If you've been looking for an authentic golf game, it has finally arrived with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10. While Nate was playing and writing up the review for TW10 on the next-gens, I was able to play the Wii version, and I must say that if you're looking to pick up a copy of TW10, the Wii version with the MotionPlus accessory is the way to go. Sure, the 360 and PS3 versions are better in the graphics department, but for overall experience and playability the Wii has got the next-gen consoles beat. Since we already have a Tiger Woods 10 review, I might as well talk about the one item exclusive to the Wii, MotionPlus.
The MotionPlus accessory adds a new level of depth to the swing mechanics in Tiger Woods 10. If you're new to golf -- or this series, and have no idea how to swing a golf club -- prepare to feel like Charles Barkley: Terrible. Proper technique is rewarded when using the MotionPlus add-on. A slight twist of the wrist left or right allows you to put a draw or fade on the ball in order to hit around the trees. Likewise, a more aggressive twist of the wrist can completely slice a ball off the course and out of bounds. But, after a bit of practice it's easy to get those 300 yard drives. The real improvement that MotionPlus brings to TW10 is Precision Putting. If you haven't played previous versions of Tiger Woods PGA Tour before, the old way to putt was by selecting clubs of varying power/distance and judging which was best suited for your situation. However, with Precision Putting and real life, you've only got one putter and your own hands to measure how hard to hit the ball to sink your putt. This is how a golf game should be played.
More after the jump.
Don't let that last bit turn you away though, as the Wii version gives you 3 options on your swing; All play, Standard, and Advanced. The All Play option is geared more towards children and Sir Charles, as it is the most forgiving of the 3 swing options. The standard swing is what most people would use. For casual gamers the standard swing is enough to provide enough challenge while still maintaining accessibility to the game, the standard swing would allow someone, let's say Jimmy Fallon, to beat Tiger Woods at his own game. The Advanced swing option is, obviously, the most difficult swing option, but with MotionPlus it's great. If you're looking for a true to life golf experience the advanced swing option can deliver that and it's the swing option that I use. Also, if you're a fan of the classic putt style, you can also opt to use that over the new precision putting.
Playing Tiger Woods 10 without the supplied MotionPlus add-on is a complete disservice to the game and yourself. Attempt a Precision Putt with the regular Wii-mote and you'll really feel out of control. Perhaps the most noticeable difference when using MotionPlus is seen when playing the disc golf mode as there's a full range of motion with the new accessory, but without it there's just a disappointing left and right on screen swing motion.
It's safe to say that playing Tiger Woods 10 is amazing with the MotionPlus add-on. Luckily, the game ships with the new accessory free of charge because playing without it is a grave mistake and will most likely lead to a lot of frustration, cursing and the equivalent of a broken set of virtual golf clubs. And, for those of you looking to play the game with friends, $20 for an additional MotionPlus accessory shouldn't break the bank.
If the game didn't come with MotionPlus, I would have scored this game a 2.5 stars, but with MotionPlus I have to agree with Nate's 4.5 star review. In fact, I feel that the accessory is so good that it gives the game the extra half star that it deserves. So, if you're still torn on which console to get TW10 for, look no further than the Wii and MotionPlus.
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- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10
- Score: 5.00/5.0
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