I really don't have any insights into what the future may hold for a Wii successor, but the move to HD is inevitable. Each year presents its own set of challenges, but I don't think we've hit the limits on the Wii just yet. IGN: At this point, have you effectively maxed out the Wii? Are there any things you'd like to attempt with the system, or are you ready for a Wii successor? From a development perspective, what do you hope for from a Wii successor? Busch: While we continue to optimize the game and improve performance to allow for additional features and graphical enhancements, there will naturally be diminishing returns as we extend further into the lifespan of any hardware platform. IGN: What are your thoughts on the 3DS? Do you think we could see Tiger Woods make its way to the system? Is that something you'd like to attempt? Busch: I really can't comment specifically on the 3DS, but as with the recent release of EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR® Golf Challenge on Facebook, we're always looking for new and exciting ways to expand our golf franchise into new markets. We also have an improved green grid when putting, and added a new heat map overlay to improve the ability to read the contours of the green on approach shots. IGN: Graphically are you making any tweaks to this year's edition? Busch: We updated all of our 3D golfer models and improved the golfers' shadows. Both Disc Golf and Mini Golf can be played offline with up to 4 players, and Disc Golf can be played online against a single opponent. We've added a 5th Mini Golf course, EA Boardwalk, which is a seaside course that features more of a classical take on miniature golf with angled walls and obstacles to maneuver your putts around. Are Disc Golf and Mini Golf back this year? Are there any new games? Do these have multiplayer functionality? Busch: Yes, both Disc Golf and Mini Golf return this year. IGN: Tiger Woods has routinely featured a variety of mini-games in addition to the core golf attraction. Swinging with poor balance can result in up to a 20% power penalty. In the Pro mode your balance will also be measured, but this time you'll need to maintain good balance during your swing in order to achieve 100% power on your shots. This can be useful off the tee or when trying to reach the green on a long par 5. After earning enough balance points you will unlock a power shot, which provides an extra 10% power on your next shot. In the Arcade mode your balance will be measured during each swing, and based on how well you perform you will be awarded balance points. The balance board has two distinct modes, Arcade and Pro. We did however add support for the Wii Balance Board, something which seemed to be the next step in the natural evolution of the swing. Are you experimenting or tweaking any control concepts this year? Busch: The enhancements to the swing provided by the Wii MotionPlus have been extremely well received, so much so that we didn't feel it necessary to make any real changes. IGN: Wii MotionPlus has obviously been a high point for the series thus far. When nailing down this year's feature list we used Augusta as a barometer of sorts, specifically focusing on those features we felt would best showcase the rich tradition and history of the course and its tournament. This year we were able to secure the rights to the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, which historically has been our number one requested feature. How do you improve upon an experience that's already, arguably, one of the best out there? How do you keep this year's version from feeling like last year's – while not ruining a good thing? Eric Busch: Keeping things fresh is obviously a challenge for any franchise that's on a yearly release schedule, but at the same time it allows you to look back at the previous year to see what worked and what may not have been as well received. IGN: Tiger Woods has been exceptionally well-received on Wii for a couple years running now.
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