Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (Wii) Review
When the Wii was first announced all those years ago, my first thoughts were that such a control scheme would lend itself well to certain games while not being as intuitive for others. Sports games, in particular, would seem to benefit the most from the unique motion-based control system. Of the variety of sports, there is no doubt that golf is one of the games that seems a perfect match for the Wii. Having reviewed Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 last year, I have already experienced how a traditionally somewhat dull golf game can be improved tenfold due to the Wii’s capabilities. About a year later, and this time with improved MotionPlus support, EA have developed what is probably the closest thing to real golf you can experience in the confides of your lounge room.
The EA Sports games come and go much like the four seasons; you know they are coming and you generally know what to expect. And like seasons, the games are generally fairly similar across the years with a few added extras to justify the price of an essentially repackaged game. To be fair to EA though, the differences in play mechanics between Tiger Woods 10 and 11 are quite contrasting, and the more recent game is certainly a whole lot improved over its predecessor. While a good chuck of the game is fairly similar to the last, the added control methods and game modes certainly make Tiger Woods 11 a worthy entry to the series in its own right.
The addition of MotionPlus support really improves the ability of the game to truly reflect the actual game of golf. It must be stated that due to the quality of emulating golf here, the learning curve is quite intense. Having played quite a bit of golf, I can appreciate the skill required to hit the ball well and EA has done a great job of representing the skill required to play well. There are two added control styles in the game, bringing a total of five styles ranging from very simplistic to very difficult and precise (e.g. taking into account wrist rotation, forward and back swing, and so on). The more difficult mode certainly takes full advantage of MotionPlus, but unfortunately the difficulty is bound to put some people off. Irrespective of this, having five different control modes makes the game appealing to all players, regardless of skill. You will certainly find a control method that suits you best, and you can always practise using the more difficult control schemes until you perfect it more.
Tiger Woods 11 includes a healthy variety of play modes such as the Ryder Cup (campaign), multiplayer (including online), minigames, mini golf, disc golf and of course different variations of actual golf (e.g. stroke play, stableford). There is a whole lot packed into this disc, and although some of it could be better (mini golf wasn’t as fun as I had hoped), overall it is a very slick package. Importantly, the actual golfing itself is brilliant thanks to the MotionPlus. Any real golf skills you may have should translate fairly well to playing the game using the MotionPlus. The game also includes added depth thanks to the ability to earn experience points. Like the last game, it also makes use of real time weather (online required). Furthermore, the addition of the true swing camera angle (as if you were actually looking down on the ball) adds to the authentic representation of golf the games delivers so well on.
Visually, Tiger Woods is a little disappointing with fairly mediocre graphics. It is certainly not the ugliest game around, but the character models are outdated and the backgrounds just look, well, not really up to par with some of the modern games. Still, we have come to accept that Wii games don’t look as pretty as games that grace other consoles. Regardless, the experience of playing golf on the Wii is far superior to playing on any other console, even if you have to deal with a sacrifice in graphical prowess. The game includes a suitable soundtrack that works well with the pace and nature of golf as a sport. The commentary is passable, if nothing special, but still adds to the overall package in a positive manner. In terms of value for money, it’s hard to go past Tiger Woods 11, even if you have played previous instalments. There is a bunch of different play modes, including a robust multiplayer mode. The harder control styles will take much time and effort to master, but are well worth it if you are to truly get the most from this game.
Overall, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is a great addition to the annual series, thanks to much improved control mechanics which represent the most accurate and realistic representation of playing golf to date. Sure, there is a steep learning curve and it might be too difficult for some, but even in these cases, additional control schemes mean there is sure to be one that suits everybody. The game might lack polish in certain areas, including visually and some average mini-games, but you cannot go past this game if you are looking for the best golfing sim available.
Graphics 6.0
Its a point made in all reviews Wii games do not look nearly as good as Xbox 360 or PS3 games, and this game is no different. A one over par for visuals.
Gameplay 9.0
Brilliant on so many levels. There are multiple ways of playing so the game caters for everybody, but the more difficult control methods using Wii MotionPlus make this the most realistic golfing sim there is. Additional features such as the True View camera angle are also welcome additions. A hole in one for gameplay.
Sound 7.0
Sound isnt particularly important for a golf game, but for what it is worth, the soundtrack is suitable and the sound effects good. Sound is on par.
Tilt 9.0
Multiple play modes and control methods, online, minigames, mini golf, disc golf and so on. Plenty of reasons to come back and keep playing. A solid birdie here.
Value 9.9
This game deserves attention because it is the most realistic representation of golf there is, and that is no mean feat. An eagle here.
