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Reviewed by Rick Tittle, host of the Video Game Review 
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It’s on the PS2, PS3, XBOX 360, PSP, Wii and even bundled for the Wii with a new Motion-Plus sensor.  Oh, and it’s on the iPhone, too.  There simply is no excuse for not picking up TIGER WOODS GOLF 10, am I right?

That’s what the good folks over at Electronic Arts would tell you.  But the fact of the matter is that this is a sequel, and the proper question is whether or not to buy the new version if you already have last year’s version.  This is how I always judge games which are re-hashed on an annual basis.

Like EA’s MADDEN title, the name Tiger Woods will sell games automatically.  There is no bigger name in the sport, and Woods is one of the most recognizable human beings on the planet.  But famous names and fancy graphics can only get you so far in the video game world.  Is this truly a good game?  Let’s break it down and sift through the features:

#1.  The best and the worst thing about the Tiger Woods franchise is that it’s the only true golf sim out there.  Golf games have been a staple in video games from Day One, but most of them now are cartoony and over-blown.  That’s not to say that those types of games aren’t fun, because HOT SHOTS GOLF is amazing fun and is that sort of title.  But if you do like your golf on real courses with real players, then Tiger’s got you covered.

#2.  The online play is outstanding and way better than last year.  The “Tournament Challenge” lets you go up against live online tourneys with other couch potatoes from around the world.  Sometimes a real golfer with drop in for a go, as well.  This adds to the tension which is obviously lacking when you play by yourself.

#3.  The full PGA season is here, along with the hushed voices of Kelly Tilghman and Scott Van Pelt, adding up to an experience close to reality.  Those two announcers never really get excited, however, even if you drain a 35-foot put.  There are also tons of courses but some must be unlocked through graft and success.  Want to play Pebble Beach, Doral, or Torrey Pines?  You’ll have to earn your way there.

#4.  The “Play the Pros” feature is very cool, allowing you to play a round side-by-side with a real golfer.  Fancy 18 holes with Lefty?  Go for it.

#5.  The “GamerNet” technology tries to force you to make a shot very much like a real golfer would – in theory, anyway.  I don’t need such an innovation.  We have the Wii for things like that.

#6.  EA has added inclement weather conditions this time around, but the realism is a bit lacking.  For example: after your ball has been blown around and knocked down in a rainstorm, normal conditions resume as soon as the sun comes out.  In real life, puddles would litter the course and conditions would not improve much.

#7.  “Precision Putting” is a vast improvement over the previous Woods titles which required you to carry several putters in your bag.  (Who does that?)  Now you can putt more accurately with just one putter.

#8.  The “Create-a-Player” is back for an encore, and you’ll be able to throw your own face into the game if that suits your ego.

I give this game a 7.5.  If you’re a golf nut who loves the PGA tour and watches the Golf Channel every day, you will love this game.  For weekend warriors such as myself, I’ll stick to HOT SHOTS.

*Easter egg: Complete the first Boston challenge to unlock the CEC Mining Hazard Suit from the space horror game Dead Space.  You can purchase it in the Pro Shop for $35,000.