Fore!
By MIKE BERMAN
Scripps Howard News Service
October 30, 2002

As with all game addicts, I began frothing at the mouth when Microsoft announced the development of a new version of Links - one they promised would be packed with new features and would bring 3-D animation to computer golf.

My palms began to sweat and I counted the days until my own copy of Links 2003 ($49.99) arrived. I popped the first of three CDs into my computer and it began to install. It was almost time to play.

Then it happened. The installation stalled at about 90 percent complete.

I tried again - with the same result. Nooooooooooooo!

Actually, once I calmed down, I discovered the solution was simple. My firewall software was blocking the installation, which, I'm told, is a fairly common occurrence when installing many games, especially those that want access to the Internet.

I am now in golf-game nirvana. Links is still the one to beat when it comes to graphics and playability and has taken - as did its predecessors - this genre to yet another level.

The folks at Microsoft have used GPS technology to create courses that not only are pleasing to the eye, but are as authentic to the real thing as a computer game can get, duplicating every hill and crevice and giving players truer ball action when it hits fairway, rough or green.

Grass, sand and water are rendered in much greater detail than before, and golfers no longer stand on top of water hazards or traps to take shots. Also, a new "snap" camera allows players to see their shots from several perspectives.

Also new and improved are:

• More authentic ball physics and terrain generated from GPS data.
• Six new courses, including Cabo del Sol, Kauri Cliffs, Gleneagles, The Tribute at Otsego Club, Skeleton Coast and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - Cambrain Ridge.
• They've added a real-time swing to the Classic, Power-Stroke and Easy swings found in the earlier versions. This swing factors in club speed, tempo, direction and course conditions in real time, simulating an actual golf shot.
• A new 3-D green analyzer that makes it easier to sink those long putts.
• You can compete against improved artificial-intelligence players in single-player mode using the new, more enhanced tournament format.
• - New 3-D players seem more alive, with the game capturing not only their swings, but their personalities.
• You can play as, or against, Anika Sorenstam, Sergio Garcia, Jesper Parnevik or David Toms. Older animations, including Arnold Palmer and others, are no longer included.
• You can create your own player, including the way he (or she) dresses, his or her swing type, competence and personality.
• New tools have been added to the Arnold Palmer Course Designer, allowing you to create your fantasy course at texture sizes up to 512 x 512.
• The Links Match Maker enables you to join others online from within the game. You can also set up e-mail tournaments and compete in the Links Tour.
• A new practice facility allows you to perfect your game. Even the swing tutorial has changed.

So what's missing, besides Arnie, in this new version? You'll no longer see flocks of birds flying overhead, and the sizes of galleries have been reduced. Also, Microsoft has "dumbed down" the Easy swing. You no longer have a choice as to how hard you want to hit the ball, making it easier for youngsters to use. Finally, the wisecracking comments from some of the non-pro golfers have disappeared, but I hardly miss it.

Now all I need is for the wife and kids to leave me alone long enough so I can enjoy the peace and quiet of my favorite course.

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