Review: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
Score: 86
Ah, now this is more like it from EA. The original Tiger Woods game on the DS, almost three years ago(!) was patchy and uninspired, whereas this just about takes the title of top DS golf game away from Touch Golf.
Seemingly having totally scrapped the original code and started from scratch, PGA Tour 08 is a lot fuller and well implemented. Eight real life courses are modelled and you can play in practice, single course or tour modes.
Both DS screens are used to good effect, with the main touch screen used for the core gameplay and the top one showing relevant 3D immersive previews.
Interestingly, there are alternative ways to control your golf swing. A 'swipe up the screen' method (as used in Touch Golf) works very well indeed and is very intuitive, but you can also use the DS game buttons to swing in traditional three-click fashion. Having both means that everyone's happy, of course.
Another new feature is player confidence/history, wherein your performance at a hole last time around affects your confidence and ability this time. Nothing wrong with a little psychological realism!
Playing on your own is pretty darned satisfying, but lo and behold, they've added a functional Download system in which you can play with up to three other people with only one of you having to have the original cartridge installed. Terrific.
With only a few course glitches and some blocky graphics here and there, PGA Tour 08 isn't far short of perfect and comes highly recommended.