I’m certain that I am biased as a golf fanatic, but so be it. My favorite video game of 2011 so far is Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12, by EA Sports for PlayStation 3.
The reasons why are extensive, but at the very top of the list is the integration of The Masters Tournament, which is golf’s holy grail, and is also reason alone to pick up this perennially solid golf title. The game allows you to play in many great Masters Moments. To accomplish your goal of winning a medal in each, players must re-create some of the greatest golf shots ever recorded during the historic event. Not only is it a great challenge, but it is remarkable to revisit just how incredible those shots were.
While not extensive, the course selection is reasonable in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12. For players needing more, there is an option to purchase additional courses if they so choose. One unique feature of the game is its ability to include purchased courses into the PGA TOUR career mode. More importantly, the year’s first major, The Masters, is a real part of the game. It is much more gratifying to be able play Augusta National rather than be forced to hold the “Spring Major” at a random course.
No video game is good without the aspect that matters most, and that is gameplay. Every part of the controls has been improved to provide a true simulation of the golf swing and make the total playing experience as realistic as possible. Need more realism? Try TOUR mode. To me, this is important, as l play quite a bit. I don’t want an arcade game – I can get that from other titles.
The sound has improved as well. Thank goodness I don’t have to hear Kelly Tilghman’s voice on the commentary, which was the equivalent of virtual nails on a chalkboard at times. Now, Jim Nantz and David Feherty bring the feel of a real golf telecast into the game. While not spectacular, it is authentic, which is all I ask for in a golf game. The surrounding acoustics work well within the framework of the overall presentation. Birds chirping, lawn mowers, and my personal favorite, fighter planes soaring over Torrey Pines when playing in my hometown San Diego, all sound very authentic, especially in surround-sound.
The integration of the PlayStation Move is also another benefit to the game. Although it has not been perfected in terms of replacing a regular controller, it is a viable option and a good first step in accomplishing that. Still, it is a nice option to have, and is easily as good as the Wii version.
Finally, the graphics are the best in any installment in the Tiger Woods series of games yet. Having played Torrey Pines, I can speak from experience that it is an awfully good representation of its real-life counterpart. Player models are quite accurate, including facial expressions and mannerisms. The game is beautiful in every aspect.
I highly recommend picking up this Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12, whether you are an avid golfer or simply a casual fan. The game will have lasting appeal because of its expandability and wide library of courses. Factor in the online modes, and it adds hours to the long term playability. Needless to say, it will keep you busy for a long time, and it is certainly the best golf game on the market to date.
Michael C. Jones is a technologically-savvy gamer with over 20 years of experience playing, reviewing, and testing video games.
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