I like sports games. I’ve tried the most of the current golf games currently available in the iTunes App. Store. Of them “Let’s Golf” is my favorite. However that all could change now that EA Sports has just released the next in their line up of much anticipated titles, Tiger Woods PGA Tour for the iPhone and iPod Touch. EA calls the Tiger Woods series of the world’s number one selling golf franchise game. Does the game live up to the hype? Read on to find out.
There are several modes of “play” in the game. You can play as Tiger, against Tiger, as one of the other Professionals (Annika Sorrenstam, Vjiay Singh, Natalie Gulbis or Retief Goosen) or create your own profile in any likeness you choose.
The profile mode allows you to create your own personal profile customizing your skin color and clothing. You can choose shorts, pants, short sleeved shirt or long and even the color of your items.
Once you’ve created your profile you can then proceed to the main menu of the game. You can start a quick round of golf, compete on the PGA Tour, view other EA games and change the game’s options.
In the game’s options you can use the money you’ve earned while playing the game to upgrade the various factors that influence how well your player does in the game. The game gives you $50,000 to start. You can purchase more power, power boost, drive control, impact, approach, putting, recovery, and spin.
You can also adjust the game based on your personal playing position and turn on tips from the caddy or gimme puts.
Once you’re ready to play you then choose whether you’d like to play as your personally created profile, as Tiger or as one of the other professionals. You then set your round options such as number of holes, players and course.
The game includes 7 of the most famous golf courses from all over the world. Including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, TPC Sawgrass, Doral, The K Club, TPC Boston and Fancourt.
When you’re ready to tee off the game launches an you start at the first tee. You can change clubs, adjust your swing direction, view a fly-over of the hole and adjust your power.
The game uses a very unique swing method where you swipe your finger back to bring the club back and then forward to swing the club through. The direction of the ball is determined by the path your finger takes along the swing meter. The power is determined by how far back your finger goes on the swing meter.
The swing itself is incredibly smooth and not difficult to master. This is all explained during the first swing you make via a swing tutorial.
Once in the air you use your finger to control the ball’s spin and the game shows you the flight of the ball from several different camera angles.
Iron play is accomplished the same way as the tee-shot.
The game features audio tips and commentary on your shots from former professional golfer Sam Torrence and the Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman.
Once on the green it’s time to put. The game provides a grid view of the green so you can adjust your put based on the green’s break.
The game runs remarkably fast for one of its type. The graphics, while great up close are minimal on the sides of the course, and that may explain why.
Personally I found it fun playing as myself but there’s nothing like playing a round of golf in the cyber-shoes of the best player in the world.
In the simplest of terms, this is by far the best golf game out there for the iPhone and iPod Touch. EA has done a great job of bringing their popular gaming console title to the iPhone platform. The graphics are fabulous where it counts. the players look great and the game play realistic. The swing meter is both unique and challenging and the ability to play as yourself or as Tiger makes the game even more enjoyable.
After a short amount of time playing the game Tiger Woods quickly replaced Let’s Golf on my iPhone.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour requires the iPhone/iPod Touch 2.2.1 software.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour for the iPhone can be found in the iTunes App. Store.
M.S.R.P. – $9.99
What I like – Great graphics. Realistic sites and sounds. Unique swing meter. Can create own personal golfer. Fast loading game play.
What I don’t like – Not a thing.