The upper echelons of sporting players find their names integrated into popular culture. Regardless of whether a person enjoys a particular sport they instantly recognise the formidable name of Tiger Woods and the regalia associated with it. This ubiquitousness results is a variety of merchandise released in an attempt to increase sales through the implementation of top athlete into a game. Tiger Woods Golf has long proved to be a successful franchise due to a solid foundation of semi-realistic gameplay, a plethora of events and an array of professional golfers. However, EA games have often fallen into complacency regarding the franchise; the yearly instalments only offer trivial improvements whilst failing to substantiate the early promise held by the series. Does the latest instalment of Tiger Woods continue this trend or does it revive a franchise long dismissed by the gaming community?

Graphically, Tiger Woods ’08 remain essentially the same as its forebears. The professional players are exceptionally realistic representation of their real world counterparts. The games dominant graphical failing is the simplicity of the backgrounds and textures. The multitudes of fans cluttering the course are often indistinguishable from each other. Whilst buildings are a negligible presence, their appearance is often frustrating. They all appear to be identical to each other. The simplicity of the textures on the walls once again reinforces the atmosphere of a game meant for the previous generation of consoles. Perhaps the most infuriating facet is the minute differences in each golfers swing. Only a golfing fan will notice the nuances in each swing. As expected there is substantial variety in create the player mode. Tiger Woods’08 offers the choice of putting your face on your golfer. This is an enjoyable diversion which helps in the feeling of immersion.

However despite my grievances with graphics of the game I must applaud the embellishments in the gameplay. These additions offer a sense of difficulty missing in the other games. Personally I found the best improvement to be how confidence effects your on screen character. Confidence will increase when a good shot is hit, this will result in a larger aiming circle. Hit a poor shot and you options will be more limited, represented by a smaller aiming circle. In past additions of the game the putting has proved difficult to effectively master. Putts have often missed the hole despite the games assurance they will reach the hole. EA has combated this dilemma through the instigation of a preview mode. This preview mode gives the player the option to see where there putt will end up before actually hitting it. This results in an experience more accessible to players ignorant of the subtleties of golf. EA has prevented this from being excessively easy by limiting the previews to one per a hole.

As in previous instalments of the franchise the career mode is extensive and absorbing. Initially, the player takes control of a golfer with no experience. You are able to shape his ability through taking part in challenges such as long drive contests. Disappointingly, tedium often sets in due to a lack of diversity. Players are often repeating the same types of challenges for minor rewards.

Sadly, the plague of all golf games remain, the boredom and monotony associated with the soundtrack. The commentator is emotionless and the sound of crowd applause grows tiresome. The majority of gamers will probably resort to using custom soundtracks to alleviate dullness.

The multi-player segment of the title remains enjoyable offline. Players are greeted with an exhaustive amount of game modes including the ever present head to head mode. Multiplayer games give a challenge far more formidable then computer opponent and add longevity to the title.

There is an expansive array of achievements that are predominately focused on the offline section. Whilst they appear daunting at first they are attainable and offer a long term challenge after the initial lustre of the game has worn off.

Tiger Woods Golf’08 has proved to be a successful step in the progressive evolution of the stable franchise. The bulk of gameplay enhancements work well and result in a title with surprising depth. Sadly, the graphics and sound remain sub-standard; however this leaves the player fondly anticipating the inevitable next installment.