Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 - Review
Added December 5th, 2005 by Kisan Parikh
Introduction:
The 06 EA Sports lineup for the Xbox 360 has shown a general trend to focus more on the visual aspects of games than actual depth and gameplay modes. Tiger Woods 06’s engine was not built from scratch like other EA Sports titles, but the game stills seem to focus more on graphics than anything else. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is solid in terms of gameplay, but its lacking depth is seen in the limited course selection. The game plays well and looks superb, but does it offer enough to make it worth $60?
Gameplay:
Tiger Woods 06 for the Xbox 360 retains the popular core gameplay features from the Xbox version of the game. Features such as dual stick swinging, Idea Putt, and GameBreakers all make appearances in the new version of the game. The game definitely isn’t completely realistic with the inclusion of GameBreakers, but the new physics system makes the ball move more realistically. The core gameplay of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 otherwise remains the same and is as fun and challenging as the Xbox version.
The 06 EA Sports lineup for the Xbox 360 has shown a general trend to focus more on the visual aspects of games than actual depth and gameplay modes. Tiger Woods 06’s engine was not built from scratch like other EA Sports titles, but the game stills seem to focus more on graphics than anything else. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is solid in terms of gameplay, but its lacking depth is seen in the limited course selection. The game plays well and looks superb, but does it offer enough to make it worth $60?
Gameplay:
Tiger Woods 06 for the Xbox 360 retains the popular core gameplay features from the Xbox version of the game. Features such as dual stick swinging, Idea Putt, and GameBreakers all make appearances in the new version of the game. The game definitely isn’t completely realistic with the inclusion of GameBreakers, but the new physics system makes the ball move more realistically. The core gameplay of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 otherwise remains the same and is as fun and challenging as the Xbox version.
The main mode of play, Career Mode, follows the path of your created golfer as he works his way up to the PGA Tour. You start the ball rolling in Career Mode by using the Game Face feature to design your golfer. Game Face is a detailed create-a-player mode that features a ton of different options. You can modify your character’s appearance by altering build and facial options, but the system doesn’t end here. You can also change your player’s voice, swing animations, and reactions.
Once your golfer is designed and given attribute points, you then begin on your path to the PGA Tour. First you are presented with challenges that start off as very basic and simple. Such challenges include chipping the ball out of the rough, putting, and getting your ball closer to the hole than the AI player. These challenges will seem rudimentary for experienced players, but soon things become a bit more interesting. New areas open up to be played, and you are then allowed to match up against other golfers. Eventually, you will reach Q-School, a tournament that can be your ticket to the pros. Once you make it through this, you are able to compete in the PGA Tour.
While this sounds like enough variation to keep you happy, the problem can be seen in the course options. Instead of the 15 offered with the Xbox version, only 6 courses are available for play. This is extremely disappointing, as the courses steadily grow more repetitive each time you play. The courses depicted: Riviera Country Club, Turnberry, Carnoustie, TPC at Sawgrass, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and Pinehurst No. 2., do look stunning, but the fact that there are only 6 is a huge letdown. Also, these locations must be unlocked, so those looking to play these courses in other game modes will need to unlock them by playing Career Mode first.
Another disappointment is the omission of Rivals Mode with the classic golfers that came with it. This version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 has 10 licensed golfers including elite players such as Singh and Daly. They are all given customized swing animations and licensed equipment.
One upside to the new 360 version is the improved Xbox Live mode. Now, four gamers can compete in matches instead of just two! There are some great available modes of play like skins, best ball, and stroke play. The new four players support is great, and there are even Pro Challenges that can make everything a bit more interesting. These challenges force you to lose abilities like power up, or they force you to live without a certain set of clubs. The online play is further enhanced by Leaderboards and tournaments.
The gameplay of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is generally strong, but the limited course offering really hurt the overall depth of the game. In addition, Rivals Mode was eliminated and the game only features a small lineup of 10 licensed golfers. This title can provide some fun and challenging play, but it really doesn’t offer anything more than the Xbox version.
Graphics:
The graphics in this game were not completely reworked; however, they were revamped considerably from the Xbox version. The courses are the highlight of the game visually, and are almost identical to their real-life counterparts. There are some great lighting effects including shadows cast by trees across the course. Too bad there are only six of these courses to be enjoyed.
Once your golfer is designed and given attribute points, you then begin on your path to the PGA Tour. First you are presented with challenges that start off as very basic and simple. Such challenges include chipping the ball out of the rough, putting, and getting your ball closer to the hole than the AI player. These challenges will seem rudimentary for experienced players, but soon things become a bit more interesting. New areas open up to be played, and you are then allowed to match up against other golfers. Eventually, you will reach Q-School, a tournament that can be your ticket to the pros. Once you make it through this, you are able to compete in the PGA Tour.
While this sounds like enough variation to keep you happy, the problem can be seen in the course options. Instead of the 15 offered with the Xbox version, only 6 courses are available for play. This is extremely disappointing, as the courses steadily grow more repetitive each time you play. The courses depicted: Riviera Country Club, Turnberry, Carnoustie, TPC at Sawgrass, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and Pinehurst No. 2., do look stunning, but the fact that there are only 6 is a huge letdown. Also, these locations must be unlocked, so those looking to play these courses in other game modes will need to unlock them by playing Career Mode first.
Another disappointment is the omission of Rivals Mode with the classic golfers that came with it. This version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 has 10 licensed golfers including elite players such as Singh and Daly. They are all given customized swing animations and licensed equipment.
One upside to the new 360 version is the improved Xbox Live mode. Now, four gamers can compete in matches instead of just two! There are some great available modes of play like skins, best ball, and stroke play. The new four players support is great, and there are even Pro Challenges that can make everything a bit more interesting. These challenges force you to lose abilities like power up, or they force you to live without a certain set of clubs. The online play is further enhanced by Leaderboards and tournaments.
The gameplay of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is generally strong, but the limited course offering really hurt the overall depth of the game. In addition, Rivals Mode was eliminated and the game only features a small lineup of 10 licensed golfers. This title can provide some fun and challenging play, but it really doesn’t offer anything more than the Xbox version.
Graphics:
The graphics in this game were not completely reworked; however, they were revamped considerably from the Xbox version. The courses are the highlight of the game visually, and are almost identical to their real-life counterparts. There are some great lighting effects including shadows cast by trees across the course. Too bad there are only six of these courses to be enjoyed.
Another drastic improvement from the Xbox version are the new character models. The golfers look incredibly like themselves, especially Tiger Woods. Animations all look great, from swings to celebrations. Even onlookers are fully animated, and they even react when a ball strikes them. Unfortunately there are a few issues with frame rate. These problems usually pop up from time to time during swings, but luckily are few and far between. Another problem can be seen in putting. Sometimes the animation doesn’t quite match up on short putts, with the golfer’s motion looking awkward.
For the most part, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is a good looking game. The included lineup of courses is terrific visually, and the character models are solid. Problems pop up with swing animations and putts, but the Xbox 360 version is far better than the Xbox game visually.
Audio:
The highlight of the audio element of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is the commentary presented by David Feherty and Gary McCord. The two do a great job with course descriptions and yield smart observations about the round as it is being played. Other sounds included in the game, such as swinging and putting, all sound as real as you would expect. As you line up to take your shot, you will hear birds chirping and waves rolling in. Once you actually take your shot, onlookers will cheer for good shots and seem to groan after poor ones. Tiger Woods 06 sounds exactly like you would expect a golf game to, and what more could you ask for?
Controls:
One of the best elements of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is the great control scheme. The game uses a Dual Stick system to control swings and putts. You use the left thumbstick to control backswing and follow-through, and the right stick is used for adding spin to the ball. This seems to be the best control scheme for a golf game, because it’s a great way to imitate the motion of a golf swing. Keeping the stick straight as you take your shot seems simple enough, but you also have to make sure your transition from backswing to forward swing is smooth. Additionally, the power up button is located on the left bumper button, and tapping during backswing is required to give your shot a boost. This can cause your swing to go off target and mess up your shot. The controls are relatively simple to pick up after playing around a bit, and the Dual Stick system really adds to gameplay.
Replay:
The main reason this game lacks replay value is the fact that a mere 6 courses are included. The ‘next-gen’ version of the game features far less courses that the Xbox version, and with its tiny lineup of locations, Tiger Woods 06 can become repetitive fairly quickly. The Career Mode is fairly long, but you may not want to finish it due to this fact. The major source of replay value comes from the Xbox Live multiplayer, which supports 4 players online. Tournaments and Leaderboards are supported and the Pro Challenge system will only add to the fun of the online multiplayer mode.
This Xbox 360 version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is similar to the rest of the EA Sports 360 launch title in the fact that it lacks depth. The main problem with this game is that it lacks a strong course lineup and some of the game modes of the Xbox version have been omitted, such as Rivals Mode and Tiger Proofing.
For the most part, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is a good looking game. The included lineup of courses is terrific visually, and the character models are solid. Problems pop up with swing animations and putts, but the Xbox 360 version is far better than the Xbox game visually.
Audio:
The highlight of the audio element of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is the commentary presented by David Feherty and Gary McCord. The two do a great job with course descriptions and yield smart observations about the round as it is being played. Other sounds included in the game, such as swinging and putting, all sound as real as you would expect. As you line up to take your shot, you will hear birds chirping and waves rolling in. Once you actually take your shot, onlookers will cheer for good shots and seem to groan after poor ones. Tiger Woods 06 sounds exactly like you would expect a golf game to, and what more could you ask for?
Controls:
One of the best elements of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is the great control scheme. The game uses a Dual Stick system to control swings and putts. You use the left thumbstick to control backswing and follow-through, and the right stick is used for adding spin to the ball. This seems to be the best control scheme for a golf game, because it’s a great way to imitate the motion of a golf swing. Keeping the stick straight as you take your shot seems simple enough, but you also have to make sure your transition from backswing to forward swing is smooth. Additionally, the power up button is located on the left bumper button, and tapping during backswing is required to give your shot a boost. This can cause your swing to go off target and mess up your shot. The controls are relatively simple to pick up after playing around a bit, and the Dual Stick system really adds to gameplay.
Replay:
The main reason this game lacks replay value is the fact that a mere 6 courses are included. The ‘next-gen’ version of the game features far less courses that the Xbox version, and with its tiny lineup of locations, Tiger Woods 06 can become repetitive fairly quickly. The Career Mode is fairly long, but you may not want to finish it due to this fact. The major source of replay value comes from the Xbox Live multiplayer, which supports 4 players online. Tournaments and Leaderboards are supported and the Pro Challenge system will only add to the fun of the online multiplayer mode.
This Xbox 360 version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is similar to the rest of the EA Sports 360 launch title in the fact that it lacks depth. The main problem with this game is that it lacks a strong course lineup and some of the game modes of the Xbox version have been omitted, such as Rivals Mode and Tiger Proofing.
Summary:
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 proves to fall a bit flat due to its lack of depth and its lack of improvement from the Xbox version. The visuals and physics have been enhanced, but those are the only areas where significant changes have been made. The game is still genuinely fun, and Xbox Live mode is great, but much more was expected out of the first next-gen golf title. While gamers who severely need their golfing fix on the 360 should pick this one up, most people who are interested should stick to a rental.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 proves to fall a bit flat due to its lack of depth and its lack of improvement from the Xbox version. The visuals and physics have been enhanced, but those are the only areas where significant changes have been made. The game is still genuinely fun, and Xbox Live mode is great, but much more was expected out of the first next-gen golf title. While gamers who severely need their golfing fix on the 360 should pick this one up, most people who are interested should stick to a rental.
