Tiger Woods 2005
*This review refers to the Game Cube Version
Tiger Woods 2005 is a game that you can sit and play for hours on end. To begin with it is quite difficult to get into, due to the confusing putting and driving scenarios. These are the two main complaints I have with the game and need further explaining.
What makes it all so difficult is that every button is used, some twice as the Z button is used for spin once the ball is aloft but power while you are swinging. Even this though is easy in comparison to the putting, which is the hardest part of the whole game. When you are on the green your caddy gives you his/her tip on where to hit the ball. For example, they may say “3ft 2 inches left and long,” you would think that this is easy enough to follow. Except you’d be wrong. You are given nothing that shows distances or how to figure them out. It is simple guesswork until you become proficient at judging distances.
The graphics are great and the animations are very life-like. From all the real pro player models to the ones you are able to create from scratch (including everything from the stance and bend of their legs, to the wrinkles or freckles on their face) the detail is superb and highly accurate. The only down side to creating your own player is that his or her stats begin at a low level and take an age to improve. The way you increase them is by buying attribute points after you win money in games. This is imbalanced because your opponents are invariably better than you at the outset.
You can acquire sponsors like Nike or Tag-Heuer and receive money for signing with them. They will then give you extra funds for using their equipment. Players can be outfitted in every type of golfing equipment and clothing you can think of; from a hats, socks and wristbands, to watches, glasses and even rubber bands!
In two-player mode the game becomes a lot more fun to play. There are many different types of game modes that you can play either in cooperative or in competitive situations. You can have a maximum of four players plus any additional computer controlled characters.
The best part of the entire game is the ‘Tiger Vision’, which you can use to sink almost every putt. There are a limited number of ‘Tiger Visions’ at your disposal so selecting the best times to use them becomes a strategic issue. If you play as Tiger you get three, while as a starting player you get just one. After you win more money you can buy more putting stats and resultantly receive more ‘Tiger Visions’.
All in all Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 is a good game. It is difficult to learn but fun to play and highly rewarding once you get into the swing (sic) of things. If you have the desire to get deeply involved in a sports game other than Madden this is one you should pick up.
Reviewed by Cole Wassner © 2005
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