Tiger Woods 09 for the Pocket PC is a bit of a disappointment. Instead of taking advantage of the added power of the platform, EA has lazily ported the standard mobile version with no added features to speak of.
On the positive side, this is an easy to play golf title. Swinging is simple, nothing more than holding the button and letting go when the meter reaches the desired power. A marker indicates the point where you’re aiming, making it even easier.
In fact, it almost makes it too easy. Not only is the power gauged before every shot, putts are lined up without any need for a grid. Admittedly, reading a grid on a small screen wouldn’t be that easy, but to compensate this way takes almost all challenge. The only mistake you can make is power or accuracy due to a lack of smoothing.
Unlike the mobile version which has more of a concern for space, Tiger Pocket PC offers all five available courses right from the start. It’s a solid roster, including the usuals like Pebble Beach. All courses are modeled in 3-D with a sprite-based golfer. Scrolling is smooth, but nothing here is taking advantage of the platform.
Likewise, the game is anemic when it comes to the feature department. Unlike mobile golf rival Vijay Singh, there is no career mode to partake in, new clubs to buy, or leveling up to do. A basic tournament and some challenges are fine for quick play, but not for those extended sessions.
While a fine port, there is far more opportunity here than realized. A touch screen based swing would be great, with the possibility of mimicking the Nintendo DS port. If brief sessions are all you’re after, Tiger 09 may fit the bill, but there are better golf games out there for you’re Pocket PC.
Full disclosure: Game provided for review (and available to buy) by Handango.com.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Wed, Feb 25, 2009
Multiplayergames.com, Reviews