Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 Xbox 360 Preview

I have reviewed every Tiger Woods game on the Xbox console and after being
very impressed with the first, the countless sequels grew more and more
disappointing, as the so obviously ported PS2 game engine suffered from the lack
of graphical splendor Links 2004 had now impressed upon us.  My main gripe with
the series was always the lack of graphical detailing, although the gameplay was
still very stimulating if not totally realistic it was the core of the title
which kept it alive for many years.

With the announcement of the Xbox 360, I was extremely pleased to see EA
Sports backing the console the way it did, but more importantly the game they
were bringing to the new next generation console, of course it was Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006.  With the power of a new system, EA Sports have
awakened from what seemed to be their graphical slumber with the game franchise
of Tiger Woods and as such I am now alive
with excitement, as early details from screenshots released at E3 show immense
detail comparing more to the PC version, which has always wowed gamers with its
realistic approach to graphics and gameplay far out powering the console
alternative.

Finally high resolution textures, gorgeous grass effects and
overall jaw dropping amazement as you stare at the landscape eager with
anticipation to take your next shot, which potentially could make
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 for Xbox 360 the best looking golf game ever!
Even the actual characters which did look good in the Xbox version, look
insanely brilliant with such painstaking details of using bones in the hand and
face to add to the realism throughout.

The fact that the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 are very alike in power will
hopefully result in a much better game environment for many titles that share
the ‘what used to be’ scary tag of multi-platform. As of
now, the Tiger Woods games for the ageing Playstation 2 are often ported to Xbox,
obviously is
much more powerful in graphical finesse. This results in a very lack luster game
visually to start from on the PS2 as very little attention seems to have been made to allow the game to
use all of the Xbox horsepower. However with closer performance levels on
the Sony and Microsoft next generation console systems, we will hopefully see
much better games on both systems when they are multi-platform, which is very good
news for gamers and would be very welcome indeed.

We can expect a much more thorough approach to taking your shots in future as Tiger Woods PGA
Tour 2006 introduces the new ‘Dual Analog Swing‘ system which requires the user
to use both analog sticks to influence the balls spin and trajectory, hopefully
suggesting no more spin control while the ball is in the air, which was not a
great realism feature and would not be missed in the latest version if swept
under the carpet. However the beginners and
less experienced players will still be able to use the old single analog stick
swing system if they feel uncomfortable with using two analog sticks at once.

There will be Six courses including TPC at Sawgrass and
Pebble Beach Golf Links which may not sound all that exciting compared to previous Tiger
Woods games which featured up to 20 courses, however with the level of super detail in these new courses, it will be a
valid and worthwhile compromise, plus the added fact that downloadable content is
also possible this may not even be a limiting factor. I would have liked to see some British commentators for the
PAL version of the game however, but that’s just me being very picky, as we have some
great golf commentators that would have brought the game a whole new realism for
gamers in the UK as you listen to the smooth voices of Peter Alliss and Alex Hay. After all much older PGA games did feature UK
commentators but alas not in Tiger Woods. Oh well, I will just have to
contend with the fantastic graphics, how will I cope? Very well of course,
looking at the stunning screenshots! If you do not believe me, then scroll
down and get ready to drool, yes this may be a good time to get the babies bib
ready as in all likelihood you will need it.

As the next generation of video games approaches, Tiger Woods is up for the
challenge. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR^®
06 delivers ultra-realistic course environments, allowing gamers to experience
the intensity of a championship golf tournament. With greatness comes pressure,
as players are put to the test of making perfect tee shots or sinking
tournament-winning putts in crunch time.

The power of the next generation consoles delivers revolutionary gameplay and
gives Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 the ability to recreate some of the world’s most
beautiful courses like never seen before. Advanced lighting techniques provide a
much better sense of terrain undulation and the contours that make each course
unique. This gives players the ability to realistically interpret approach shots
or a crucial putt on a rolling green.

Just as it is on the PGA TOUR^®,
the key to a good shot is execution and precision. In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06
both analog sticks are used to give more control than ever over each shot. The
left analog stick will continue to control the backswing and downswing, while
the right analog stick, or “Shape stick”, controls ball trajectory and spin.
Players are now challenged to focus on the impact point on the ball, while
thinking more strategically before executing a shot.

Tiger on the green!

We haven’t seen courses like this since, well . . . ever!

• EA Sports
• EA Sports
• Release Date: Fall 2005
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 Screenshots

The gameplay on Tiger Woods PGA Tour games have always been very close to
spot on. Even if they were not completely realistic with features like the
‘Tiger Shot’ effects and the ability to add spin while the ball is still in
flight, the titles were always entertaining for golf fans and non-golf fans
alike. With far better graphics, use of High Definition and the promise of
so much more, it is time to grab your clubs and tee off to your local store to
pre-order this very promising Xbox 360 title.

Preview by XBS UK Editor James Woodcock.

Filed under: Xbox 360

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!