My word! This is, without a doubt, the best golf game I've ever played. Not that that's saying much, but hey.
Basically the only reason it doesn't get a perfect 10 is because it doesn't improve enough upon the previous game.
The manner in which you play the game has been improved slightly from the version I played on PS2. The dead-zone for your swing has been increased, making it easier to hit a straight shot. Whilst this is not really a good thing, because the game was far from difficult in the first place, I found that it wasn't too difficult not to in the first place, so it doesn't really matter. It does make it more difficult to play a good draw shot, though.
The game hold particular amusement for me, as it has my Clan brother, Hamish 'Mulligan' McGregor (poxy English spelling, however), in it as a secret character. This is so unfathomably racist, that it truly ends up just being funny. That said, the course he plays most often (The Highlands) is a truly evil course, although not a patch on The Predator, which is just a joke.
Likewise, another strange one for me is playing at the St. Andrews Old Course. Given the fact that I used to walk across that course at 3 in the morning pissed as a rat, I find it strange to see it represented so accurately in a computer game. It reminds me that I still need to contact DMA design and get them to release a GTA game with Dundee as the city (Dundee being the city DMA was based at the time, and also the City I live in).
Nostalgia aside, though, the Old Course is probably also my favourite course in the game, closely followed by Pebble Beach. Talking of courses, there are a LOT of courses to play in the game, several real ones, and a few created ones (as I touched on above). Likewise there are a lot more characters to unlock in the game, so you don't need to worry so much about looking like someone you're playing against.
Really my one concern with this game is that winning the Tiger Challenge matches wins you far too much money too easily. I don't think it's really necessary when there are so many Tournaments you could play that would give you the money you require to buy your character new skills. One problem I have with the Tiger Challenge, however, is that it forces you to play 'Skins' matches. These are the scourge of the Earth. Basically, not only do you have to watch 3 computer controlled characters play, but it also doesn't reward consistency. I'll explain. In a skins match, a hole is tied if 2 people get an equal shot-count. The skin is then added to to the total. So say you draw 5 matches with the same person, then 6 skins would be on offer, and any of the 4 people could win ALL 6 skins!
I'm taking far too long with this review, so I better stop going off on a tangent... LOL!
Graphically, and sound-wise, the game shines. It is on par with most XBox games on both counts, although, due to the style of the game, there's only so much they could do wrong. There is enough commentary that you don't get bored, although there IS a lot of repetition, still.
In terms of longevity, put it this way; I'm still only 20% complete. Think of it as the GTA3 of the Golfing World. There's a whole lot to do, but you probably won't end up doing it all.
Tiger Woods 2003 is:
The best golf 'sim' to date.
Dubiously racist
Tiger Woods 2003 is not:
Perfect
Designed for extended periods of play
Graphics: 10 (Sublime, a little bit of clipping, but nothing major)
Sound: 9 (Excellent, and very realistic. Commentary still not expansive enough)
Gameplay: 10 (As perfect as it's ever gonna get)
Longevity: 10 (So much to do, it's actually quite ridiculous!)
Overall (not an average): 9
Summary: Basically it's a better version of 2002. Buy it, basically, if you have the money and liked the last one. If you're thinking of buying another game, however, and already own 2002, then don't.
Create an Account
Member Login
