Game Review: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this golf game comes out every
year, but the 08 version offers many new features that make it
worth considering, including the ability to add photos of
yourself to create a golfer that looks like you! While the game
is rated "Everyone," it has an online component, which Common
Sense Media
doesn't
recommend for kids under 12.
Families can talk about the photo feature. How does it feel to be up on the screen? Would you rather play that way, or look like a real pro golfer? Why? What did you learn about the game of golf playing this game? Could it help you be a better golfer?
Common Sense Media Review
Sports video games are like birthdays: You more or less know
what to expect when they roll around each year, but some are
simply better than others.
Such is the case with EA Sports' TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 08, the latest in the bestselling golf series now available for all major gaming platforms.
While the core gameplay is similar to the 07 version, the game makers added enough new features to really entice players to buy anew. Specifically, the two biggest additions are in the community and customization departments.
All shots are now recorded -- from the opening drive to the final putt on the 18th green -- so you can save and replay highlights. Called GamerNet, this feature also allows competitive players to upload these moments to the Internet for bragging rights, bonus points, and as a challenge to others to best your performance.
When it comes to customization, for the first time you can upload a front and side photograph of your face to create an in-game golfer that looks like you. While it takes a bit of skill to edit the imported photos using onscreen markers as a guide (as well as tweak features such as hair), the effect is worth the effort. Photos can be uploaded to TigerWoods08.com using a regular digital camera or using a related console accessory such as the Microsoft Xbox Live Vision camera or Sony PlayStation EyeToy. You can also play as a PGA Tour pro, such as Tiger, or as a top LPGA golfer, such as Annika Sorenstam.
You can hit the ball in one of two ways. The main control scheme is using the controller's dual analog sticks, where the left stick is pulled back and then pushed forward to hit the ball, while the right stick can be used to add a fade, draw, hook, or slice to your shot (in the Nintendo Wii version, you can hold the Wii remote like a club and take a real swing). New to Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is the option to go back to the classic three-click swing system by pressing the A or X button (for the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 2/3, respectively): once to start the swing, a second time to select the desired power, and third time for accuracy.
Along with the multiple solo and multiplayer game modes -- ranging from Stroke and Match play to popular arcade modes including Battle Golf and One Ball -- 10 minigames are accessible at any time, including T-I-G-E-R, modeled after the basketball game H-O-R-S-E, where you make a shot and your friend has to make it or they get a letter; The first person to spell the word loses the game. Also new for this game is Playoffs for the FedEx Cup, with courses such as TPC Boston, Cog Hill, and Westchester Country Club.
Add gorgeous graphics and a meaty Tiger Challenge mode that lets you earn virtual cash and increase skills as you beat some of the world's top players, and you've got a golf game both newbie and seasoned players will want to take a swing at.
While Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is one of the best golf games around, PC players might also enjoy playing Infamous 18, while younger players might like the Hot Shots Golf arcade golf series on the PlayStation 2. And families will also enjoy the golf game in Wii Sports .
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
