Since we're getting so close to the launch of the first of the next-generation consoles, the Xbox 360, we've decided to take a look back at some of the games that have helped to make the Xbox a worldwide phenomenon. Our editors have sifted through all of the titles that have landed on the system, then argued and brawled with each other until we came up with the 25 games that best embody the spirit of the system. Don't agree with our rankings? See something we missed? Just want to compliment us on our hard work and dedication to our readers? Drop us a line and let us know what you think! 
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005We chose the 2005 version of
Tiger Woods PGA Tour for this list, but really, you couldn't go wrong with any of the series' recent three Xbox installments to date. After a few so-so versions for the PlayStation and PC,
Tiger PGA really came into its own around the 2003 version, blending a polished and addictive golf game with a variety of interesting game modes, from 2003's Tiger Challenge through 2005's Legends Tour. Scenarios provided interesting one-off challenges, and if courses ever got too simple,
2005's TigerProofing allowed you to toughen things up and build your own Dream 18.
Adding depth to the
Tiger games was an insanely detailed "Game Face" feature that allowed you to customize your golfer with meticulous detail, from facial features to body type. Thousands of clothing and equipment options guaranteed that you could make your golfer truly unique, and an RPG-like system allowed you to build up your golfer's stats until you were ready to go toe-to-toe with Tiger himself. In
2005, the series finally debuted on Xbox Live, giving players the chance to go online and show off their skills. It's a game that had something for everyone, and belongs in every Xbox library, golf fan or not.
Sluggo (Senior PC Editor): Tiger's one of those rare games that has enough depth to keep you occupied for hundreds of hours, and yet it's still simple enough for anyone to pick up and play, making it an equally great party game. If the "regular" modes aren't exciting enough, the
Tiger games have always included some entertaining (sometimes bizarre) mini-games, so there's something for everyone. I always liked the mode where you'd shoot for multiple targets, but the "speed golf" mode was always crazy fun as well.
Justin Leeper: A golf game sounds about as addictive as pushing thumbtacks into your tongue, but that couldn't be further from the truth. EA pools all of its resources and knowledge to craft a sports game that grabs you by the shaft and won't let go. First off, the analog swing is absolute perfection, and it hasn't been duplicated in any other game. It gives you a degree of realism and control previously unattainable with a controller. Then there's the collectables -- each a shiny brass ring to reach for as sand flows through the hourglass. I love finding new gear and apparel (especially when it's on sale). Game Face, which you use to mold your created character, can sculpt an uncanny digital replica.
The game smartly rewards you no matter what mode you're playing in. The changes from
Tiger 2004 aren't that major, except for the fact that this version finally got online support. That's a whole new box of balls that makes this game even more detrimental to real-life productivity.
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