Video Game Review: Tiger Woods '09

Gamers who are used to previous Tiger Woods games will find themselves comfortably at home with similar controls - they may even notice Tiger Woods '09's controls are vastly more forgiving. This is partly due to EA developers working to finely smooth out the bugs of a very rough Tiger Woods '08 that left many players frustrated. This year offers another improvement to the controls that also bring a sense of reality into the game - club tuning. Club Tuning is done on a simulated driving range where you can increase the sweet spot on a particular club should you wish to improve accuracy or you can juice up your distance if you want to hit the ball longer. This aspect adds a sense of realness to the game and the practice needed to score well.

Another added dimension to aiding your golfer, as well as your own playing abilities, is the addition of Tiger's own real life coach Hank Haney. He is available to give you tips, drills, and personalized assistance that will undoubtedly help to improve your performance in the game.

Each new year, EA adds even more world class golf courses to an ever growing roster of the best on earth. With Tiger Woods '09 we are introduced to Wentworth, Sheshan, Wolf Creek, and Bay Hill. These additions to previous year's courses assure a unique playing experience each time you play any of the diverse courses.

New faces to make their appearance this year include Se Ri Pak and Darren Clarke. These add to the already dense roster accumulated from previous years. Also still available is the ever-popular Create a Golfer system where you can customize your own likeness using the game's deep customizing tools.

Currency is made by competing on the PGA tour season or by completing certain events like long drive, head-to-head, or the Tiger Challenge mode. This cash can be used to buy new equipment or clothing which not only help to add a little personalized style to your golfer but also includes skill bonuses. In year's past it was too easy to simply buy your way to being a better golfer. This year the skill bonuses are limited while more emphasis is spent towards skill-progression from actually playing the game.

Online play remains nearly the same as it has from last year. You can now play more than one other person at the same time online, which is one marked improvement and one that doesn't show any lag or slowdown. This helps to speed up play so that you don't have to schedule an hour or more just to complete an online round.

The club tuner, smooth controls, Hank Haney's advice, and an emphasis on a more reality based skill-progression make Tiger Woods '09 a dramatic improvement upon previous years' offerings. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned pro, this fun yet technical golf game is the best on the market - sure to become one of the most used games in your library.