Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 has changed the way you approach created players this year, which is the heart of the game from many aspects. Sure, you can always play as Tiger or some other professional, but the reality is that there's a certain feeling in building up your own avatar (you can once again even use your own face in-game). There's also something to be said about building up your character to take others on while on Xbox Live... not to mention that people despise when you take Tiger as your online golfer.
This whole buildup revolves around the new XP system. Not unlike most RPGs, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 allows you to earn XP (Experience Points) for accomplishing golf-related tasks like getting a birdie or sinking a long putt. The XP that you earn allows you to level up and earn new items in the Pro Shop, but it also allows you to put your earnings toward personal attributes. On the surface, this looks like a whole new system, but fans of the series will probably recognize it as more transition than a "new" system for managing your golfer.
The game itself offers up a host of features, both online and offline. You'll be able to take the challenge of competing in the Ryder Cup, a full PGA Tour Season, or one of many different games-within-a-game like match play, foursomes, fourball, and others. When it comes to building your character's attributes, you'll earn XP in any mode that you use your creation, but the Challenge Mode generally offers up quick ways to boost your attributes.
Online, you'll be able to also take on other players in the many gameplay modes that you've come to love from past games in the series. However, this year's outing offers up Team Play where up to 24 gamers can compete (12 vs. 12) in head-to-head competition. You'll also be able to compete in a host of online tournaments. Unfortunately, the competition is stiff and unless you have a knack for pulling off unrealistic scores, you won't stand a chance at making the leader board (see Difficulty below).
The one main aspect of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 that I absolutely love is the new Shot Focus mechanic. For years I've been complaining about the ability to spin the ball after the moment of contact on the fly. While I know that the series will never go back to the good ol' days, at least now you have a limited amount of "focus" to use up for power boosts, spins, or getting a glimpse at the line of your put. When put to use strategically (usually on the green), this aspect of the game can give you an edge over other players, but it limits the use to keep the playing field a bit more fair.
On top of that, you'll have the option to turn on the True-Aim, which is a more difficult way to play the game. When on, you won't be treated to the usual hints and clues of shot distances and other "cheats" that are in the normal game. As such, you'll have to use in-game clues like using the distances of known markers to gauge how far you have to hit the ball. Finally, a more true and authentic experience to a golf game. Combined with the Swing Tuner, you'll get a fun golf experience in the end.
