TIGER’S COACH IS YOUR COACH IN TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 09
Tiger’s Performance Coach, Hank Haney, Guides Gamers through Their Career
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., - May 1, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 09, the next installment of the world’s #1 selling golf video game franchise*, will be available in retail stores this summer. The game will feature dynamic, personalized gameplay via Tiger Woods’ personal coach, Hank Haney. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 also features a more intuitive and customized EA SPORTS™ GamerNet** experience as well as an all-new game engine powering online play.
“Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 is the most authentic golf video game on the market, and we’re excited to bring an immersive experience to the masses,” said Executive Producer Mike Taramykin. “Our partnership with Hank Haney provides fans immediate coaching from one of the top minds in golf. This year’s game brings unprecedented levels of customization and control, allowing seasoned vets and first time players ‘inside the ropes’ of TOUR golf.”
Looking to drive the ball long and straight? Trying to nail the pin with the approach shot? An all-new addition to this year’s game, Haney will assist gamers as they hit the links and try to advance their career to win the FedExCup. In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, a player’s skill level is dynamic, constantly adjusting throughout the round just as it would during a real afternoon out on the links. Following each round, Haney will deliver customized feedback on a player’s performance. This feedback system allows all gamers, rookies or PGA TOUR pros, to compete and enjoy the game at any level.
EA SPORTS GamerNet is a ground-breaking online innovation that features a refined, easy-to-use interface in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09. EA SPORTS GamerNet challenges, such as long drive, approach shots and putting will be delivered instantly throughout all game modes and players will have the ability to post their challenges from the fairways. EA SPORTS GamerNet also features an all-new daily leaderboard and challenges customized to fit an individual’s playing style.
Online play has also been enhanced with Simultaneous Play. This all-new online engine gives up to four players the ability to play each hole at the same time, allowing players to get in a rhythm, swing when they are ready and make one round of golf even faster and more competitive than ever before possible.
Developed in Orlando, Fla., by EA Tiburon, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 will be available on August 26 on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Wii™.
For more information about Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, check out www.easports.com/tigerwoods09.
EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.
SportsGamer's Take:
Not a bad choice from a technical standpoint. No one will question Hank Haney's knowledge of the game or ability to offer insight on the links if the greatest golfer to ever play the game pays him to do exactly that. The only question is whether his insight is actually necessary. As distance to the hole, wind conditions, elevation, and current lie are all listed precisely, is club selection really that difficult? Additionally, do you really need Hank to give you "customized feedback on (your) performance" after every hole? If you birdied the hole, you probably wouldn't need someone to tell you why you did. And, if you posted triple bogey, the reason should be equally obvious. In fact, part of the fun is discovering how to shave strokes by yourself.
Other golf titles (the most recent Hot Shots for instance) have implemented audible coaches or caddies and they are more of an annoyance than an aid. Just imagine how annoying this would be in real life.
Instead it would have been interesting to see a colorful list of characters that you can bring with you out on the course. Although they wouldn't necessarily offer great insight into your game, their presence would be entertaining and there would be incentive to unlock all the characters. ALF could berate opposing golfers with some Melmac trash talkin'. Not getting a hush from the crowd or enough applause after quality swings? Just have Mr.T regulate the most disruptive spectator. It would even add some more fun to the online experience without having a serious of impact on the core gameplay.
Have other candidates you think would work well? Shoot me an email at shanker@sportsgamer.com with an image of you caddie/trainer candidate and we'll post them up.
