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EA Sports's games are a bit like Tiger's golf swing - pretty much the same every time but constantly improving and raking in ridiculous amounts of money.

It's all about consistency - taking what is effective and making it even better. This year improvements to the tour are seven new courses, five new players and some new play modes, including online PC and PS2 play.

All fairly superficial stuff, then, but when the package is this complete already, it's all a bonus.

Swing When You're Winning
The major improvement here is a greater concentration on the Career modes. You can create a golfer with the enhanced player editor and take him out on the course to tame the tiger. It's truly rewarding and the licensing means that you can attain sponsorship and spend your money on some real golfing equipment.The control system also builds on those of its predecessors. Tiger Woods 2002 redefined control methods in videogame golf, using a swing of the analog stick to imitate the timing, precision and rhythm of a real golf swing.

This feature adds untold depth for those prepared to put in the hours of practice out on the range, since real masters can put fade and slice on their shots.

The best way to describe TW 2004 is, just like Tiger's swing, reliable. It remains on top of the golf game leaderboard and is dropping even further under par every year.