Review by: Chris Harding
Published: April 8, 2000

Complacency is the ultimate dynasty destroyer. History books recount tales of world conquering armies falling at the hands of peasants numbering half their size. And while the circumstances are different in today’s world, the truth remains consistent in modern times. On a daily basis the Wall Street Journal reports on the fledgeling future of one time corporate behemoths. Companies, that had they not fell prey to complacency, would still be in control of their respective markets today. The gaming industry has surely seen its share of this phenomenon. Atari is a perfect example of a company once poised to dominate its industry, but reduced to a minor player in the market thanks in large part to complacency. It proves the old cliche, “It’s easy getting to the top, the hard part is staying there,” prophetic. And sadly the causal effects of complacency seem to have engulfed one of the most storied gaming franchises of all time. Built over 16 years ago, the first incarnation of Links by Access Software was without question a defining moment in computer entertainment evolution. Still, most connoisseurs of golf simulations, a group in which I include myself, up to this time consider the Links series the best product of its type available. That’s saying a lot, because there is a virtual ton of competition for golf games.

Links LS 2000 is the latest in Access’ marquee line, but what it brings to the table compared to last year’s version doesn’t quite warrant a full sequel, nor the full sequel price. In its bag of new features are five new courses, two of which are at St. Andrews. The courses, St. Andrews Jubilee, St. Andrews Old, Indiana’s Covered Bridge and Hawaii’s Mauna Kea and Hapuna offer a decent amount of variation, but having only five new courses and only three unique settings makes it less attractive than its competition. Continuing with new feature sets, Links LS 2000 offers an amateur style “easy swing” option that requires only a single mouse click. There are also a few new lessons and more tips than in the ’99 release, but the benefit is marginal. Links LS 2000 offers a total of 12 golfers to choose from. Arnold Palmer makes his return along with the addition of fellow Senior PGA Player Fuzzy Zoeller. While this may seem like a big improvement over older installments of the series, the lack of multiple big name professionals continues to be a big disappointment with the Links line.

Also hurting the appeal of Links LS 2000 is the absence of the PGA license. In all other sports simulations such as baseball, football, basketball, hockey and soccer, the lack of real team and player licensing means certain death. For years Links has bucked the trend, but with the surge in golf’s popularity, especially competitive golf watched by millions on television, Links LS 2000 seems behind the times. While there are a number of tournament style play options and a few new additions such as Wolf, the amount of gameplay settings and choices isn’t on par with the current benchmark.

In terms of actual gameplay, I can’t tell much difference between this version and last year’s. Sand shots seem to be a little more difficult and there may be an enhancement to the physics engine as it relates to a ball’s flight, but even so the effect is only something an addict of the series would notice. The only other feature worthy of mention over and above what was introduced in ’99 is the game’s enhancements and features as they relate to Microsoft’s MSN Gaming Zone. Links LS 2000 is playable on the Zone for free, and there is always a group of folks wanting to tee off.

Graphically, well there’s not much new to report either. The box states that the graphics have undergone a facelift and are “improved”, but I don’t notice anything I’d call an improvement. That’s not to say the visuals aren’t great — they’re actually quite stunning, but they were stunning last year too. If anything I’d say the 2D graphics are finally starting to show their age, and the new 3D images plopped onto the 2D backgrounds are more out of place than they are an enhancement. The players and especially galleries look especially dated, with awkward movements that seem pasted on. Another thing lacking from Links LS 2000 that I adore about the latest versions of Jack Nicklaus and PGA Tour is a golf course architect feature. If Links LS 2000 and the products that follow it want to be included with the big boys they need to add this feature. It might hurt their sales of course add-ons, but it will add a great deal of depth to the series and ultimately — it’s what we fans want!