Visually Tiger PSP is near spot on as compared to the the home versions. It's almost as if someone plugged a PS2 into my PSP screen and I were playing as if this were so, it's that close. Sure, there are some animations missing, the load times are a bit on the long side, and some of the technical flare is not as brilliant as what you may see on the home front, but this is a handheld, and I can't get over the fact I'm playing something that looks this good on one. This is a good for instance since I have played the Nintendo DS version not too long ago and it is nowhere near the splendor of this PSP version. Everything from the golfers, to the courses is intricately detailed to the finest points. EA has even ported over the infamous Game Face feature that has a good amount of features to make that golfer look just like you, or pretty darn close. Even the presentation is top notch, including such details as the perfect tee off swing cut-scenes. Yes folks, once you start playing this PSP version, you will soon forget you are playing a handheld as the graphics on this port are some of the best offered to date.

Audio is just as amazing, carrying over all the pertinent sound effects; ambient sounds, and play by play to near perfection. This is very noticeable when you have earphones on to provide a more dynamic experience. The commentators are just as chatty and informative as the home versions, which is amazing considering the size of the PSP disc. I was expecting some sacrifices in the audio, but alas, none were taken. EA has even provided their EA Trax for this version, but finally submits a more suitable music genre that fits this game. Honestly, I'm a punker, but I do not need to hear music to pit jump in while I'm playing a golf game.

Game play in Tiger PSP has been translated with terrific results to this little handheld. The analog swing feature is here, providing that accurate golfing simulation. There is some getting use to of the new analog stick on the PSP, and you will find yourself slicing and hooking early on. Do not get frustrated too soon, as the better you become acquainted with this analog stick, the better golfer you will become. All the specific control scheme maneuvers are here including; circle to zoom to your target, rapidly pressing R button for power on the tee or spin while in the air, a club changing button, etc. The A.I. either seems to be smarter and better this time around, or I'm just not as good at this version yet, but my matches are easily closer than on my Tiger '05 on the Xbox. This in my opinion is a good thing, as I'm still scoring low scores, yet my opponents aren't pushovers either.

Tiger PSP offers a slew of courses, players, game modes, and even online play. Crammed into the tiny little UMD you will find 12 accurately detailed courses, a good amount of all time greats from Tiger himself to the Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus, and a ton of clothing, apparel and options for your personal Game Face. For a launch title, I was expecting just quick play matches and some slight stat tracking, but Tiger didn't skimp on the options. You have your typical skins, match, and tourneys, along with a legends tour that will put you through three skill levels of match types to become a legend yourself. Toss in some very fun Wi-Fi play for stroke, match and party play and you have a nicely rounded package on the go.

To say I have been impressed with the PSP thus far is an understatement. Heck, I don't even dig handhelds that much, as I generally never go anywhere, and if I do, I'm the one who is driving most of the time. My theory is if I am going to be at home playing a game, it will be on my HD big screen, not a handheld. Yet, I have found myself strapped to this little machine, especially while my wife is playing a game on the big screen. Tiger on the PSP is one of those games that have me hooked, and I've all but forgotten that Tiger 2005 even exists because of it. I just hope more games on the system turn out like or better than this down the road. If this becomes the case, I will be happy I shelled out that $250 for a handheld instead of chucking back for the next generation of consoles on the way. Tiger PSP is one of those games that you need to buy on this handheld whether you like sports games or not, as it showcases what possibilities lay within the PSP.