Gameplay
Tiger Woods 06 uses an analog swing system where you pull back on the left stick to set the power and then push it forward to swing. EA mixes up the gameplay a bit for 06 by dubbing the right stick the “shape stick” and you use it to set the spin and fade of your shot during your swing. It is surprisingly intuitive to use and you’ll be spinning in eagles and bending the ball around trees in no time. The putting also uses the control stick, of course, and by using colored marks on the putting grid it is very easy to line up your putt.Overall, the gameplay in Tiger Woods 06 is well executed and fairly satisfying. My only complaint is that the game is ridiculously easy. You can up the difficulty and turn on Tiger Proofing (which alters the course from hole to hole to be more challenging) but the game is still laughably easy. Don’t be surprised if you hit a hole in one or at least an eagle or three with an iron in your first couple of rounds. The putting is also very easy and one putts are extremely common. The game is still very fun to play this way, don’t get me wrong, but it is far from realistic.
Graphics and Sound
The sound is pretty good in Tiger Woods 06. The highlights of the audio are the solid sounds of the game of golf (hitting a good tee shot never sounded so pretty) and the fact that there are now five different voices for your created golfer. Even better, you can tweak the pitch of their voice all the way from soul singer to a high pitched “Alvin and the Chipmunks” voice.
Bottom Line
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is a solid game of golf that is absolutely filled with features and modes. Once you get your head around the swing mechanics the game is a bit on the easy side, but it is undeniably fun to one putt every green and chip in for an eagle here and there. It isn’t realistic by any means, but it is definitely enjoyable. Overall, though, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 stands as the best golf game for Xbox in spite of a few flaws and it is highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike.
