. That way you have a hardcore rig that makes your manly friends all envious as they gawp at 60fps Crysis AS WELL as a happy little white machine that gets girls bouncing around your living room.

    *Feels smug.

  • stampax #19 3 years ago

    Dead excited for tennis - lovedwii tennis and played it to death, more than any other game, when i first got the wii back in the day.

  • knightmt #20 3 years ago

    I will be purchasing TW10 on Wii and PS3 the graphics on the last version were massively better on the PS3 versus Wii but I still enjoy the motion capture. There is apparently a wiggle stick coming out for 360 and PS3 this year,
    but to be honest the motion games are still a bit like pong in their depth, but fun none the less.
    I really hate that they are anouncing these games so early, why don't they just do a DLC wankers.
    The physics is off the scale to model what a real club does (so is basic, how far you swing how much you twist),
    but the Wii version will probably be a lot faster to play.

  • Stuz359 #21 3 years ago

    It's wierd how people seem to forget that the last gen wasn't really THAT bad. I mean, in terms of gameplay the difference between virtua tennis 2 and virtua tennis 3 is actually negligible.

  • LiamK #22 3 years ago

    But Virtua Tennis 3 has ultra amazing next-gen physics that do...something. Hmm. Oh well, at least they have decent online...no, wait, that's not right either...

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #23 3 years ago

    For someone who hates waggle so much, it seems that it's all you ever post about.

    Anyhow, I really enjoyed my brief spell with Tiger Woods 09 despite not liking golf and 10 looks like it addresses a number of the problems it had. It has the potential to be the best golf game this generation.

  • BM #24 3 years ago

    Simon, whatever did you do with your life before the 360 and PS3 came out?

    Sit at home, waggling, perchance?

  • JayScott #25 3 years ago

    You don't get it. But you sure seem keen to talk about it.

  • Burkey123 #26 3 years ago

    I'm extremely tempted by TW 10. M+ looks promising.

  • FiveManArmy #27 3 years ago

    I've got high hopes that Grand Slam Tennis will be the expanded Wii Tennis that I so desire!
    I'm a bit worried about still having to press a button for lobs and drop shots though. Why can't a combination of speed and angle of shot determine this?

    Does this still show a limitation of M+?

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #28 3 years ago

    It might be because a too accurate 1:1 style tracking would mean that people that are rubbish at tennis - i.e. me - would just make crap shots all the time. It sounds like they are trying to get a balance of strength, direction and spin without worrying too much about the type of shot.

    Or it might be that M+ isn't up to the job as you said!

  • snowdog #29 3 years ago

    Can't wait for Tiger Woods 2010, and glad they''e sorted out the putting as the putting on 2009 wasn't too great. It's games like this that really showcase the Wii. Despite the dodgy putting Tiger Woods 2009 for the Wii was the best SKU of the lot.

    There's one thing that has really annoyed me with regards to EA Sports - WHY THE BLOODY HELL HAVEN'T THEY ANNOUNCED A WII FIGHT NIGHT YET..?!!?

  • malteaserhead #30 3 years ago

    Personally, I find it more lolsome that people keep parroting the 'wave arms about/waggle' line that is largely irrelevant to the games we are talking about. Sure call out waggle for the sake of it when applicable but relying on it all the time sounds a little underdeveloped.

    Yeah, I was a little concerned by the use of the a & b buttons for lobs etc. too. Could well be a hint at the new glass ceiling but I suppose it's better to have solid workarounds (like additional buttons) than leaving it vague/wooly or hit and miss controls though.

  • malteaserhead #31 3 years ago

    simon0044
    01-Apr-09 15:49:28
    Or you could go down the park Arbuckle
    _______________

    Are you a pull-string doll of some sort?
    What's your next illuminating burn phrase? Although I don't think I'm strong enough to take another one of your 'too close to the bone' jibes on the internet. I might cry, once I've stopped reeling from your first punch. I'm telling my mom.

  • rover #32 3 years ago

    "I've got high hopes that Grand Slam Tennis will be the expanded Wii Tennis that I so desire!
    I'm a bit worried about still having to press a button for lobs and drop shots though. Why can't a combination of speed and angle of shot determine this?

    Does this still show a limitation of M+?"


    What the preview should have mentioned is that if you use M+ the buttons on the remote are disabled. The buttons are only used when you don't have M+ plugged in.

  • malteaserhead #33 3 years ago

    Ah. Now that's different. I think the recent IGN hands-on failed to mention that too.

  • Stompy #34 3 years ago

    New rule: "lol waggle" is no more a rebuttal of the existence of the Wii than "lol buttonzz" is a rebuttal of console gaming in general. If you are arguing playing a tennis game using a joypad is better than playing it by simulating the movements using motion sensors, then you need to explain your derisory comments with more than a 'lol'.

  • smelly #35 3 years ago

    "Believe me, last gen graphics and waggle (no matter how accurate it is) are not the future of gaming."


    Believe me.. just improving graphics each generation isnt the future of gaming either.

    There's a limit to how many shades of brown eyes can see...

  • zzyzx #36 3 years ago

    Lol at the fanboy touting Virtua as realistic.

  • rudedudejude #37 3 years ago

    not much detail or any information as to how good any of this actually is then and how decent the MP is to use...

  • Oblong #38 3 years ago

    To the guy who questions the authors use of the new M+ controller...EA has them so he certainly was able to use one.

    I got to try TW10 with the M+ controller in Feb at the TW Community Day in Feb at the Tiburon studios in Orlando. I must say that while I own a Wii, I've always stuck with playing my 360 because of the graphics, features, and online. I tried the Wii versions of TW08 and TW09 and wasn't impressed as each had some real control issues and you could cheat the system with the waggle of the controller.

    But the new M+ controller is the real deal. It's not a wild waggle, you feel in complete control of your shots and putts with the ability to alter distance with swing length and swing speed.

    In fact, I am a bit more excited for the Wii version of TW10 than I am for the 360/PS3 version. And that is saying ALOT if you knew me. My sole goal right now is to secure a M+ controller as soon as they become available.

  • layleeloo #39 3 years ago

    It is quite obvious Simon0044 is simply jealous he no longer has, or no longer uses his wii so he can troll about his other beloved console which actually, is more back ni the dark ages than supposed "PS2 graphics".

    I have a 360, PS3, wii, DS and PSP but I unlike some, can appreciate each for its merrits. I will get grand slam on the wii, and the Motion Plus "should" be a lot of fun, but then I shall also get Virtua Tennis 09 on the PS3 to go back to the dark ages with by pressing buttons to do simple motions - simply to play those neanderthol friends who are brainwashed into trolling about their one prefered machine and not accepting the merrits of any others. As for saying you prefer games like Vitua Tennis with their adcanced physics - hahah are you having a laugh!! Virtua Tennis is pants for that - that isnt saying its bad cos i have it as the Mrs likes to play it, but then I also have TopSpin 3 - so if you are on about advanced physics shouldnt you be quoting that game over Virtua Cartoon World Tennis?

    Maybe, when you have tried motion plus, and compared it with dark age Joypad Analogue stick waggling and button pressing you can then moan and bitch and actually have some valid conviction of experience behind your comments worth listening to, until then - whats the point in dissing something you havnt even tried? That is obviously the mentality of the "little kids" you think play wii's.
    Edited by 1 at 16/04/09 @ 10:15