By Thomas Singleton
With less than four weeks until Grand Slam Tennis hits store shelves, I’m excited to tell you about one of the great social features of the game.
Tennis Party mode was created primarily because Wii platform is the social platform of all platforms. So we wanted to create the experience of tennis experiences where people would get together and play simultaneously. The concept was taking tennis academy type of games that exist within the real world that are authentic to the game of tennis and providing that same experience within our gaming environment. Games like Aussie doubles or tag team doubles, where you not only have a great time socially interacting with others, but you’re also increasing your tennis abilities along the way.
People will love the Tennis Party mode for its social aspect. It’s great to play on your own but it’s more fun to experience Grand Slam Tennis with others and tennis party is the best location to get that experience. At any one time, up to four players can play. You could have an infinite number of people rotating because it’s fun to watch as well.
There are three different party types: “Own the Party” where players who win a party game own that game on the party circuit of games, “Random Games” where the games you play are selected at random and “Double Up” where select games certain games are worth double points for the winner. Among those party types, there are seven core unique rule twist games that deliver rewarding ways to experience the Total Racket Control system, with each bringing a new and unique dynamic to the game.
Those rule twists include:
- Tag Team: 2 on 2 with players rotating and taking turns hitting the ball
- Aussie Doubles: 2 on 1 and the players rotate after each set
- Stop, Drop and Lob: use the drop shot and lob winners for double points
- Champs vs Chumps: time based game, take turns swinging, win the rally to become a champ
- King of the Court: beat the king to become king, only the king earns points
- Netmasters: Net shots are worth double points
- Triplets: Similar to Aussie doubles where (2 on 1) but the players do not rotate around
To come up with these various party games, our team consulted with people who run tennis venues. To keep with the authenticity to the sport, we employed people in tennis schools and tennis academies to come up with various games. We wanted deliver games that are authentic to tennis; games you would play on the actual tennis court, but are fun and social.
Hope you enjoy the social aspect of Grand Slam Tennis!
Check out the Tennis Party video on IGN - Tennis Party
For more information on Grand Slam Tennis, go to the official website: Grand Slam Tennis