Publisher: EA
Cert: 3+
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
Genre: Sports

Par for the course in EA’s yearly release schedule is a new Tiger Woods PGA tour game with this year’s version being the 15th in the series.

This year’s version includes an overhaul of the games controls with the introduction of 'total swing control'. This allows the player to adjust the backswing and tempo of shots, as well as the player’s stance and the position the ball is stuck at, while keeping the familiar method of using the left analogy stick to control the swing. Total swing control is a worthwhile addition, leaving 100% of the shot depending on the left stick which simulates both the satisfaction with driving a ball straight down the fairway, and the frustration of ending up in the rough or a bunker. Without the inclusion of a tutorial to explain the new system, the learning curve is a little steep.

Tiger legacy challenge is the new game play mode introduced to this year’s version. It allows players to play as Tiger from his early years, past the present day to future events such as Tiger breaking Jack Nicklaus record of 18 majors. This is one of the weaker areas, with EA missing an opportunity to do something a little different by using Tigers early years as the tutorial. Instead what we are left with is a number of repetitive tasks which have to be repeated while the game offers no input, staying silent as a trial and error approach is adopted.

Another new feature which also disappoints is the 'course mastery' which unlocks new courses, over half of which start locked. While attempting this, players can pay to play a round on a locked course for a fee of in game coins which can be purchased with real world money if needed. There is no one-off fee to buy the extras outright, and it takes a minimum of 6 rounds to achieve all the objectives needed for gold level, roughly 100 holes at par or better.

Apart from these new features, the game has the standard improvements expected from EA - new golfers, courses and improved graphics, including smoother animations and improved player models, although the frame rate drops at times.

As always the main attraction for fans of the series will be the career mode playing in tournaments, gaining xp and unlocking new clubs and clothing, and the multiplayer version with the new online country clubs.

Rent or buy: Buy
Graphics: 4/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replay value: 3/5

Overall: 3.5/5

Review by: David Gorman