Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007 preview

Its no surprise to see one of the PS2's most popular and enduring series available from day one on PlayStation 3. Tiger Woods reinvented the golfing videogame and showed it was possible to actually enjoy the sport without a Pringle sweater and cap. Gamestyle would expect that plenty of fans have managed to avoid the Xbox 360 version in order to experience a more fleshed out update on their new machine, but will the wait be worth it?That's because for all the good points of the 360 version, there was this underlying feeling that golfers and courses had been pruned to ensure a quick release. Thankfully the content for the PS3 version has been improved (although not to the degree that some of us are used to). Yet not only the content has been increased but the aiming system has also been enhanced, but the problems on the green still remain. Putting is a real skill and never before has that been more truer than here, as all of your good approach work can be easily undone.Despite such criticism, the online integration and range of modes ensured a long life. Modes include Match Play, Battle Golf, 21 and the use of the ESPN license to deliver news whilst you play. This can either be in the form of a ticker tape or through ESPN radio that updates you on events for 20 minutes, every hour.A criticism from many gamers was the ability to purchase locked items on the Xbox Live Marketplace. These would have previously only been available to players who met certain criteria, but by paying cash you could circumnavigate such obstacles. The downside was that jumping online ensured you would often come across fully maxed-out players immediately giving them an unfair advantage. Gamestyle isn't 100% sure if the feature will exist in the PS3 edition, but we'd be very surprised if it was not available via the online Sony store.EA Redwood Shores have taken advantage of the SIXAXIS controller and you can control the spin through the motion sensor function, although not a massive feature it shows that the technology can be integrated with ease. Those expecting another PS3 title running at 1080p will be disappointed to know that Tiger Woods can only manage 720p. Yet this is enough to appreciate the lavish detail up close on the characters and courses - surprisingly viewpoints from afar highlight the opposite.Those who already love the series will be in safe hands, whether the additions are enough to attract new players remains to be seen. However for golfers everywhere it's another must-have purchase and a refreshing change from all the guns and racing at launch day.