Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003
Score: 95% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: EA Sports Developer: EA Sports Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: I can't tell you how impressive Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 looks without you actually seeing it in action. Every detail has been included in the game from the outstanding player models (both real-life golfers and fictional characters) right down to the individual blades of grass you may often find your ball in (that is, the rough). Each of the 12 courses that grace your screen is absolutely gorgeous. Weather effects are equally impressive, and course re-creation is brilliant. As great as the graphics are in EA Sports' latest creation, the sound is what impresses me the most. I'm not sure why a golf game has music from bands like Saliva and 12 Stones, but the TV-style presentation of Tiger Woods 2003 just wouldn't be the same without the great announcing crew that calls every moment of the action. With Bill Macatee in the booth and David Feherty on the course, you're sure to get a great amount of insight into every swing of the club. But more than that, for the first time (that I can remember), listening to the announcers call of the shot doesn't spoil the outcome in the end. Just like in real life, the announcers can make mistakes, so when you hear "It's all over the flag stick, Billy," you may still find yourself on the fringe or even in the rough. Great job, EA!
Gameplay: If you've ever enjoyed a computerized golf game, then don't miss out on this year's Tiger Woods. There are so many different golfers, courses, and modes of play, that you'll have enough to do in this game until next year's version is released. Moreover, if you get tired of putting your skills to the test in Tournaments and other Challenges, you'll get a nice (and addictive) break from the action in the Skillzone, where you can take target practice or challenge your buddies in the multiplayer modes. The heart of Tiger Woods 2003 doesn't lie in just one spot, either. In order to unlock everything in the game (golfers, courses, equipment, etc.), you'll need to explore all of the modes of play. In every mode, you'll be able to earn money that can go toward buying stat attributes to improve your golfer, as well as other things. Call Michael Jordan, cuz Tiger Woods 2003 even allows you to gamble... *gasp* ...gamble on the golf course by placing wagers against your opponents in the Tiger Challenge. The key to success in Tiger Woods 2003 is definitely in earning the money that will improve your golfer. If you play the game for any length of time, you will definitely notice an increase in difficulty as you progress. In tournaments, you will eventually have to compete on multiple courses to earn the big money, and the level of competition increases exponentially as you work your way up the ladder of success. The Tiger Challenge is no different. At first, you should be able to easily defeat your opponent(s), but you will soon see that it may take a bit more luck than anything else in order to school some of the pros you will face. &Quot;Drive for show, put for dough" has never meant more than it does in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003.
Difficulty: As mentioned above, the level of difficulty in Tiger Woods 2003 increases as you enter more tournaments or work you way through the different phases of the game. This increase is a very welcome addition to the series, because even the best players will have something to strive for to fully call themselves true professional golfers (in a video game sense). The truly hardest area of Tiger Woods 2003 is just learning how to manipulate your swing while taking into consideration elemental effects like slope and wind. The controls offer the most 'realistic' golfing experience you can possibly have on a console, and accurately replicate a golf swing to the highest degree.
Game Mechanics: Using the analog stick, you'll be able to vary the amount of power you have on each shot, easily allowing you to make those tough shots that are in between clubs. The only problem that I faced with the controls is that I, unlike most people probably, prefer to use the right analog stick as opposed to the left one. This is all fine and dandy, but since the 'power' button (for increased distance) is controlled using the White button, it is harder for me (and others like me) to use it with my swing methods. This is just a small detail, however, because Tiger Woods 2003 definitely allows you to develop your game without the need for this. And if and when you feel like you have become one of the best golfers on the planet, you can test your theories (and maybe crush your hopes and dreams) by comparing your skills with others as long as you have access to a standard computer Internet connection (a password will be generated for you to type in online). Unfortunately, this year's game doesn't include any other type of true online modes, so playing Tiger Woods 2003 against your buddy living on the other side of the galaxy just isn't an option. With online gameplay, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 would have been the golf game to end all games, but even still, it is by far the best game of its kind on the planet. Whether you've always liked hitting the links in a computer environment, or you just can't get to a real course to play, Tiger Woods 2003 is a must-have. Pick up your copy today!
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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