Fun, many games, excellent online, multiplayer options
Much like the actual game, playing Tiger Woods 10 is seemingly simple on paper, but far more challenging in execution. It should be so very easy to pull the left joystick back and push it forward straight, especially after hundreds of attempts. Alas, it proves continuously difficult. And that is one of the reasons this game continues to entertain.
Tiger Woods 10 is my first golf simulation on PS3. I've seen many nitpickers complaining about differences between real play and this game, and they are all generally correct. It doesn't matter. This is a fun, addictive game with a great many entertaining features and options.
Although this doesn't matter much to me, characters can be customized on dozens of criteria, including thousands of variations of skin tone, hair length and style, eyebrow features, chin, aging, clothing, and on and on. Once created (or, once you pick one of the ready-made characters), you can gain skills and money via dozens of tournament challenges. These not only add money and skill, they open 16 courses for future tournament play.
A tournament calendar features dozens of tournaments if you prefer the 18-hole scenario to the shorter challenges. I recommend gaining skills in the tournament challenges first, then getting into tournaments. Otherwise, like me, you might find yourself 18 over after the first round! Yes, early rounds can get that ugly, and worse.
There are also a number of shorter games, like T.I.G.E.R., a golf version of horse. These are great to use with kids, especially those who think golf is the most boring game in the world.
Online play options are impressive. Engage a friend, or a complete stranger, in anything from a short 3-hole challenge to a full tournament. Play simultaneously, where you see the players ball paths but don't have to wait, or play the traditional one-after-another sequence. Capture and share particularly terrific, or horrific, shots using GameTracker. Play "alongside" actual PGA players in live tournaments. Engage in any of the weekly, daily or other tournaments, all grouped by skill. There are a TON of options in this game, and I've enjoyed learning many of them.
Negatives? I'd definitely change a few things. The absolute worst thing about this game is the commentary. The pair of announcers (Kelly something and a man, whose name escapes me, are grating at best, and erroneous or at odds with one another more often than makes any sense. "That one's on the green, Kelly." "Check again, Tom, that one's headed for the sand." Honestly, they correct one another more than a bickering couple in marriage counseling. Prepare for insults as well. "I've seen some bad putts, and that was one of them." I like the idea of commentators, but the execution of commentators in TW10 is annoying and unsatisfying. Also, I'd like to see some options for shorter Tournament Challenges. Many are 9 or 18 hole challenges, and if you miss by a shot - boom - back to the beginning. A quibble, but an option for some shorter challenges would be good.
If you like video golf, you'll like this game. Lots of solo and multiplayer options, both online and local.Read full review
