Tiger Woods 360 ***Impressions****

[Boom]

Real quick fellas.

Played 18 holes, quick play, using Tiger (since it was him at default), never used power boost or spin of any type.

1 Double Eagle
2 Eagles (back to back)
9 Birdies
5 Pars
1 Bogey

Sank an 80 foot putt, chipped in for bird at least 3 times yada yada yada.

It looks purdy though.

Going back to my friend soon as he gets back from his weekend trip. Won't see my system again during that time.

[dbdynsty25]

Bump up the difficulty at least and let us know how that turns out.

[Boom]

I don't think I need to do it to tell you.

Have you played 2005 or 06? Only thing different (however, not 100 percent confirmed because I haven't ACTUALLY done it) is the improved graphics and gallery.

It's EXACTLY the same gameplay engine.

[bdunn13]

I hope links makes a return on the 360.

[reeche]

Since I'm not normally a golf guy, I was just curious is that push back push forward mechanism, the only way to swing the ball in Tiger on the console? I would probably pick it up if there is another way to swing.... I'd really like to try a "real" golf game but I detest that system. I prefer something like Hot Shots where it's more about meters or at least something where I'm not yanking on an analog stick. Thx for the info in advance.

[DivotMaker]

Real quick fellas.

Played 18 holes, quick play, using Tiger (since it was him at default), never used power boost or spin of any type.

1 Double Eagle
2 Eagles (back to back)
9 Birdies
5 Pars
1 Bogey

Sank an 80 foot putt, chipped in for bird at least 3 times yada yada yada.

It looks purdy though.

Going back to my friend soon as he gets back from his weekend trip. Won't see my system again during that time.

Go turn off all of the arcade-like swing aids and enable TOUR difficulty with either Tiger or a created player. Add some wind and hard/fast greens and fairways. Out-of-the-box difficulty is an oxymoron. You will NOT have similar results if you do a bit of digging.

I explained this in another post in the thread below:

http://www.digitalsportspage.com/module ... pic&t=9924

[Boom]

Divot,
Fair enough and you're most likely right. I didn't mean for this to be a review by any means, just initial impressions from playing 18 holes on quick play.

Have you played the ps2 or xbox versions of 06 on the tougher difficulties? how does 360 compare with similar settings?

[DivotMaker]

Divot,
Fair enough and you're most likely right. I didn't mean for this to be a review by any means, just initial impressions from playing 18 holes on quick play.

Same impression I had after the first game. Then I began to look at the options menu and started building a character. Keep in mind that on default difficulty, the Pro's have too many attributes for the game to be any challenge if you have any experience with previous versions.

Have you played the ps2 or xbox versions of 06 on the tougher difficulties? how does 360 compare with similar settings?

Nope. I heard that the XBox/PS2 versions were awful so I never even rented a copy.

[DivotMaker]

Updated impressions....

If anyone here at DSP likes video Golf, you are doing yourselves a disservice by dismissing Tiger for 360. As a fellow consumer of video Golf games, this is THE finest console Golf game on the market. In many ways, it may be THE finest Golf game on the market regardless of platform.

I now have 80+ hours into the game. I have built two characters, one to 100% distance attributes (40% on the remainder of attributes), and another character that is 85% Distance and 40% remainder of attributes.

The keys to getting a simulation style of play is simple. Turn on TOUR difficulty. Turn off Swing Assist, Gamebreakers, and all the other arcade crap. Thankfully I have not seen a single breakdance celebration or any other non-Golf like celebration in my 80+ hours of gameplay. I have also not had shot after shot from the fairway go in the hole for an eagle like you see on default difficulty.

This game plays very much like the PC version does in Advanced and in some respects Expert difficulties. The swing is very intuitive and putting is a chore to master. Sidehill lies, wind, and rough/sand play a huge factor in your shot results. The only time it does not is in default (arcade) difficulty. Online play in TOUR difficulty is fantastic and very immersive.

I could go on and on, but I have not been this excited about a console version of Tiger in years. I have not played the 2006 XBox/PS2 version to compare, but the 360 version is not for kiddies any longer, especially in TOUR difficulty. Couple that with the most incredible graphics, ball physics, cup physics, and Tournament audio environments, this is the best version of Tiger I have ever had the pleasure of playing. I was NOT expecting the 360 version to be anywhere near as good as what it has shown so far.

At the end of the day, if you like video Golf, this game should at least get a rental and be prepared to spend some time with it until you build up a character to decent attributes. This game is easily better than what reviewers have rated it, IMHO. If any one of them had spent the time I have with it and had a clue about what simulation-style Golf is like, this game would have received much more favorable reviews. I recognize that the number of courses (6) is a letdown, but those 6 courses are incredible and I am learning more and more about each one each time I play them. I hope some of you give this game a shot because if you like Links 2004 and/or TW for PC, you will enjoy the heck out of Tiger 360.....

[Leebo33]

As a fellow consumer of video Golf games, this is THE finest console Golf game on the market. In many ways, it may be THE finest Golf game on the market regardless of platform.

Wow. That means a lot coming from you.

Your impressions couldn't have been more timely as I'm heading out this evening to pick up a game or two and this was on my shortlist. What's your Gamertag?

[DivotMaker]

Wow. That means a lot coming from you.

Your impressions couldn't have been more timely as I'm heading out this evening to pick up a game or two and this was on my shortlist. What's your Gamertag?

Leebo,

I hope you find half as much enjoyment from the game as I have. I realize that some here will discount my opinions about the game due to my relationship with EA and Headgate. I accept that as it comes with the territory. However, if other DSP'ers like yourself see what I see from the game, it would be really neat to have a DSP Tournament or poker night like we had with the PC version. Personally, I think 4 ball with DSP'ers would be an awesome way to spend an evening. Anxious to hear your comments when you have time...

My gamertag is the same as my username here. Is yours Leebo33?

[Leebo33]

it would be really neat to have a DSP Tournament or poker night like we had with the PC version. Personally, I think 4 ball with DSP'ers would be an awesome way to spend an evening. Anxious to hear your comments when you have time...

My gamertag is the same as my username here. Is yours Leebo33?

I'm heading out to get it now. I also saw the video review by Brian Ekberg and that helped with my decision.

If the game is as good or better than Links, I think news will travel fast and we'll have more than enough to play. I know at least a few people that are giving it serious Gamerang/Gamefly rental consideration. Some of my favorite XBL moments came in 4 player Links with HipE, dskrizzy, Cincy, Toper, JamesE, etc.

Yes, my Gamertag is Leebo33.

[Spooky]

I am intrigued by this game as well but was not impressed with my 'tjung' tryout. Even presentation and graphically it seemed almost identical to the current gen versions.

Divot,

I am skeptical about your impressions and am not trying to start any trouble, but IMO, your track record has given me a bit of doubt as to your genuineness of your praise for this game. I would be one of the last people on this board to not give someone the benefit of the doubt but I have seen quite a few posts from you that just give me a feeling like you are really pimping this game more than you are just expressing fondness for it.

I have seen many others post at this and other sites that have affiliations with gaming companies and seem less one sided or slanted. I truly hope that the game is as good as you say, and/or hope that you are truly enjoying it as much as you say, I just can't help but feel that you are trying to get us to buy copies for your own agenda.

If I am totally wrong (which I am sure you will be quick to point out) then I apologize and don't want to begin any bad blood or argument. Just thought I'd share my opinion on your overly positive impressions.

[JRod]

I think the 6 courses should prevent anyone from paying full price for the game.

I understand that they have to remake the courses for the 360 version. But 6 courses is still too small of a selection. The only way I would consider getting this title is if they offered online downloads every month or so. Links had a great idea with downloadable courses but they only offered 4 courses after the release.

I'll know soon enough if this game is an improvement. Hopefully have the 360 by Tuesday.

[Leebo33]

Even presentation and graphically it seemed almost identical to the current gen versions.

I absolutely disagree 100% on graphics, but I'll concede presentation. The graphics are UNBELIEVABLE on my TV and I've got one of the cheapest HD displays you can buy

I was just coming to post that out of all the games I've played so far (Madden demo, PGR3, and NBA 2K6) this was by far the greatest jump in graphics from the Xbox version. Some things graphically I noticed:

- different cuts of grass, individual blades, long grass and tree limbs blowing in the breeze.
- many different individual people in the gallery...course officials moving the "quiet sign". I hit someone in the gallery, the ball bounced realistically off his leg, and he fell down...LOL.
- the stands, water, fences, depth of the sand..all unbelievable. You can even clearly see the holes in the bottom of the cup for God's sake.
- swing animations, pre-shot routines, and player likeness is great. Even the clothes look awesome. Compare Tiger Woods or your created golfer to a player in Madden!
- the sound is much better. My son kept saying "airplane"!
- the buildings and structures around the courses are as good as any I've seen. They're just as good as the cities in PGR3.
- You can really tell the depth of the sand traps and the changes in elevation on the course.

I've played Pebble Beach in video golf more than I can count, but this is the first time that I've really felt like I "knew" the course or had actually been there.

I can't comment a whole lot on gameplay, but I will say that it seems like Divot Maker is spot on with Tour difficulty, aids off, and some of the course settings set to a high difficulty (pins, fairway speed, green speed, etc.). I felt pretty challenged even using Tiger Woods and that's a first. I can't wait to get the stats of my created player up as it's tough to even make it to the fairway from the black tees...LOL.

More impressions to come...

[DivotMaker]

I am intrigued by this game as well but was not impressed with my 'tjung' tryout. Even presentation and graphically it seemed almost identical to the current gen versions.

Divot,

I am skeptical about your impressions and am not trying to start any trouble, but IMO, your track record has given me a bit of doubt as to your genuineness of your praise for this game. I would be one of the last people on this board to not give someone the benefit of the doubt but I have seen quite a few posts from you that just give me a feeling like you are really pimping this game more than you are just expressing fondness for it.

I have seen many others post at this and other sites that have affiliations with gaming companies and seem less one sided or slanted. I truly hope that the game is as good as you say, and/or hope that you are truly enjoying it as much as you say, I just can't help but feel that you are trying to get us to buy copies for your own agenda.

If I am totally wrong (which I am sure you will be quick to point out) then I apologize and don't want to begin any bad blood or argument. Just thought I'd share my opinion on your overly positive impressions.

Fair enough, no harm done. Like I suggested above, try the game out with the idea of building a character to at least 75-80% attributes on Distance at 30-40% on everything else and see what you find. I have offered my comments as someone like yourselves who paid $59.99 for the game. I can assure you that I treasure my hard earned money just as much as you guys and if the game was not as I represented it above, then I would not have stated as much.

As far as EA is concerned, I don't give a rats ass if any of you buy TW360. Personally speaking as a fellow gamer and member of DSP, I think you will miss out on a quality experience if you don't at least rent the game and try what I suggested. Surely that advice cannot be construed as "pimping" the game as I am only asking those interested to try it out. Last but not least, if I did not truly believe what I posted, why would I have wasted 15-20 minutes of my life describing it? Trust me, if it was not "all that" as far as Golf games go, I would have simply kept my mouth shut which is what I expected to do before I actually bought a 360....

[DivotMaker]

I think the 6 courses should prevent anyone from paying full price for the game.

I understand that they have to remake the courses for the 360 version. But 6 courses is still too small of a selection. The only way I would consider getting this title is if they offered online downloads every month or so. Links had a great idea with downloadable courses but they only offered 4 courses after the release.

I'll know soon enough if this game is an improvement. Hopefully have the 360 by Tuesday.

Again, I agree about the 6 courses being too few. However, it is amazing how well the play and how much longevity they have after 80+ hours (IMHO). I have damn sure gotten my money's worth and then some. I hope others find a similar experience because I was damn sure to be trading this game after the first several rounds just like I have with the last several console versions of Tiger. This one is a keeper. I will be contacting EA this coming week to see if there will be any upcoming courses to DL....

[Badgun]

Updated impressions....

If anyone here at DSP likes video Golf, you are doing yourselves a disservice by dismissing Tiger for 360. As a fellow consumer of video Golf games, this is THE finest console Golf game on the market. In many ways, it may be THE finest Golf game on the market regardless of platform.

I now have 80+ hours into the game. I have built two characters, one to 100% distance attributes (40% on the remainder of attributes), and another character that is 85% Distance and 40% remainder of attributes.

The keys to getting a simulation style of play is simple. Turn on TOUR difficulty. Turn off Swing Assist, Gamebreakers, and all the other arcade crap. Thankfully I have not seen a single breakdance celebration or any other non-Golf like celebration in my 80+ hours of gameplay. I have also not had shot after shot from the fairway go in the hole for an eagle like you see on default difficulty.

This game plays very much like the PC version does in Advanced and in some respects Expert difficulties. The swing is very intuitive and putting is a chore to master. Sidehill lies, wind, and rough/sand play a huge factor in your shot results. The only time it does not is in default (arcade) difficulty. Online play in TOUR difficulty is fantastic and very immersive.

I could go on and on, but I have not been this excited about a console version of Tiger in years. I have not played the 2006 XBox/PS2 version to compare, but the 360 version is not for kiddies any longer, especially in TOUR difficulty. Couple that with the most incredible graphics, ball physics, cup physics, and Tournament audio environments, this is the best version of Tiger I have ever had the pleasure of playing. I was NOT expecting the 360 version to be anywhere near as good as what it has shown so far.

At the end of the day, if you like video Golf, this game should at least get a rental and be prepared to spend some time with it until you build up a character to decent attributes. This game is easily better than what reviewers have rated it, IMHO. If any one of them had spent the time I have with it and had a clue about what simulation-style Golf is like, this game would have received much more favorable reviews. I recognize that the number of courses (6) is a letdown, but those 6 courses are incredible and I am learning more and more about each one each time I play them. I hope some of you give this game a shot because if you like Links 2004 and/or TW for PC, you will enjoy the heck out of Tiger 360.....

Thanks Tim, this is a very solid endorsement coming from you and I know it's not any EA favoritism. I have been on the fence about picking this up and now I think I've been sold. Maybe we can get together online?

[Diablo25]

Hmmm...very interesting impressions. A definate rent.

[Leebo33]

The main thing I don't like so far is that is that if you turn down the wind it's almost impossible to miss a fairway. I just played at Riviera with my new character with all the hardest difficulty except wind and hit 17/18 fairways. So the early career mode events are not as exciting because there is no wind. I'm not saying it's not fun or that I'm scoring very well and winning every match. I shot a 90 in the round I mentioned earlier and only hit like 20% GIR. It's just that almost all my tee shots were down the middle. Oddly enough, I put a shot in the tennis courts at #1 at Riviera with John Daly last night, but have barely missed any fairways since in the last 4-5 rounds.

The game so far really reminds me of Links in that it was pretty darn easy to hit fairways (and remember in a lot of tournaments we were using 7 point skill players) off the tee without wind, but challenging around the green.

It's definitely not a sim. I can take a pro or my created character and hit almost every fairway on the hardest difficulty. It's still fun and probably a solid Gamefly/Gamerang rental.

[DivotMaker]

Thanks Tim, this is a very solid endorsement coming from you and I know it's not any EA favoritism. I have been on the fence about picking this up and now I think I've been sold.

I recommend a rental first just to make sure you see the same things I am seeing.

Maybe we can get together online?

Anytime.

[DivotMaker]

The main thing I don't like so far is that is that if you turn down the wind it's almost impossible to miss a fairway. I just played at Riviera with my new character with all the hardest difficulty except wind and hit 17/18 fairways. So the early career mode events are not as exciting because there is no wind. I'm not saying it's not fun or that I'm scoring very well and winning every match. I shot a 90 in the round I mentioned earlier and only hit like 20% GIR. It's just that almost all my tee shots were down the middle. Oddly enough, I put a shot in the tennis courts at #1 at Riviera with John Daly last night, but have barely missed any fairways since in the last 4-5 rounds.

The game so far really reminds me of Links in that it was pretty darn easy to hit fairways (and remember in a lot of tournaments we were using 7 point skill players) off the tee without wind, but challenging around the green.

It's definitely not a sim. I can take a pro or my created character and hit almost every fairway on the hardest difficulty. It's still fun and probably a solid Gamefly/Gamerang rental.

That is one of the issues I have had with the game is that it is too easy to hit fairways, especially for the veteran users. I am not sure how they introduce more difficulty, but I would think they could up the sensitivity in TOUR mode and include more mishit penalty. That being said, fairway to green is a pretty decent challenge with or without wind.

Since I have only 40% putting attributes, I am finding putting a real challenge on any green condition.

[billharris44]

I agree that the graphics look terrific, and some of the lighting effects are phenomenal. What really bothers me are the putting animations--even on a five footer, the guy winds up like he's hitting a fifty-foot putt. That really kills the immersion factor for me because it just looks so wrong. This was fine on the PC version, so it's too bad the 360 version has this issue. And it may not bother anyone but me, but it drives me crazy.

[DivotMaker]

What really bothers me are the putting animations--even on a five footer, the guy winds up like he's hitting a fifty-foot putt. That really kills the immersion factor for me because it just looks so wrong. This was fine on the PC version, so it's too bad the 360 version has this issue. And it may not bother anyone but me, but it drives me crazy.

It bothered me at first, but now I don't even notice it because I am concentrating on making the putt. I am sure this is a result of the short development schedule for this game. I am thinking they will fix this for 07...

[Leebo33]

What really bothers me are the putting animations--even on a five footer, the guy winds up like he's hitting a fifty-foot putt. That really kills the immersion factor for me because it just looks so wrong. This was fine on the PC version, so it's too bad the 360 version has this issue. And it may not bother anyone but me, but it drives me crazy.

It bothered me at first, but now I don't even notice it because I am concentrating on making the putt. I am sure this is a result of the short development schedule for this game. I am thinking they will fix this for 07...

Maybe they will, but it was the same in the Xbox and PSP versions so it seems like they designed it that way. It's stupid.