Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters

If you are even a casual fan of golf, then you will likely know that The Masters are the highlight of any pro golfer’s career. The possibility of winning millions of dollars, not to mention one of those snazzy blazers is what drives many professional golfers. So it seems only appropriate that the Tiger Woods PGA series covers the competition exclusively, allowing players to feel the excitement, the pressure and the spectacle of the event. Plus, Tiger does hold the record for most Masters wins even today, so there is no better player to represent this competition. This game plays much like other games within the PGA series of games. However, looking outside this series, the game plays similarly to games line Everybody’s Golf, World Tour Golf, The Golf Club 2 and Golf King: World Tour. This title aims to continue the success of the PGA game series while showcasing The Masters in all its glory. So does the game sink the putt, or does it fall below par? We find out in our review of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012: The Masters.

Becoming The Master

Let’s begin with the biggest addition to this game, The Masters. This game uses the same tactic as it’s predecessor used a year ago with the Ryder Cup. You’ll be able to play through the amateur leagues, right up to the pro circuit, play with the big guns and then eventually, the pay off is playing and hopefully winning The Masters. It’s a tactic that keeps the player engaged, gives them a long term goal to work towards and of course, who doesn’t love an underdog story.

Then in addition to this, the game really doubles down on The Masters theme. Players will be able to partake in a challenge mode where you will be tasked with recreating iconic Masters moments. Plus, a Tiger Woods at the Master recreation where you have to match or beat Tiger’s score at each hole. It’s an incredible way to allow players an all access pass to The Masters of past and present day and we have to commend the developer for that.

All Gimmicks, No Substance

FIFA, NBA and other sports games have constantly been met with criticism that they never truly change their game enough to warrant buying a new installment year on year. Well, we would argue that Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012: The Masters belongs in this bracket too. The gameplay is basically no different than the game presented a year ago. Yes, it’s great that there are lots of new modes and gimmicks, but where is the meat, the substance. The title is a carbon copy of the last title and the new modes only help to soften the blow, but it’s still a kick in th teeth.

The Verdict

Regardless of the fact that this game is a carbon copy of the previous year’s instalment. We have to say that it’s still the best golf game of its time by a long shot. The new modes make the game more fun and engaging, the Masters theme was handled much better than the Ryder Cup theme from the year before.

Pros:

• The Master’s theme is handled expertly
• The variety of challenges and game modes are excellent
• Graphics are superb for the time

Cons:

• Gameplay, while excellent is just a rehash of the previous year.