When Tiger Woods 05 came out last year, old Tiger was playing like a Kitten suffering from one of the worst slumps of his career. Man, how much a year makes a difference. Tiger is now back on the top of his game and with his magnificent form comes another great year for virtual golfing in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 from EA Sports... it's in the game.

With the next generation systems around the corner, it's obvious that EA would not set out to reinvent the Tiger series this late in the current console lifespan. Instead, like years past, they have added to an already solid franchise, while still offering tons of new feature to keep veteran gamers interested. This year is no different. Sure, there are some new mechanics in game play, slightly enhanced visuals, and a few new features, but you have to wonder when we are going to see the evolution of the series go into its next cycle.

Visuals are just as refined and gorgeous as previous versions of the series, with new and subtle differences added to give the game increased flare and a more appealing look to the eye. The presentation remains virtually the same, with some changed overlays and scoreboard screens. The power/accuracy cut scenes are back this year with new and inventive camera angles, which add even more life to the game of golf. The players look as fantastic as ever, each moving with slick animations, taunts, and facial expressions. The courses are filled with lush green fields as far as the eye can see. Trees will sway, oceans crash against the rocks, and just watch that sand blow in the wind when getting out of a tight bunker shot. Some courses throw you off with increased water or bunker placements, while some fantasy courses are just silly, yet fun. With the Game Face feature, you can re-create yourself and become that pro you have always wanted to be, but never had the skills. Not only can you shape and form your face and body, but also this year there is an added voice feature that allows you to give your golfer a voice. In the end, Tiger looks as good as ever, but there is no doubt the engine can use a change.

Audio hasn't changed much from last year. The sound effects are generally the same, which is not necessarily a bad thing since they were solid to begin with. Fehrety and McCord provide they are humorous, yet informative commentary and play by play. EA Trax is back, but sadly is a list of forgettable songs and bands.

Gameplay is where it is at in the Tiger Woods series. Not only has this year's version kept the same strong game play in tact, but it has added a few new elements that will challenge even hardcore fans of the series. A new advanced swing system uses both analog sticks to shape shots. The left analog stick executes the swing and the right stick controls the ball trajectory and spin. On the putting green, players will rely on touch and finesse as they swing the analog stick only as far as needed to make the putt. Not only that, but caddie system has been eliminated forcing gamers to rely on reading the green, which results in punishing or rewarding on how well you can read them. A new aiming mechanism also enables the user to line up and gauge the putting speed. In my opinion, being a golfer in my spare time, it is nice for to see the short game addresses and stressed as the bear that it really is. Heck anyone can drive off the tee for 250 yards, but it is what you do and how much touch you possess that will make or break you as a golfer. EA has even tossed in Reactive Tiger proofing that makes the game more difficult as you score well and will ease up when you are playing poorly. I do not personally get the reasoning behind such "course" A.I., as golf is a game based off rhythm and confidence. Thankfully, EA thought of that too courtesy of the Gamebreaker option. Based on good or bad shots and scores you make, your Gamebreaker meter will increase or decrease. When you hit certain thresholds, you will earn the opportunity to trigger a Gamebreaker situation giving you the ability to hit the ball longer and more accurate.

Tiger Woods 06 once again provides gamers enough options, modes, and course to keep them swinging until next year. Fifteen playable golf courses are at your disposal, eleven that are licensed and four fantasy courses. You will play at such beautiful venues like St. Andrews, TPC Sawgrass, Reflection Bay, Cog Hill Golf Club, Pumpkin Ridge, Shale Country Club, Doral Golf Resort and more! Disappointing is the number of Pros, as only the big boys are represented. Golfers you will play against are Tiger, Vijay, DiMarco, Weir, Poulter, and Donald. You can play against some great legends like Nicklaus and Palmer, but I would really like to see the amount of golfers like those that we had in the PSOne days of the PGA series.

Besides the courses and players, new modes and features hit the links as well. Now you can call your shot as well as wager upon it before you make it. Online mode returns will new options and stricter handicap system, which makes it easier to find golfers who play on your level. There will be online tourneys and leaderboards, but sadly no content download for new courses or apparel. Career mode returns allowing you to play up to 30 seasons on a 52-week calendar. Fans of the series don't fret as the mini games and real time calendar events are still here as well. Lastly, a new Rivals Mode has been added, which gives you the chance to earn the title of the number one golfer in the world.

Tiger fans should have no hesitation when making the decision of buy or not for version 06. While not drastically changed or overhauled, there is still plenty of newness to this year's version that will keep fans happy another season. Just seeing what EA has done with this series over the past few years just whets my appetite for what is possible on the next generation systems. With the Xbox 360 just a few weeks away, my anticipation grows higher each day. Tiger Woods 06 is still a buy even if it is just to pass the time until the new one hits the 360, if anything to just experience the new modes and features.