GOLF GAMES

The undisputed King of the Fairway, in realms both real and virtual, is Tiger Woods. Woods' appeal as a can-do genius transcends the game he is famous for playing and certainly adds to the marketing power and reach his name now commands. Games enthusiasts have relished the annual release of Tiger Woods PGA Tour for several years. Reading online reviews of the various releases is quite illuminating.
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Almost invariably, the first review of each year's Tiger Woods is the most positive. In fact, they seem to suspiciously resemble the company's own description. The reviews indicate that Electronic Arts seemed to hit the mark most accurately with the 2006 release. Subsequent releases seem to indicate that EA is simply milking the cash cow that is Tiger Woods, as the reviews grow increasingly negative. Gamers bemoan the sub-par background graphics and the lack of any truly new or innovative features.

Still, one gains a sense of the over-riding joy golf can bring and it is apparent that the computer game versions give enthusiasts the chance to pursue their hobby in a different, though no less gratifying format.

Also apparent is the cross-generational aspect of sports computer games like golf. One would, perhaps unreasonably, presume that pensioners, often keen lifelong golfers, would not be able to make the transition to the computer version. However, many reviewers comment on how much their ageing fathers, etc, truly enjoy playing the computer game version of golf. And if they're ever one short of a foursome, they can always go online and pit their skills against some of the best in the game.