- Reviewed on: Sony PlayStation 2
- Also available for: Nintendo Gamecube, Microsoft Xbox, and PC-CD
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- The Good: A rare title that will unite both arcade and simulation players through a captivating presentation and loads of extras.
- The Bad: Juvenile attempts at humour often fall flat.
- The Verdict: A new plateau has been reached in the console golf market.
REVIEW:
Through all his amazing victories and awe-inspiring performances, it's easy to forget that Tiger Woods is only 27 years old. It's quite possible that his best is yet to come.
One can take a similar view of his Electronic Arts' video game series. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 has established itself as the top golf title available for console play, however there's still room for improvement.
Much like Woods himself, who's enjoyed crossover popularity with golfers and non-golf fans alike, this game appeals to more than just hardcore simulation fans. It's certainly intricate in its realistic features, but there's also a playful, almost comedic side to the game that will appeal to those looking for more fun.
That balance between arcade and simulation is always a tricky one. It's almost sure to draw modest complaints from both sides. However, Tiger Woods 2003 is good enough to overlook such nitpicking.
The core of earlier versions remains the same.
The game features 12 different courses. Many of those will make even the average duffer drool, including impressive recreations of Pebble Beach Golf Links, Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass, The Royal Birkdale, Poppy Hills and Spyglass Hill.
Other titles may present a great number of courses (remember: overkill isn't necessarily a good thing). This title distinguishes itself by including additional fantasy holes and Tiger's Dream 18, many of which must been unlocked.
The well-executed features of earlier versions are all still present, including a helpful (and mandatory) tutorial for beginners and an array of mini-games, scenarios and addictive challenges. Couple those features with the traditional range of golf options, from stroke play and skins games to tournaments modes, and a title with almost limitless replay value is born.
Unlike several of EA Sports' 2002 releases, most notably NHL 2003 and NBA Live 2003, Tiger Woods has noticeable upgrades from its previous incarnations. The unique swing mechanism, controlled by the right analogue stick, has been fine-tuned to provide more reliable results. The already slick three-dimensional game engine is almost flawless. And both the commentary and music has been upgraded.
The option of playing as or against a variety of different PGA Tour stars, including Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie, and Jim Furyk, is also an attraction. But the game's competitors are a perfect example of the arcade-simulation problems.
Alongside a deep roster of real players is a group of nine original characters. Female player Kellie Newman returns from the last edition. Her presence is more than welcome again, though an LPGA star would be a pleasant addition. It's others that draw criticism, including a silly Samoan wrestler named Big Mo and a politically incorrect Italian mobster, who's based solely around unfortunate stereotypes but devoid of any real humour. Sim fans will certainly turn up their noses at these characters, preferring a larger PGA presence.
Despite such minute complaints, it's difficult not to be impressed with this game. While a realistic brand of golf, emphasizing shot-making, is always at the forefront, it's hard to ignore just how wonderful this game looks. An added emphasis on the weather and grass that actually grows around your feet improve upon an already slick presentation.
With enough extras to keep even non-golf fans occupied, this title, like its namesake, lives up to its lofty heights.
David Leeder