Serve Up Some Fun: Is Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed) Still a Grand Slam on PS3?

Are you a tennis enthusiast looking to hit the courts virtually without breaking the bank? Or perhaps you’re just feeling nostalgic for classic sports gaming? Then you might be eyeing Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed) for the PlayStation 3. This highly engaging review will delve deep into EA’s take on the sport, assessing if this renewed classic still serves up aces.

In the vast landscape of sports games, tennis titles have always held a special place. Grand Slam Tennis 2 aimed to deliver a realistic, immersive experience, and now, as a renewed product, it offers an incredible value proposition for gamers. Let’s find out if it’s the right match for your gaming library!

What Exactly is Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed)?

Grand Slam Tennis 2 is a simulation tennis game developed by EA Canada, originally released in 2012 for the PlayStation 3 (and Xbox 360). It boasts a roster of legendary players, iconic courts, and a focus on realistic gameplay mechanics. The “renewed” part means you’re getting a pre-owned copy that has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned to work and look like new, often backed by a satisfaction guarantee. It’s an excellent way to enjoy classic titles sustainably and affordably. You can find this version available here: Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed).

Key Features That Still Serve an Ace

Total Racquet Control: One of the game’s standout innovations was its “Total Racquet Control” system, allowing players to control every shot with the right analog stick. This offered a unique level of precision and depth compared to traditional button-based controls. While it has a learning curve, mastering it feels incredibly rewarding.
Legendary Roster: Step onto the court as or against legends like John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova, among others. The inclusion of iconic past and present players adds immense fan appeal.
Grand Slam Focus: As the name suggests, the game prominently features all four major Grand Slam tournaments: Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open (Roland Garros), and the Australian Open, complete with their unique court surfaces and atmosphere.
Deep Career Mode: Take a created player from the bottom ranks all the way to becoming a Grand Slam champion in a robust career mode that spans multiple seasons.
Authentic Presentation: From realistic player animations to crowd reactions and commentary, Grand Slam Tennis 2 strives for an authentic tennis broadcast feel.

The “Renewed” Advantage: Value and Reliability

Opting for a renewed copy of Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed) comes with several perks. Firstly, it’s significantly more affordable than a brand-new copy (if you could even find one!). This makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers or those who simply want to try out a classic without a big investment. Secondly, “renewed” typically means the product has undergone a rigorous inspection process to ensure it functions perfectly. This gives you peace of mind that you’re not just buying a potentially faulty used game, but one that’s been verified for quality. It’s a smart way to expand your PS3 game library without compromising on reliability.

Pros: Why This Game Still Shines

Rewarding Gameplay: While demanding, the “Total Racquet Control” system provides a deeply satisfying and nuanced tennis experience once mastered. It feels like you truly have control over every shot.
Excellent Roster of Legends: Playing as or against tennis icons adds significant replayability and excitement.
Authentic Grand Slam Experience: The inclusion of all four majors with their distinct courts and atmospheres is a major draw for tennis fans.
Solid Career Mode: Provides long-term engagement for players looking to climb the ranks.
Great Value as a Renewed Product: For the price, you’re getting a full-featured sports simulation that holds up surprisingly well.

Cons: Where It Might Fault

Steep Learning Curve: The Total Racquet Control system can be frustrating initially for newcomers, leading to unforced errors until muscle memory develops.
Limited Online Functionality (Now): While it originally had online multiplayer, given its age and the PS3’s online infrastructure, finding active players or stable connections might be challenging. Focus on the offline modes.
Graphics Show Their Age: While good for its time, the visuals aren’t on par with modern tennis titles. However, the animations are still quite fluid.
Lack of Customization Depth: While you can create a player, the customization options aren’t as extensive as some other sports games.

User Impressions & Community Buzz

Across various forums and retrospective reviews, players often praise Grand Slam Tennis 2 for its unique and challenging gameplay mechanics. Many appreciate the depth offered by Total Racquet Control, stating it makes every point feel strategic and earned. The presence of iconic players and the Grand Slam venues is consistently highlighted as a major positive, fostering a strong sense of nostalgia and authenticity. While some found the initial learning curve frustrating, dedicated players often speak highly of the game’s long-term satisfaction. The consensus is that it’s a game that rewards patience and practice, leading to incredibly tense and realistic rallies.

Who is Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed) Best For?

Dedicated Tennis Fans: If you live and breathe tennis and appreciate a simulation-style game over an arcade one, this is definitely for you.
PS3 Owners on a Budget: Looking to expand your game collection without spending a fortune? The renewed version offers fantastic value.
Players Who Enjoy a Challenge: If you’re willing to invest time to master unique control schemes for a rewarding experience, you’ll love it.
Nostalgia Seekers: Relive the glory days of PS3 gaming with a solid sports title featuring tennis legends.
Gamers Seeking Offline Fun: With potential online limitations due to its age, it’s perfect for those who primarily play single-player or local multiplayer.

Final Verdict: Still a Contender!

Even years after its initial release, Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed) remains a respectable tennis simulation, especially for PlayStation 3 owners. Its innovative control scheme, coupled with a stellar roster and authentic Grand Slam experience, offers a depth that many modern titles sometimes lack. While the graphics show their age and the learning curve is steep, the sheer satisfaction of nailing a perfect cross-court winner after a grueling rally is unparalleled.

For the price of a renewed copy, you’re getting a fantastic, challenging, and rewarding tennis game that will keep you entertained for hours. It’s a true testament to its quality that it still garners appreciation from the gaming community.

Serve Yourself a Copy Today!

Ready to step onto the hallowed courts and challenge the legends? Don’t miss out on this classic tennis experience. Click here to grab your renewed copy of Grand Slam, Tennis 2 for PS3 and start your journey to Grand Slam glory!
Buy Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed) on Amazon

FAQ

Q. What does ‘Renewed’ mean for Grand Slam, Tennis 2?
A. ‘Renewed’ signifies that the game disc, and any included accessories, have been professionally inspected, cleaned, tested, and restored to full working condition. While it may not come in its original packaging or include original manuals, the game itself is guaranteed to function just like a new copy.

Q. Is the game disc included, or is this a digital download code?
A. This product is for the physical game disc of Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed). You will receive a physical disc that can be inserted into your compatible gaming console to play the game. It is not a digital download code.

Q. Does the ‘Renewed’ version come with the original case or manual?
A. Typically, ‘Renewed’ products may not include the original game case or physical manual. It often comes in a generic protective case. Any essential game information is usually accessible via the game itself or online resources.

Q. Are all game features, including online multiplayer, still functional on a ‘Renewed’ copy?
A. Yes, the ‘Renewed’ copy of Grand Slam, Tennis 2 will have all its core game features, including single-player modes and local multiplayer, fully functional. For online multiplayer and server-dependent features, functionality depends on the game publisher’s (EA Sports) continued support for online services for this title, which can vary over time for older games. Please check official support channels for the current online status of Grand Slam, Tennis 2.

Q. What platform is Grand Slam, Tennis 2 (Renewed) compatible with?
A. Grand Slam, Tennis 2 was originally released for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) and Xbox 360. Please ensure you select the correct platform version when purchasing, as a PS3 disc will not work in an Xbox 360 console, and vice-versa.

Q. Is there a warranty or return policy if the ‘Renewed’ game doesn’t work?
A. Yes, all ‘Renewed’ products typically come with a satisfaction guarantee or a limited warranty from the seller or platform it’s purchased from. If the game disc does not function as described upon arrival, you should be eligible for a replacement or a full refund within a specified return period. Please refer to the specific seller’s return policy for details.

Q. Will the gameplay experience be identical to a brand-new copy?
A. Absolutely. The ‘Renewed’ process ensures that the game disc itself is fully functional and performs identically to a brand-new copy in terms of gameplay, graphics, and features. The only potential differences lie in the packaging or the absence of physical manuals, not in the core game experience.