Links
2003 is the latest incarnation of the golf game for the hardcore, Links. There
are many golf games out there and primarily the two to look out for are those
that are made by either Microsoft or Electronic Arts as these are the
heavy hitters in this genre.
What sets
Links apart from the field is that the focus is more on a full golf simulation
rather than a watered down action packed affair like you would see with a
Tiger Woods title. This game is a simulation in it's purist form and will
appeal to the fanatics of the sport with it's attention to detail and all
things golf.
The 2003
version is greatly improved graphically and looks fantastic. Player models and
ball physics have had a lot of work done to them and the hills and traps work
together seamlessly. The sense of realism is fantastic until you notice one
little thing.... nothing is moving other than you and the ball. The wind
doesn't blow, trees don't move, it is very uncanny to behold.
Real time
swing can be achieved by moving your mouse which in turn effects a side swing
as opposed to the tradition up and down motion. Using your mouse translates to
the computer the other moves which will affect the way the ball strikes the
club. It's just another part of this game that ups the ante in terms of
golfing realism. A fair degree of control over the mouse is required and also
I'd advise adjusting the mouse sensitivity if you are going to use this
method.
Asides from
using the pros included with the package, there is also a quite limited create
a golfer option. It doesn't get wild as some of the extreme sports create a
player modes can get but still does the trick more or less. A nice touch is
the animations that your player undertakes when successful or when goofing up.
It gives more character to them in my opinion.
There are six
courses available to the player and an immediate nine players to get the ball
rolling. It is somewhat limited however I haven't found a game yet that is
fully licensed for a PGA tour, which would be sensational with all courses and
players. It would be easy enough to do, although time consuming.
There are a
number of online options supported in gameplay as well with even an email
tourney available that will log your place in the field and upon opening the
attachment in your email, will take you to the appropriate place in the game.
Links matchmaker also enables players from all over the world to play against
each other with player stats and message boards for the enthusiasts in us all.
