Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08

Every well-known sport must have a recurring game franchise. It's probably engraved on a cave painting in France somewhere. In the case of golf, we've got a franchise represented by the world's most famous golfer, of course. Time to get immersed in the high-octane action that is Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08.

It's admissible that even though you may not be a golfer, these games can actually be fun. The franchise has done a decent job of translating the intricacies of golfing into playable mechanics. There are challenges, skills, and careers to behold, albeit in what is considered one of the more mundane sports. So are we going to get any improvements on the most famous golfing game franchise?

Straight Into The Woods

Anybody who actually has played the previous installment in the franchise will notice straight away that not much has changed. There are no major overhauls or any experimental additions. Only some fine-tuning of the game mechanics. Those include efforts to remedy some previous nuisances and some graphical improvements to the game. It's more or less what to expect from an EA franchise.

If you are just entering the series with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08, what you'll discover is a decent all-around golfing experience. The swing and hit mechanics are accessible to new players, the game has a kind learning curve, and the visuals suit the beauty of the courses. It won't blow your mind, but even non-golfers can be entertained by what's on offer.

For Tiger Woods PGA Tour Franchise veterans - you may feel why bother to change from 07? If anything defines the 08 version as an improvement, it's the gameplay does feel more fluid. Other than that, you'll find the features such as career and mini-games are much the same. Other than the placement in different environments, of course.

The one significant thing that hinders Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is that the game had some breaking bugs. Players have complained of frequent crashes and freezes. There are even animation glitches and errors that prevent completing tournaments. While not everyone seems to face those, they are wide enough to be a concern. Other than that, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is just your average polished golf game.

Golf. Glitch. Go.

It's the problems with the game crashing that have put Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 into question. But somehow, if you manage to avoid all the bugs, it's yet another entry to a refined experience. Probably not one that you would go out of your way to purchase, though. What's offered in this installment simply isn't enough to satisfy long-term fans of the franchise, but it can bring in new ones.

Pros:

• Polished golfing mechanics that are accessible
• The game looks good, adding to a realistic experience
• Career mode is surprisingly good fun

Cons:

• Major glitches can break the game
• Not a significant upgrade from the previous offering
• Could offer some new gameplay modes