Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (Wii) Review

Golf is a game that lends itself well to the Wii’s motion sensing capabilities, and so far during the Wii’s lifespan, we have seen a few good attempts at golf, including EA’s yearly Tiger Woods game as well as the original WiiSports version. However, this years Tigers Woods game is a huge leap above previous versions of the game, thanks mainly to the brilliant WiiMotion + as well as EA’s effort to pack so much into a single game. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 is without a doubt the best golf game available on the Wii, or any console for that matter. With the level of control offered with the Wii Motion +, Tiger Woods 2010 is as close to the real thing as you will ever get. Read on to find out why this game is a must have for golfing fans.

Although playing golf games using buttons can still be a lot of fun, there is no doubt that using the Wii controls adds an entirely new level of immersion in the game. And while Tiger Woods 09 was a step in the right direction, Tiger Woods 10 is a massive leap in the right direction. EA have just packed so much into this game that is hard to know where to start.

There are a tonne of different modes and features and the game can be played in a number of different way suiting both newcomers and professionals alike. You have a traditional career mode where you can compete in a large number of tournaments as well as attempt various challenges. You have a brilliant character creation mode that lets you tweak just about every bodily feature, there are heaps of different upgrades and items you can earn and/or purchase and so on. The game also has a standard mode where you can choose the game type, course, and various other options. There is also an excellent multiplayer mode, mini-games, disc golf (using a Frisbee), online multiplayer and the list goes on. When I say the game is absolutely packed full of features, I am not kidding. The replay value for this game is next to none, and there is plenty to keep you going for months on end. And the best thing of all? It is all done so very well.

Obviously the most important part of the game is how it plays and with the WiiMotion+ it plays like an absolute treat. Be warned though, the game is very tough until you get used of the intricacies of using your clubs. When you first play, you will find that you over or under hit many of your shots, as well as slicing them as opposed to hitting them straight towards the green. The slightest movement of the control is detected and will influence your swing, so it is quite difficult to hit the desired distance in a straight line. There is a very good tutorial mode which provides a good way to learn how to swing, but you will only get better with practice. Fortunately, the game can be played in a much easier mode called All-Play mode. This way of playing is a bit too easy, as it shows you the exact path of the ball and is very forgiving in terms of the power of your swing. However, playing like this is a good idea at the beginning and as you master the very basic mechanics of swinging, you can change to the normal or even advanced mode of play. Even the putting can be done in classic mode (easier) or a harder mode (precision) which accounts for both back and forward swing. This is the beauty of Tiger Woods 10; it can be played in so many different ways that everybody will be pleased. You can even play the game minus the WiiMotion+, though doing so loses a lot of precision, even so, Tiger Woods 09 was still good without WiiMotion+ wasn’t it?

Perhaps one of the best features of Tiger Woods 10 is the disc golf, which allows you to play golf with a frisbee on the many available courses in the game. With WiiMotion+, throwing the Frisbee feels just like throwing one in real life, and makes for a very entertaining game. It’s quite simple, as you only have short, mid, and long range Frisbees or discs available to use, but it’s quite challenging and a heap of fun.

The online component of Tiger Woods 10 is great, and this year includes a tournament mode which allows you to ’play’ against the pros in various tournaments throughout the year. The game even makes use of the weather channel allowing you to play a round of golf in weather that is the same as wherever you are located which is another nice addition to the game. To round it off, the graphics have been improved quite a bit and although still a bit jaggy at times, they are quite well done. Sound is also very good, with great sound effects used throughout the game.

At the end of the day, Tiger Woods 10 so packed full of good features, that it is quite hard not to be very impressed. By no means is it perfect, as there are elements I would change. For instance, I would prefer an on-screen power meter to be included so you can gauge the power of your shots more accurately. The graphics, while being good could still be improved. But these are by no means flaws, but rather minor nuisances. Golfing fans should definitely pick this one up, and for any interested in golf sims, this is the best one on the market – hands down.

Graphics 8.0

Much improved over last years effort, but still a bit behind its cousins on the other consoles

Gameplay 9.0

Brilliant thanks to WiiMotion+, difficult to be sure, but worth the time and effort of getting good at. Accessible to everybody too with All-Play controls also available.

Sound 8.0

Great sound effects and suitable music where applicable. Golf isnt a sport that needs music in the background so sound is non-applicable at times.

Tilt 9.9

Tonnes of modes and options, excellent career mode, multiplayer, online, disc golf, mini-games, and so on. Months and months of fun, if not more.

Value 9.0

EA have packed so much into this game, and its all so very good, that they deserve to be praised for their efforts. Still a golf game at the end of the day, so it might not be your cup of tea, but one of the best 3rd party efforts to date.