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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 14, 2007

System: Microsoft Xbox 360

Also available for: Sony PlayStations 2 and 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Mac

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Reviewer's rating: ***

ESRB rating: Everyone

Game type: Sports

Kind of like: 'Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07'

Best feature: The graphics, specifically golfers' movements, are approaching reality.

Worst feature: Starting off as a novice golfer leaves you woefully ill-equipped and the path to skill-improvement is long. There's a temptation to skip it and play as Tiger all the time.

The bottom line: 'Tiger Woods' has been the only golf game in town for years. Not unlike Electronic Arts' stranglehold on other sports franchises, this conveyor-belt classic is a lot like its predecessors.

There are some nice improvements, however. 'Putt preview' allows you to see the likely track of your ball on the green. Just be sure to use it wisely, as it's only available once per shot.

Another new/old feature should evoke fond memories for the old-school, video-game golfers out there: the three-click shot. Apparently there are enough people who don't like using the analog stick to swing the club to bring this feature back.

The coolest new feature, called 'photo face,' lets you add your likeness to the game. Even better, the user-created you doesn't come off looking like a burn victim.

By registering on EA's Web site, you can upload a photo of yourself, which can be imported into the game (you can also use a console camera). The fancy software will make things three-dimensional, and viola, you're playing with yourself. Well, you know, not really.

Stephen Hammill

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