The graphics of EA Sports' Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2000 are fairly impressive. Even with the detail, camera angles and new screens load quite quickly, making this a great game for 'speed golf.' However, I was very disappointed in the fact that the onscreen graphics don't accurately show the actual slope of the terrain - it is merely a quick representation. To see what you should have been able to see from the beginning, you have to hold down the

If you are looking to get in a quick 18 before bed, this very well may be the best golf game ever! The speed of the game will allow you to easily play an entire tournament in one night. But if you are looking for a true golf simulation - turn the other cheek!!! There are way too many discrepancies to make this a true 'sim'. The most notable? How about the fact that you can actually control the spin and direction of the ball after you hit it. Not just one direction - that would be acceptable - but if you spin it left and see that bunker approaching, you are allowed to reverse its direction and have it steer clear! Sure, you could just ignore the 'Tiger Control,' but then you won't be able to use any spin through the game. Come on, EA - what happened to the once-great PGA Tour series???

There are, however, 7 different events to choose from (on 5 courses!), including a 5-tourney season and the ever-popular 'skins' game - not to mention two different 2-on-2 team events (these are great!). I believe that people that liked the original Tiger Woods game will love this one, but fans of the original series may have a harder time dishing out the $40.

I don't even want to go into this, because I could rant all day. There are 3 skill settings, as all of the PGA Tour series games have had: Novice, Amateur, and Pro. Don't even bother with anything other than Pro, because at a few spots in the game, it is nearly impossible to drive the ball anywhere except out-of-bounds!!! It's simple, the amateur golfer just can't hit it far enough. Don't believe me? Well, on one hole I racked up 30+ over par (using analog stick), and a nice little message popped up on my screen: 'Woody, you have just set a personal WORST ROUND record with a score of 113.' (quite humorous, actually!)

Using the Pro difficulty is much better for distance, but you had better hit the driving range to get used to the speed of the meter! Keeping this in mind, Tiger Woods is not an easy game. It is easy to get into and play, but not to master. With the added difficulty of using the analog stick (optional) instead of the 3-click-swing-meter, the game will have a lot of replay value. Please, if anyone ever even has a chance for Eagle in Amateur mode, please e-mail me.

THE GOOD: In TW PGA Tour 2000, you have the option of using the analog stick (either left or right!) giving a pretty good simulation of a trackball-style interface (a la 'Golden Tee' arcade). This game is F-A-S-T!!! You will be able to shoot a single player 18-hole round in just over half an hour.

THE BAD: The in-game interface in Tournament mode does not show your current round's Score - only the entire tourney's +/- par score. Also, between holes, the game only shows the top 5 scores and doesn't allow you to scroll to see where everyone stands. Where's my man, Peter Jacobsen? There are only 5 PGA Tour Pros in this game, folks.

THE UGLY: Since when can you control the flight of the ball after it's been hit??? Hey, EA - how about going back to the original series and dropping this Tiger Woods fellow??? Try paying your programmers to make the game better instead of dishing out the green for someone's name and voice talent (or lack there of)!!!