Visually, not much has changed from last version, but that’s not a bad thing as the graphics and presentation were already great on the PSP. Beyond the already impressive player models, lush greens, and wonderful animations, are reduced load times between courses! This was a big gripe in the gaming world, and I am happy to say that EA has addressed this issue. While still not as quick as the consoles, they are one-step closer to it. There is a new putting green grid and putting trail that makes for more difficult and realistic putting. A few new game face additions, pro golfers, and courses make for an interesting experience for the eyes, even if you are still playing Tiger 05.

Audio is virtually unchanged. You have great play-by-play, crowd, and sound effects. All ported straight from the console to your PSP, with little to no loss in translation. The game face voice feature found in the home versions of Tiger 06 is absent, which is disappointing as it gives your created golfer more personality. Lastly, the same EA Trax found in the home versions are here as well…for better or for worse.

Gameplay still uses the PSP’s nub analog stick, but thankfully, the controls have been tweaked and tightened to the point that you feel as if you have a definite control over your own destiny. As mentioned earlier, the new putting feature is more difficult, but in a good way. You now have to judge the slopes and breaks of the green in order to be successful. If you use a created golfer, earning your kudos means taking your lumps early on until you gain, enough points for experience. You will be double bogeying left and right until you get your golfer up to snuff. The lack of a right analog means no double analog swinging, which is a drag as I really enjoyed what that feature brought to the table. In the end, the game plays similar to 05, yet has a tighter more responsive feel to it.

New features such as Rival Mode and new mini games have made it into Tiger 06. In Rivals mode, you work your way to the top with your created golfer. Take on the top 14 PGA Tour stars and show the world you are the fiercest competitor out there. Exclusive mini-games such as Putting Frenzy provide some added fun and replay value. You of course have a good amount of courses to play on such as Pebble Beach, TPC, Spyglass, Edgewood, and more! Three fantasy course are at your disposal as well, each with a unique theme like Antarctica. Party Play mode allows you to use a single UMD and play with up to four other PSP users in modes like Putting Frenzy, three Hole Skins, and Playoff Round. WiFi connection allows you to play five modes such as Stroke Play, Match Play, Skins and more. What is absent again is a PGA Career mode and Real time Calendar. Now if for time restraints I can give EA another year to provide a good PGA Career mode, but since the PSP keeps time and date, why omit the Real Time Calendar?

Overall, Tiger 06 is not a huge leap over 05, but the new modes and features may warrant the quick purchase if you just have to have the latest and greatest of the series on PSP. Next season I expect no less than a Career Mode, or else…ya hear me EA?