Tiger Learns New Tricks for Xbox 360
Golfing great picks up a new control scheme on his way to Microsoft's looming beast. New high-def screens.
When Tiger Woods lines up a putt, he doesn't have to use a magical grid to line up his shot. And for the next generation of Woods' top-selling golf game, neither will you.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 brings the series to Xbox 360, where high-definition gameplay will allow you to, in EA's words, realistically interpret approach shots or a crucial putt on a rolling green.
The bulk of gameplay should be similar to what series veterans know and love (albeit much better looking, at least for the Xbox 360 iteration), but EA has made an effort to tweak the swing controls.
While the left analogue stick still controls the swing itself, you'll now need to shape your shot and position ball striking using the right stick. And the much-improved physics available thanks to next-gen processing power means that the ball will react more realistically to how you hit it.
The outrageously customizable Game Face character creation tool is back, but you'll also be able to play as any of nine top pros in the game, including John Daly, Retief Goosen, Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods himself, natch.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 is coming to Xbox 360 and also PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PSP and PC. EA hasn't revealed any launch dates, but if it follows tradition we should see the game in stores this autumn.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games