Since it’s
launch a while back, the PSP launch titles included one of the most beloved pro
golf franchises that is still being enjoyed on all three consoles. While it was
great to see Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 on a handheld, it wasn’t exactly
the most perfect version of the game. Well the new season is here and Tiger
Woods PGA Tour 06 feels less like a rushed production and more like the game
fans of the franchise, like myself, have been waiting to play on their new
favorite handheld.
The 06
edition isn’t a vast departure for the series but it is a major improvement from
the 2005 edition. Aside from the most noticeable changes, like sharper graphics
and significantly shorter load times, the gameplay just feels a lot more solid.
The result is a game that not only plays nearly perfect but also a lot more
smoothly. And here we thought Hot Shots Golf was the best playing golf
game on the PSP.
What is new is
the Rivals Mode, a game mode that has you challenging real pros that include
Tiger Woods. Starting from the bottom, you take your created golfer up the
leaderboard, playing against fellow golfers until you reach the legends. You can
play a traditional tournament or challenge a pro through a series of scenarios
in Rivals Challenge. There’s even a Rivals Skins bonus that helps unlock extra
cash to purchase new clothes and accessories at the Pro Shop.
Of the new
features, Putting Frenzy is one of the best and most entertaining. Basically a
race against the clock to sink as many putts before the time runs out. You can
play the game as a single-player mode or as a multiplayer mode. The Pocket Caddy
feature acts as your in-game guide with wind direction and speed indicator as
well as a window that tells you how far you are from the pin. The putting
controls have been improved to the point that you can easily read the green. The
analog stick swing is a dream come true. Right off the bat it might not seem
like a big difference but once you get the hang of it the analog stick gives the
PS2’s analog swing a run for its money.
The Game Face
feature is back and so is the Shot Selection options that allows you to choose
between punch, pitch, flop, chip or full shots. Mastering the shot power is a
question of adjusting your shot power and picking the right club for the
appropriate situation. You can even control the ball in-flight, although that
still hasn’t been perfected well enough. Also making its return are the various
extras, especially the My Dream 18 that allows you to create your fantasy course
using parts of various known courses for a round of 18.
There’s
head-to-head multiplayer to be had here. Aside from the Party Play mode there’s
a mode called Bingo Bango Bongo. Here the player with the most money wins by
getting Bingo (longest fairway drive), Bango (first on the green) and finally
Bongo (first in the hole). Good stuff indeed.
Tiger Woods
PGA Tour 06 is
also a better looking game, although not by very much. The 2005 game was very
pretty but the visuals in this game are a bit sharper. The characters look a lot
more detailed as well as the gorgeous courses (just look at Pebble Beach). There
are also a nice variety of animations throughout the game, all of which make for
game that looks a lot like the console version.
The game’s sound
is handled beautifully once again as well, with commentary that’s good at
pointing out your weaknesses as well as covering the match as it happens. The
sounds of the game bring the sport to life whether it’s the sounds of your
environment or the applause. The EA Trax are plentiful and not bad at all.
Overall this is some good stuff.
There’s a lot to
love about Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06. This is a true improvement in mostly
every way and one of the most enjoyable games of golf to come out – next to
Hot Shots Golf, of course. Still with improvements in the gameplay
department as well as a great new game mode, it’s hard not to enjoy the action.
Even if you bought the 2005 version, you can’t go wrong with buying this one.
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Gameplay: 9.0
A vast
improvement over the first PSP Tiger Woods game and the most accessible
portable version that matches the greatness of the console version. Some gamers
might have a gripe with the analog stick but for my money it makes swings even
better than the PS2 game.
Graphics: 8.5
Sharp and
crisp visuals makes the green look completely inviting and the golfers,
especially Tiger himself, look amazing. The created golfers can be as detailed
as you want but the choices are starting to look a bit slim, especially in the
hair department.
Sound: 8.0
The commentary
is perfect once again and you’ll swear you’re watching a professional game on
television. All the little audible details are present and accounted for. The
licensed tunes are just Ok.
Difficulty:
Medium
Challenging
the pros is like asking Mike Tyson to be your sparring partner … they will not
go easy on you. Your skills will certainly be tested in this game.
Concept: 9.0
The PSP
version might not be an exact duplicate of the console version but the modes
featured here are good enough for the gamer on the go. There’s Wi-Fi multiplayer
but no online play, what’s up with that?
Multiplayer:
8.0
Wi-Fi
multiplayer allows you to play the game with a friend or four of them (using a
single PSP) thanks to the Party Play mode. There’s also a head-to-head game
called Bingo Bango Bongo that’s way too much fun. Putting Frenzy is a joy but no
online play makes this putting pro cry.
Overall: 8.9
Tiger Woods
PGA Tour 06 is
the best portable companion a golf fan could ask for and the reason you’ll be
seen with your PSP more often. The improvements over the launch title are
immense but the overall changes to the gameplay mechanics just make this an
addictive treat.
