'TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 07'

'TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 07'
(EA Sports) for Wii
Genre: Sports; Rating: E
Grade: B-
"Wii Golf" on the "Wii Sports" compilation was a decent primer on what could be possible, but "Super Swing Golf" just didn't have enough to keep you interested. However, now comes "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07" for the Wii.
It makes sense that the behemoth of golfing franchises would be so successful on the Wii.
The big brouhaha is that "Tiger Woods 07" uses the often-praised motion-sensitive control scheme, where you swing the handheld remote similar to how a pro would swing an actual club on the weekend. For we actual golfers, this is a pseudo-blessing. At least it's an opportunity to practice a swing while playing a game, without spending money at a driving range.
The gameplay is fantastic. Although there are occasional glitches with the motion sensitivity, it is, over all, a fantastic execution of the sport.
The best character-creation mode in all of gaming is back, so if you want to create a mirrorlike image of yourself -- or a golfer from Dr. Frankenstein's lab -- everything is at your disposal. This is always a standout feature -- even more so in this game, because the graphics are not strong and pull down the overall quality.
'MOTORSTORM'
(Sony) for PlayStation 3
Genre: Racing; Rating: T
Grade: C
"MotorStorm" can perhaps best be described as "Mad Max" with tons of fun and crashes, but without all the gloom and finality of death. This delivers an exciting racing game with combat tactics.
The racing takes place on one of eight tracks. The vehicle you choose helps dictate how you will run the course. (Heavier trucks will stay low in the valleys, muscling it out, while the lighter ATVs or motorcycles will take to the high ground.)
Although the gameplay and concept shine bright, things dim when it comes to the actual "ways" to play this "MotorSport." There are no multiplayer features (unless you play online), and there's little content beyond the brief single-player mode. Single-player-only games are fine, but just unlocking courses with no story at all makes it difficult to justify owning a game.
Still, "MotorSport" is extremely fun.
'METEOS: DISNEY MAGIC'
(Disney) for DS
Genre: Puzzle; Rating: E
Grade: C
One of the better-executed series of puzzle games of recent years is "Meteos."
Without getting too technical, this is mainly about creating blocks of like-colored squares and having them explode or fly off the screen.
Rack up the combos, rake in the big points, wash, rinse, repeat, enjoy.
Here, popular Disney characters and film scenes are along for the fun. In addition to Winnie the Pooh and other Magic Kingdom favorites, there are also new features, mostly relating to gameplay. They include special abilities to better use the blocks at your disposal.
The best way to enjoy "Meteos" is by playing it with friends. Four players can play with just one cartridge, and it's great fun to have players throwing blocks at each other's screens and overwhelming players into certain defeat.
Try to get past the shoving of Disney characters and music down your throat. This can be an enjoyable puzzle game for DS owners.
-- Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard