Tiger Woods 360 ***Impressions****

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:11 pm

how does the season mode compare to the other versions?

thanks

Toper · Post by **Toper** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:35 pm

Sudz wrote:how does the season mode compare to the other versions?

thanks

I got both versions of TW 2006 on xbox and 360, and I am really on the fence regarding which to sell off:
- xbox: More courses, smoother gameplay/framerate, bland graphics (especially after being exposed to 360 version), more gameplay modes, bigger pro shop, easier swing system, cheaper

- 360: GORGEOUS graphics, fewer courses, gallery really adds to atmosphere, basic career mode (I can possibly see this getting boring with the fewer courses), 4 player online (maybe the clincher for me, especially if more dsp'ers pick this up), swing system seems more sensitive (to me) and tougher to hit straight shots, custom soundtrack (w/ my ipod), framerate could be better (at times), stupid placement of power button (on L bumper with no option to change).

Ultimately, it may come down to price for me...I can get another 360 game if I trade with someone straight up. So far, online has been disappointing (for me). I'll probably decide in the next week or so.

Hope this helps you dual system owners.

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:54 am

thanks!

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 1:22 am

I wish the team would add more option for the tour mode. Difficulty sliders, or a different control scheme.

My idea is add another button to the swing. Use the thumbsticks for direction and swing path but then add a button press to detemine impact. Pressing A too early would result in hitting it fat. Too late would be a worm burner. This could add all sorts of shot types and difficulty to the game.

The team has done such a good job with the PC engine, that a few tweaks for people without a good PC and don't like to shoot in the 40s should exist for th console versions.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:19 am

JRod wrote:I wish the team would add more option for the tour mode. Difficulty sliders, or a different control scheme.

My idea is add another button to the swing. Use the thumbsticks for direction and swing path but then add a button press to detemine impact. Pressing A too early would result in hitting it fat. Too late would be a worm burner. This could add all sorts of shot types and difficulty to the game.

The team has done such a good job with the PC engine, that a few tweaks for people without a good PC and don't like to shoot in the 40s should exist for th console versions.

While I like the idea of adding challenge and difficulty to the game, adding a button press for impact would resemble one of the swings (Powerstroke) in Links PC that very few users employ to play the game. It makes the swing too tedious even for hardcore users.

If EA will tweak the current mishit/tempo swing penalties for the 360 version, include more breezy to windy days and fast/hard greens and fairways, the game will then give even the hardest core user all the challenge he/she wants. Also, make the putting interface one distance (like the PC), not 5/10/20/30/40/60/80/100/120 foot increments, then putting becomes a whole new challenge as well.

Good suggesstions regardless.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:03 am

JRod wrote:The team has done such a good job with the PC engine, that a few tweaks for people without a good PC and don't like to shoot in the 40s should exist for th console versions.

The good news is that you will not shoot in the 40s or 50s with the correct settings. The least challenging part of the game is that 95% of the drives go straight. After the the tee shots it's fairly challenging even when using the Pros as you need to judge the distance, wind, the lie, etc. My GIR percentage is not that good. Maybe I suck, but I don't think I could take Tiger and shoot in the 50s. The more I play the more I think the difficulty level is on par with the Xbox version of Links. Putting is a little easier than Links, but Tiger is harder out of the rough. People seem to forget that we were using 7 point characters in those Links tournaments and unless we had really rough settings the scores were well under par and some of the better players hit 90-100% fairways and GIR.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:14 am

DivotMaker wrote:Also, make the putting interface one distance (like the PC), not 5/10/20/30/40/60/80/100/120 foot increments, then putting becomes a whole new challenge as well.

I've been toying with the idea of just using the 100 foot putter for anything but a really short putt. I haven't tried it yet because putting is challenging enough right now!

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:27 pm

I'm on vacation so I've been playing the game today. Forget the 100 foot putter idea....LOL. It's way too hard.

I'm going to upgrade this to a "must rent" to any golf fan or even sports gamer. It is very disappointing to have only 6 courses, but the 6 here are great. I just unlocked Sawgrass and it is truly amazing. I played the Scottish course online yesterday and it was fun too. I've already put 8 hours into the game and I've only scratched the surface with one character. I'll probably do what Tim did and get two characters (one for me and one for my wife) to the 100% power and 40% other attributes level. That will take plenty of time and I plan on playing online a bit and multiplayer with my wife. I'll easily get more out of this game than I would a shooter, Condemned, or Kameo.

I originally was playing by not using the power button as it seems arcade, but I'm finding that using the power button increases the chance that I will hit an offline shot and also increases the range of outcomes (in the driving competitions with my somewhat new character I had some 245 and some 275). Sure, it really sucks that they put the power button on L bumper, but it's not that big of a deal to use your right hand for power.

The Tour mode is limited, but very fun. It adds a lot of challenge to the game. Today I was doing some of the "shot shaping" challenges where you are in the rough and have trees in the way and it took me a few times to pass. I'm working on a fun challenge now where you can only use your 7 iron and putter.

I could probably spend 20 minutes typing what this game doesn't have or needs to include for the next version, but quite frankly, I'd rather be playing it now.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 3:51 am

Just rented it...and WHOA. And I HATE console Tiger games. I'm a much bigger fan of the PC version...but this one is legit. Thanks for the tip Divot.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:18 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:Just rented it...and WHOA. And I HATE console Tiger games. I'm a much bigger fan of the PC version...but this one is legit. Thanks for the tip Divot.

You are welcome. I am just relieved that some of you are seeing some of the things I am seeing as I was in the same category as you are with respect to hating the console versions of Tiger. I still haven't had time to open Madden or PGR yet.....

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:59 am

Damn you Divot...Looks like I need to spend another $60.

AcemanPR · Post by **AcemanPR** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:37 pm

I broke down and got this too, and this is certainly more challenging than previous versions of Tiger. And when setting up matches, it's nice to see you can make this a difficult game of golf.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:41 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Just rented it...and WHOA. And I HATE console Tiger games. I'm a much bigger fan of the PC version...but this one is legit. Thanks for the tip Divot.

I thought you were being sarcastic until I went outside for a quick smoke and saw a pig fly by.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:27 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:
dbdynsty25 wrote:Just rented it...and WHOA. And I HATE console Tiger games. I'm a much bigger fan of the PC version...but this one is legit. Thanks for the tip Divot.
I thought you were being sarcastic until I went outside for a quick smoke and saw a pig fly by.

Well, now we know what kind of 'smoke' you went outside for.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:10 pm

For those renters looking to unlock everything the quickest, it appears as though almost everything is unlocked once you finish in the Top 5 at the Q school at Sawgrass. I completed a few events at each course until I unlocked Sawgrass (4th course). The first event at Sawgrass is the Q school. It's 4 rounds and I had a blast. The rounds are setup with no wind, but I still didn't do *that* well. I was cruising in first place on day three at -11 for the tourney and then started to blow up. I went into the water off the tee on two holes and put another tee shot in a trap. I ended up dropping to -6. The last round was tense as I dropped as low as 7th place, but I ended up tied for first. That unlocked the other two courses, all the golfers, and events.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:14 pm

Wait until you play a Major Championship.....they created the right conditions for those, except I still feel they could have used more wind than what I have seen so far....

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:39 pm

Well, you guys have me much closer to perhaps purchasing this game after legitimizing Divot's impressions (no offensie Divot, seriously, I appreciate your input but was just a bit skeptical).

I do have a couple questions...

First, is the game still providing a challenge now that more of you have had it for a week or so?

Second, how is the online play as far as difficulty, options and overall fun?

Thanks!

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:55 pm

I've steered clear of console versions of Tiger for a while now. But based off of impressions here, it appears I may have to check it out.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 1:23 pm

Spooky wrote:Well, you guys have me much closer to perhaps purchasing this game after legitimizing Divot's impressions (no offensie Divot, seriously, I appreciate your input but was just a bit skeptical).

None taken.

Spooky wrote:I do have a couple questions...

First, is the game still providing a challenge now that more of you have had it for a week or so?

Second, how is the online play as far as difficulty, options and overall fun?

Thanks!

1. Yes. I am getting better at the game, but I have now stopped enabling attributes as I don't want my Golfer being so good that some of the challenge is wiped out.

2. Online play will allow you to pretty much set as difficult a round as you wish when playing with two or more players. That is ultimately where the game will have longevity for me. I have 90+ hours into the game already and I am still enjoying it just as much. It makes me very anxious for TW 07 if 06 is any indication of the future of TW for consoles....

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 1:38 pm

I can't wait to play online. I'll try to hook up with you guys once I get a 360 that works properly

I agree with Divot. I think the game will be challenging with players with lower stats. I have all my stats at 4/10 except zero for driving accuracy, 1 or 2 for "luck", and 7 for power.

The key to challenge is Tour difficulity, not using gamebreakers (so stupid...I tried one last night for the hell of it and got a double eagle), and not using the ideal putt camera.

BTW, I really like the shot shaping with the right stick. It's a tough decision sometimes between trying to give it a little bit more power, trying to hit say 90% power with a different club, or trying to put backspin on the ball. It doesn't feel cheap at all either.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:05 pm

Leebo33 wrote:

I agree with Divot. I think the game will be challenging with players with lower stats. I have all my stats at 4/10 except zero for driving accuracy, 1 or 2 for "luck", and 7 for power.

The key to challenge is Tour difficulity, not using gamebreakers (so stupid...I tried one last night for the hell of it and got a double eagle), and not using the ideal putt camera.

See, this is what bothers me about the game. I just don't like having to make adjustments to not use certain features to make the game more playable. I don't like to have to use all these work arounds like not putting a certain stat past 4 or not using a certain camera angle, ect... It is dissapointing to me and turns me off to it (almost as much as those damn NHL slider threads a while back! I still have a hard time liking a Hockey game becasue of those).

I have said this many times before, I just don't understand why they can't make two choices from the main menu, 'Arcade' or 'Pro/Sim'. Then ahve the Arcade one play like the current console versions and the Pro/Sim one play like the PC one. I really don't think they would have to add that much more development to pull that off.

slimer · Post by **slimer** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:09 pm

I have looked all over the game for a driving range / putting green and such. I can't find anything of the sort. Is it just missing from the game. The Skills events help, but I would like to practice my shots more than what they offer, especially considering the load times. I assume most people are not using the "in-flight" spin control (nothing like defying the laws of physics). I also could not use the power button even if I wanted to since that button is way too awkward for my hands.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:27 pm

Spooky wrote:See, this is what bothers me about the game. I just don't like having to make adjustments to not use certain features to make the game more playable. I don't like to have to use all these work arounds like not putting a certain stat past 4 or not using a certain camera angle, ect...

Maybe I made it sound more difficult than it really is. Here are the steps:

1. Go to settings. Disable ideal putt line, gamebreakers, and enable Tour mode. If you are playing a lot of non-career matches, up some of the other difficulty settings. It's *nothing* like slider tweaking. They are OPTIONS. It's pretty much up to the user what they want. I'd rather have more choices than just a sim/arcade toggle. This allows more flexibility.

2. You have the OPTION of keeping your stats low. If anything this adds a lot more replay value. I am still having a lot of fun using PRO golfers with great stats as long as I do "step 1" above.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:31 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
Spooky wrote:See, this is what bothers me about the game. I just don't like having to make adjustments to not use certain features to make the game more playable. I don't like to have to use all these work arounds like not putting a certain stat past 4 or not using a certain camera angle, ect...
Maybe I made it sound more difficult than it really is. Here are the steps:

1. Go to settings. Disable ideal putt line, gamebreakers, and enable Tour mode. If you are playing a lot of non-career matches, up some of the other difficulty settings. It's *nothing* like slider tweaking. They are OPTIONS. It's pretty much up to the user what they want. I'd rather have more choices than just a sim/arcade toggle. This allows more flexibility.

2. You have the OPTION of keeping your stats low. If anything this adds a lot more replay value. I am still having a lot of fun using PRO golfers with great stats as long as I do "step 1" above.

Okay, you make good points and eased my mind a bit more.

Thanks.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:35 pm

slimer wrote:I have looked all over the game for a driving range / putting green and such. I can't find anything of the sort. Is it just missing from the game. The Skills events help, but I would like to practice my shots more than what they offer, especially considering the load times. I assume most people are not using the "in-flight" spin control (nothing like defying the laws of physics). I also could not use the power button even if I wanted to since that button is way too awkward for my hands.

I am not aware of any driving range, putting green, etc. It's really dumb not to have one. I've turned mulligans off. Is there a way to turn them on and be unlimited? That's a way you could cheat a bit and practice some shots over and over again.

I have never used in flight spin control. I do now use the power button as I find it adds more variety to the distance and it seems to increase the chances of a poor shot. I use my right hand on the L bumper (got the idea from the Gamespot review).

Digital Sportspage

Tiger Woods 360 *Impressions**