Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 review
Tiger Woods makes his return to EA’s annual golfing sim. Along with some subtle but game-changing mechanics. Players can now take part in the Ryder Cup pitting Europe’s best against the golfing might of the U.S in one of golfing’s most prestigious events. Stephen Ebert takes a look at how it swings…
The good The addition of the Ryder Cup means you can choose to swing for the USA team or Europe as you build a 12-person team to take you to golfing glory. It’s a welcome change from the PGA Tour Season mode adding a dose of team-play to the sport in a genre that can feel samey for non hardcore golfing gamers.
Changes to the gameplay include the Focus system. The notion behind Focus is that, like in real-life each shot requires concentration. You can use an extra boost of focus to improve power, accuracy or spin the ball mid flight to encourage it to land as close to your target as possible by hitting the X button. Focus supply is limited so use it sparingly for tougher holes. It adds more of a strategic element to your game. Hit and hope it is not.
True Aim is another gameplay addition. It’s a new camera angle giving you the same view you’d have if you were out there playing. It’s more challenging – forcing you to judge distances using more of your own judgement but more rewarding than the default angles.
The new XP in-game currency lets you purchase shop items and up your abilities. If you’re having trouble reaching the green within par use it too boost your power, accuracy and loads more. More skilled golfers will notice the effects more, but once your golfer is able to stand with the best you’ll find the experience gets better.
The bad A cluster of menus and a clunky pre-game interface is likely to leave non serious golf fans frustrated before they’ve even begun playing.
Having to remember how to use focus, spin the ball, make it shift while in the air and move the analog stick will leave some players struggling to remember which button does what. The PS3 motion controller, PlayStation Move will surely improve things here when it arrives in stores on 17 September.
The bottom line Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is an impressive golfing package featuring slick in-game presentation and a golf bag full of game modes including mini-games and extras. More than a little patience might be required to navigate the endless menus pre-game but there’s still loads for fans to cheer.
STEPHEN EBERT
