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Review

Links 2001

7.0

Format PC

Developer Access Software

Publisher Microsoft

Genre Unknown

13-Aug-2001

Keith Pullin

Links 2001 is the most significant update in the history of the long-running Links series. Alas, only the most loyal of Links fans will actually notice any difference.

In general, this latest addition to the Links family is a poorly presented simulation, with an abundance of confusing menus, a very tricky control method, and a messy and uncommunicative online clubhouse. Still, with real cash up for grabs in a whole range of virtual tournaments, there's also plenty of incentive for you to try and win your money back if you do make the purchase.

Physically improved?

The main areas of improvement in Links 2001 are apparently centred on the digitised graphics and ball physics. However, actual evidence of this is sparse to say the least. Forget the reliability of PGA Championship Golf's bouncing balls, in Links 2001 expect your ball to end up about a mile away from where you last saw it before it disappeared out of view. Still, wayward balls aside, there is one very intriguing addition to the game - and she goes by the name of Annika Sorenstam.

Golf's female equivalent of Tiger Woods has been recruited, along with Sergio Garcia and Arnold Palmer, as one of Links' three digitised professionals. Microsoft, it seems, is attempting to lure females into the exciting world of computer golf. Frankly, the concept is laughable. If ever there was a non-existent demographic, this is it. It's like trying to get men to use tampons - there's really no need. Similarly (according to my girlfriend anyway), women couldn't give a toss about golf games. If they want to play golf they'll get out in the fresh air and play it for real. Let's face it - only males can truly understand the intoxicating pleasure of simulating something, in a room, by themselves.

Whacking off

One area of the game that should be praised is the putting. A coloured contour system reveals exactly how steep the burrows are, and in conjunction with that a slope indicator affixed to the mouse pointer shows what direction the slope is leaning.

When it comes to iron and wood shots, the tried-and-trusted tri-click method is by far the easiest way to play. However, for the truly courageous there's the mouse-wrenching Powerstroke. While this method remains totally indecipherable to the average Sunday hacker, golfing anoraks will lap it up. The amount of information you're given after each shot is almost overwhelming - everything from open or closed clubfaces to the speed of the clubhead on impact is covered. Never has there been a more precise way of hitting a PC golf ball; sadly, there's never been a more difficult one.

While there's no denying the fact that this is a well-rounded and complete golfing package, it has to be said that Links 2001 offers nothing substantially different from Links 2000 and comes nowhere near the instant accessibility or enjoyment of PGA Championship Golf. We suggest you think very carefully before buying because Links 2001 is a serious golf game, with serious amounts of options, for serious golf fans with serious time on their hands.