Tee time
It's often the case that when a game comes out on multiple platforms (Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, for example), there's very little to choose between them. They are essentially the same game, with minor tweaks to make them more suitable for the system on which you're playing them. This is true of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, but only if you're talking about the systems already mentioned above.
New Courses, New Players
And here's the curious thing. Normally, it's the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC versions that are the more accomplished titles, with the Wii version looking a bit less polished and the handheld adaptations being a completely different type of game altogether. With PGA Tour 10, however, it's the Wii version that stands head and shoulders above all the others.
Any golf game needs a decent amount of courses on which to play a round and PGA Tour 10 has plenty.
We'll come to why Wii version's so great in a little while, but first, here's the 'what'. Specifically, what the latest build of Electronic Arts' market leading golf simulation has to offer console owners in general.
Any golf game needs a decent amount of courses on which to play a round and PGA Tour 10 has plenty. There are 16 world famous venues, a tally that includes six all-new courses - Hazeltine, Oakmont, Pinehurst, Torrey Pines, Turnberry and, for the first time, the inclusion of the US Open venue Bethpage Black Course complete with official USGA rules.
Fun stuff
PGA Tour 10 is no slouch when it comes to players, either. You can, of course, play the Tiger himself or choose from 30 other professional and novelty golfers. That's if you decide not to create your own champion from scratch. There are also two new pro golfers this time around. Rocco Mediate, the hard working veteran and upcoming star, Anthony Kim, both make an appearance.
During online play you can upload your finest shots so that others can try to better them.
All good stuff, then. But as well as the expected content boost, EA has improved the overall gameplay experience in other was too. The developer has addressed the concerns of casual gamers by providing a range of skill levels. During online play you can upload your finest shots so that others can try to better them, and there are mini games included, for those times when you just want a bit of fun.
Now, though, we turn to the reason why the Wii version is the best of the bunch. It comes down to that all-important Wii Remote and its motion-sensing capabilities. Last year, EA's Tiger Woods game showed that the Wii's controller could enhance the game by allowing players to swing a club in a realistic fashion. The trouble was, when it came to chipping and putting, it was a bit rubbish. In PGA Tour 10, when used in conjunction with the new WiiMotionPlus add-on, the control system is pretty much faultless. Drives are entirely dependant on your stance and swing, chipping onto the green feels just right, and putting is now so accurate that you need only look at the hole to get a sense of how you need to twist your controller and how hard you have to flick it to roll the ball across the green and sink it.
The best, bar none
If there's any criticism to be levelled at Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for the Wii, it's that it looks a little scrappy compared to its hi-def brethren. But until Microsoft and Sony release a decent motion-sensing controller of their own, the Wii's visual shortcomings don't matter a great deal. As things stand, the combination of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and the Wii Motion Plus represents the best golf simulation on the market, bar none. If you have a Wii, buy it.
GAME's Verdict
- Plenty of courses.
- Plenty of players.
- Bonus games.
- US Open included.
- Superb WiiMotionPlus controls.
- Not too stunning, visually.
Review by: Simon 'Below Par' Kirrane
Version Tested: Wii
Review Published: 02.07.09