It wasn’t that long ago that EA released Tiger Woods PGA Tour, its first attempt at bringing the console golf experience to the PSP. While the attempt was a noble one, it was marred by a collection of small problems, more notably long load times that ended up dragging down the experience. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 clears up many of last year’s major problems, making it what last year’s game should have been.

The 06 version of Tiger Woods looks just as good as it did last year. Once again I amazed at how great the game looks and am still floored that this is on a handheld. Graphics are easily the most impressive thing about the game, especially with the addition of a few new animations and better texture work. The leap from last year’s version to this year’s isn’t drastic, but there are changes. The “Game Face” feature, which was one of my personal favorite modes from last year, is also back. The system has been expanded and lets you create an even more diverse variety of custom golfers.

The selection of music included in PGA 06 keeps pace with last year’s. Music is mostly limited to the menu and load-up screens, making for a quieter sports experience than most. But then again, golf isn’t known as a “loud” game anyway, so it works. A majority of the songs included have a hip-hop beat, but they’re not as up-tempo as something you might find in Madden. Instead, the entire soundtrack has a much calmer feel that grooves with the game’s peaceful atmosphere.

For lack of a better way of putting it, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 feels more like an improved and expanded “extended version” of last year’s game. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing since last year’s game was great – but it does bring up a few question marks for fans of the last game that may be looking at this version.

Fans still looking at PGA 06 as a purchase will find only a few changes instead of a major overhaul. Again, the game feels exactly like last year’s version only with a few tweaks to the single-player game. Instead of facing off against Legends and Legends Challenges, you’ll face a Rivals mode which is sort of a hybrid of each mode. You start off at the bottom of the ladder and slowly work your way up by facing off against some of the world’s greatest golfers. Sometimes you’ll face off in 18-hole tournaments, while at others you’ll challenge a pro in quick head-to-head games. Eventually you’ll work your way up to Tiger himself.

You’ll also have to compete in skill challenges such as long-drive competitions or a putting game where you need to make putts from various locations on the green. As a mini-golf fan, I actually found myself enjoying this challenge more than some of the “real” challenges. All the mode really needs is a windmill and an 18th hole that eats your ball...

PGA 06 also adds a few new courses, which join Sawgrass and Pebble Beach. The nine new courses will take you around the world and include some much-needed changes of scenery. True, it’s hard to tell some courses apart from others, but it’s still nice to have a little change.

The revamping of the single-player game ends up helping out the game’s difficulty curve greatly. Last year’s version was prone to a few bouts of cheap gameplay that I didn’t experience in PGA 06. Yes, there are a few difficult movements and more than one “magical” putt made by the A.I. that seems a little too good to be true (moments that WILL cause you to scream “Cheap”). But the overall experience flowed much easier and even came with a nice sense of reward once I was able to get through them.

After almost a year of dealing with the PSP’s analog nub, I’m finally starting to get the feel for it. And, as it turns out, this sudden comfort level couldn’t have come at a better time since PGA 06 makes full use of the nub for swinging.

Once again, the console version’s analog swing mechanic comes to the PSP version. The guiding principal behind the system requires you to pull back on the stick and then up to release. A perfectly timed (and straight) swing will send the ball cruising while any deviation will shank the ball off course. The PSP’s system is more forgiving than in the console versions, which actually helped increase my enjoyment. A new power meter accompanies the swing mechanic, making it the only change to the system. Essentially the meter is there to make swinging easier by giving you a clearer idea of just how much kick you’re putting into your swing. Vets may find that the mechanic detracts from the experience, but for a golf novice like myself, it is a great addition.

As with last year’s game, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is a great game of golf for those on the go. Granted it feels more like an extended edition of last year’s game, but the additions are just enough to make the purchase a little easier for fans of the series.