Back to being a rookie…
Links 2004 is a traditional golf simulation; it is serious, with many options to keep gamers enthused. If you're looking for a less serious game it is advised you would be better off playing Mario Golf as Links takes itself very seriously. New additions to Links 2004 from the previous versions include Xbox Live support, thirty tournaments in career mode, Skill events, name recognition software, real golfers, unique challenges, weather effects and downloadable content.
The main menu comprises of four main selections; single round, career, challenges and multiplayer. Single round is exactly as described, a way to get into a game quickly, set the style of the game and play golf. Gamers will find themselves immersed mainly in career mode. Career mode is the core of the game and contains five levels of skill which can be worked up through. Prize money is awarded and with it attributes and items can be purchased such as a new club shaft or more skill for your player. The career mode lasts a lengthy time and has good replay ability because there are lots of items to collect.
The challenge mode is an appreciated addition to the game which can help be a diversion from the intense career mode. There are four levels of skill events and these range from landing approach shots within a specified target area to beating a high score. There are levels to beat each of these challenges on ranging from copper to platinum.
Newcomers to Links will be intimidated to begin with as the game has a lot of options to scroll through. It is almost similar to an RPG and gamers will find themselves getting lost in the menus until they familiarize themselves with the game.
For those who enjoyed looking at familiar sites in Project Gotham Racing 2 you will find right at home again as Links features New South Wales golf courses. Loading is surprisingly long for an Xbox game. The transition between courses is fast but the beginning boot up is annoying long.
After navigating the menu it is trouble free to start a game. A tutorial is available but most will be eager to jump straight into the game. Just like the main menus there is a plethora of information to take in. To shoot you hold down on the left thumbstick and press up when you reach your target. This is effective and easier to pick up than it sounds.
From the gameplay screen the standard options normally present in a golf game are viewable, wind speed, hole number, par, shot number and power display. There is a alternate ball in-flight screen which tracks the speed of the swing. For golf pros there are plenty of options to keep entertained but most people will leave the options as they are.
Luscious green courses…stretching for miles
The power of the Xbox was unlikely to be pushed by a golf game but Links 2004 looks great. The courses are detailed and can be viewed from any angle. At any time players can look at any part of the course. Sometimes landscape can look a little poor though.
Custom soundtracks are supported in Links. This was unexpected, as Top Spin was missing this inclusion. Aside from the custom soundtracks the rest of the Links soundtrack is tame. Like any other golf games the audience claps, the ball can be heard moving through the wind and there is commentary.
An interesting inclusion is that Links features name recognition. It is claimed over 1500 proper names are recognized and then used by the commentators in the field of play. This is an appreciated inclusion. If your name is not recognized there is a nickname field which can be found at the beginning of the game with nicknames like Admiral and Beast. All of these names are also slotted into the commentary.
Links 2005?
Links 2004 is a good beginning for a golf game. The Xbox live options are sensational with downloadable content already available. (for a price) Links is sure to have a sequel and even though the game is not better than Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 it is a worthy challenge. If you want to go on Xbox Live and play a golf game, Links is your only choice. The career mode is in-depth (at times, fiddly) The challenge modes add some novelty to the game and the multiplayer games are extensive. The transition from PC to Xbox for the Links series has been successful and we look forward to playing the inevitable sequel.
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