To find out more about GameFace II, we chatted with Dave Woldman, a producer on this year's best-selling golf game from EA SPORTS™.

EA SPORTS: Why change what was a successful GameFace character creation process from last year's game?

Dave Woldman: In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004, we feel we set the standard in character creation, giving those who play the game the ability to create themselves with a high degree of accuracy. However, one area we really wanted to improve was in the level of overall detail in the face. To accomplish this, we introduced texture compositing to allow you to blend facial detail in the character.

In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004, we gave the users the ability to simply choose a skin texture (rugged, blemished, etc), but in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005, through texture blending, the user will have total control of how they look. They will be able to add and blend all the elements of a face that makes it unique and adds real character.

Additionally, to allow you to create anyone from 8 - 80, we introduced bone-scaling in the product allowing you to set the height, weight and build of your created character.

EA SPORTS: Obviously last year?s introduction of GameFace was revolutionary. What?s new this time around? How detailed can gamers get this year?

Dave Woldman: Our goal in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005 was to allow you to build anyone, of any age, of any race to 90 - 95% accuracy. We feel we have achieved this goal. The industry-leading GameFace technology just got a whole lot deeper, with more control and freedom to let you express your creative vision from a youthful prodigy to a grizzled veteran. Using the new texture blending and bone scaling, GameFace II provides nearly infinite combinations of facial proportions and features, fully customizable body physique and tone, and a host of new equipment and accessories to adorn your created player.

EA SPORTS: Beyond physical characteristics, how can I personalize myself and my game?

Dave Woldman: GameFace II allows you to add your personal touch to your character like never before. Create and place both logos on your apparel and tattoos on your character. Everything you see in game on your character can be customized, from your swing to the way you react to your shot.

While GameFace II allows you to customize your character, TigerProofing is the new feature where GameFace comes to courses! With the all-new Tiger Proofing, you take on the roles of head greenskeeper constructing a course even Tiger will fear. With similar slider functionality, you have the same control over the course as you have for your character in GameFace II. Augment the course conditions by narrowing and undulating the fairways and greens; dry out the hole to increase the speeds or water them down to alleviate roll. Get creative with your mow patterns, sand colors and even cloud layers to name but a few of the options. Give the course your signature touch by creating and adding logos to the pin flags or paint them into the fairway and tee boxes. With Tiger Proofing there are seemingly infinite combinations ensuring the courses never play the same way twice.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005 is all about customization and personalization of the entire game experience.

EA SPORTS: Expand on Create-A-Swing, the revolutionary swing system that allows you to create your stroke, including everything from posture to back arch to finish.

Dave Woldman: To further customize your character, you can now create your swing with the new Create-a-Swing feature. You can select and customize your posture, knee flex, grip, and hand placement to customize your character?s authentic swing. Put your GameFace on and prepare yourself to beat the legends.

EA SPORTS: Are there new items available in the Pro Shop?

Dave Woldman: This year the number of items available to the player has more than doubled. Sponsors like Oakley, Never Compromise, True Temper, Grafalloy, Dunlop, and Cobra have been added to increase the variety and type of equipment and apparel available. In addition, the entire lineup of sponsored equipment and apparel has been updated to the new 2005 lineup. We?ve included a sorting and search function to allow the player to find whatever they want; letting the player to quickly find whatever he or she is looking for.

EA SPORTS: What is YOUR favorite addition to GameFace II, and how would you integrate it into your character?

Dave Woldman: My favorite addition to GameFace II is the new texture blending. Using the texture blending, I have been able to create myself in the game to a degree I?ve never seen before in gaming.