Whether played with friends or alone, the tournament has an excellent feeling of realism. Up to three other players can join in a game online. More experienced players may prefer the 'natural' swing, in which the mouse is pushed forward to indicate power and direction.
In addition to a conventional two-click stroke, the player can choose a 'Sim Swing,' in which the player aims for the target and the game takes the shot for you. There are four different types, including multiple click strokes for special shots. The types of swings used in the game are controlled by mouse or keyboard. In fact, the whole game is easily customizable, as weather conditions and wind can be specified and individual holes can be made easier or more difficult. Hints and tips are available and the choice of club can be automatic, if so desired.
The smooth actions and a synchronized soundtrack make the game delicious to watch and play.Įach hole opens with a flyby, just as in the TV coverage of the Masters and other open tournaments. On such a machine, the player takes the stroke as soon as the command is given, rather than having to wait a few moments. A Pentium 90Mhz is the specified minimum, but 133Mhz seems to be the required speed to get everything out of the game that it has to offer. Not surprisingly, gameplay is best on a computer with a faster processor. The commentary is enjoyable too, relevant and even sympathetic at times (especially to some of us poorer players!).
The background sounds are very realistic and do not get in the way of the gameplay as they sometimes do in other golf games. Although there is no grass or tree movement within the game, these landscapes are presented realistically enough to inspire the feeling of watching a televised tournament. Four beautifully displayed courses give the player a feeling of being right there on the links. The graphics in this game are of a high-quality photo-realism similar to that of found in the Microsoft Flight Simulator. The original Microsoft Golf, which came pre-packaged with countless PCs over the past few years, has gone through several reincarnations and has now evolved into Microsoft Golf 1998 Edition. Golf simulations seem to come and go, but Microsoft has been in the field - or rather, on the green - for some time and can always be counted on for an innovation or two.