DEVELOPER: EA Sports

PUBLISHER: EA

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 4 (out of 5 stars)

With dozens of sports games under their belt, EA Sports knows how to please their fans. While some series are content to add few improvements to their yearly releases, "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09" introduces new courses, new golfers, a new online mode, the ability to tune clubs, and much more.

I've never been a huge fan of the Tiger Woods series because players must use the analog sticks to swing. I always found them to be too sensitive, but much to my delight, things have changed.

To begin with, the analog stick isn't nearly as sensitive as before, so players can make small miscalculations without slicing the ball into the trees. However, what I really like is the new Club Tuner feature, which lets cyber-golfers adjust the power, curve, and accuracy of their swing. Now I can compensate for my natural slice to the right, and nearly every shot goes down the middle of the fairway!

Gamers who prefer the classic 3-button press method can switch to that option at any time, but it offers less control. In addition, it isn't available in the hard difficulty because this game is intended to be a golfing simulation.

Another great new addition is the EA Sports GamerNet function, which lets players upload shots to the Internet. With this option turned on during play, budding golfers can attempt to beat these records while they play their regular game. You never know what record will pop up at what time, which makes the experience unpredictable.

Dynamic statistics have replaced the old method of allocating points into each skill. Now the game automatically adjusts each player's stats depending on their performance for the previous round. This realistically simulates real-life shot consistency and the emotional effect of performing well/poorly.

The new 4-player Simultaneous Play online mode lets players perform their shots at the same time rather than waiting for everyone else. This mode drastically decreases round time, and is yet another reason to pick up "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09."

Take a Swing at 'Mario Super Sluggers'

DEVELOPER: Nintendo

PUBLISHER: Nintendo

SYSTEM: Nintendo Wii

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3 (out of 5 stars)

Playing Wii Sports Baseball is surprisingly fun, so a game that lets virtual athletes jump on the playing field with Mario and his pals was inevitable. Nintendo's latest release, "Mario Super Sluggers," sports 40 oddball characters, strange power-up moves, and lots of mini-games. But you know what? I've played this title before, when it was called "Mario Superstar Baseball" (released on the GameCube three years ago).

Newcomers will appreciate the authentic Mario world represented in the game; complete with all the characters and super moves you've come to love. In addition, Mii characters created on the Wii hard drive can be used in-game, but they don't look nearly as polished as the ones that are supplied.

Unfortunately, the one major difference between the GameCube and the Wii (i.e. motion controls) is barely used in "Mario Super Sluggers." Instead of requiring a natural swing of the Wiimote that resembles real life baseball, the only thing required is to move it to one side to power up and then the opposite side to perform the swing. Heck, you really don't even need to power up a hit, which makes it so easy that it's boring (unless you're 6 years old).

On top of that, one of the control schemes completely replaces the swing motion with a simple button press. This shows that the motion controls are not only unnecessary, but also don't offer any advantages.

With such incredibly simplistic controls and game play, this title was obviously designed for casual gamers. I used to enjoy these types of games on occasion, but now they are so simplistic that my interest drops after 10 minutes.

"Mario Super Sluggers" is sure to be a hit with casual gamers, but anyone with basic baseball knowledge will want to dominate a different virtual diamond.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Pretty Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: Everyone

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.