Review: The grounds crew must’ve cut a few features along with the better-looking grass on the Xbox 360 version.
EA Sports takes its very first swing at the next-generation of golfing video games and while Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 isn’t a hole in one, it does manage to land on the green and finish under par. The presentation of this Xbox 360 launch title is the biggest improvement over the previous generation, followed by the harder difficulty. Without a doubt, this will please the serious golfing community that has demanded more simulation from the series. In the process, however, the game has been stripped of courses and modes offered in the Xbox, PS2 and PC versions. Whether or not you’re a golfing fan, you’re going to enjoy your time on the green as long as you don’t despise the sport. The Xbox 360 edition, though, is going to appeal more to the hardcore golfing fan with its emphasis on simulation rather than substance.
The graphics make it seem as if the EA grounds crew was out in full force to ensure that every blade of grass was cut perfectly. The engine upgrade isn’t as flashy as the company’s other sports titles, but then again golf is a no-contact sport. And, you’ll still be taken aback by pressing the B button as the camera zooms above the course and over the crowd to the hole. The real-life course designs are breathtaking to see at every angle from the moment you begin your backswing on the tee to the final stroke to win the hole. Hazards such as sand bunkers and water really complete the atmosphere with soar spots that are good to look at, not to drive your ball into. Both types of traps looked fine in the previous generation, but the Xbox 360 pushes the amount of textures to give them more depth.
Exclusive to the Xbox 360 version is the crowd that lines the fairway. The gallery not only acts as an obstacle in your drive to the hole, but also reacts with falling down animations whenever a ball is hit at them (by accident, of course). Character models of the actual pro golfers match their real-life counterparts for the most part, Tiger Woods being the most accurate in detail and realistic in movement. In addition to playing as the pros, you’ll be able to create your own golfer in the game face option. There’s an interesting selection of categories that range from your hair style to how far your eyes are from your nose. It’s really fun to fashion a virtual golfer in your own image and even more fun to mess with the settings so that your on-screen self doesn’t look anything like you (unless you’re already abnormal looking, then that defeats the whole purpose).
There are some hiccups in the animation from time to time, but nothing’s going to sour these high-definition graphics, which are bound to make other console owners wish they were dancing on your green instead. Adding surround sound speaker isn’t going to make that much of a difference in a game like this. Regardless, the audio package completes the game’s excellent presentation with suitable music as well as insightful and funny commentary by Gary McCord and David Feherty.
The realistic graphics translate to the gameplay by giving the entire game depth in terms of lighting effects and ball physics. But, just because the courses are clearer and more defined doesn’t mean that the gameplay is any easier. In fact, it’s partly because of the enhanced realism that the game is more challenging. There’s a better chance you’ll miss the chip shot, so don’t expect to always tap the ball into the hole without much concern, a common case and huge complaint about this year’s other console versions. This game also adds even more pressure during some of the game-winning shots by shaking the screen, rumbling the controller and playing a heart-beat sound effect in the background.
The controls greatly reflect the precision and accuracy required in the game of golf. Of course, this is going to divide everyone into two camps: Players seeking a true simulation game are going to love the increased sensitivity of the dual analog stick approach of swinging; arcade enthusiasts are going to end up chocking due to the sheer challenge of mastering its exactness. While the analog swinging is a divider, I can see everyone uniting with frustrating when it comes to the placement of the powerboost/ball spin button. The new left button must be pressed repeatedly during the backswing, but the backswing is executed by moving the left analog stick up and down. The layout makes for an awkward approach that takes some getting used to.
Sadly, once you get used to adding power and spin to the ball, the game may very well be over. The Xbox 360 version of the game only includes six course instead of the dozen or so seen in other versions. While Pebble Beach, Riviera Country Club, Pinehurst No. 2, TPC at Sawgrass, Carnoustie, and Alisa Course is on this system, it’s short those fantasy holes. The description of each hole gets so repetitive that you’ll be mouthing the words of the introductions when you play courses over and over again. Also cut from the game is the Rivals mode in which you travel back in time to play golf legends of the past. You end up with a Play Now mode, Career mode, Online mode, and Custom Game mode. Although 1-4 players online and a two-player co-op creates some lasting appeal, the fact that the previous generation consoles contain more courses is still huge blow to the game.
