Graphics:
The graphics in Links LS are stunning. There just isn’t any other game that can compete at this level. With resolution support up to 1600×1200 and above, as well as color depths up to 16 million colors, you can see why! Of course, you have to have a killer machine to play at this level, but Links LS looks great even at the lower resolutions. The mist and fog effects are awesome. Each course is an exact replica of the original. With the help of digital photography and imaging, playing these courses is like being there. Access has chosen to have the best graphics instead of having interactive environments. Moving clouds, blowing trees, flying birds would be nice, but you hardly notice (maybe in the next version).




Gameplay & Interface:
Installation has been troublesome for some people, but I did not have any problems here. Most of the installation issues should go away in the native Win95 version. The interface is very solid, everything from switching resolutions to changing club configurations is a click away. The new pop-up interface during play is a much needed improvement. There is easy access to camera views, club changes, yardage finders, and wind. Hitting the ball is much like the other version of links, expect swinging does not happen in real time, meaning that you don’t actually take the shot until you have finished clicking the mouse. This allowed links to use digitized players for a more realistic feel. What is badly needed is tournament play. Access competitors have paid close attention to this and I wish Access would. Having Arnold is great, but having the whole tour would be better!




Sound FX:
Links LS boasts a re-done panoramic sound environment that reacts to the direction that you are playing in. This adds to a nice effect while playing the game. All the sounds are done well, but they quickly become too repetitive. The same sounds are heard even as you change courses, which can take away from some of the realism. Once in a while there are some unique effects, such as a dog barking on one of the holes at Latrobe. Overall, the sounds of playing golf, the swoosh of the club, the clink of a putter, are there to at least let you feel like you are playing.




Musical Score: N/A – (There is no music in the game.)




Intelligence & Difficulty:
Through the series of Links, the difficulty level increases slightly from the previous version and there is no exception here. Although it is noticeably more difficult, particularly when putting, it can be mastered. To see evidence of this, all you have to do is join on one of the internet tours. The scores posted there are outrageous compared to the true PGA tour. You also have the option of playing against Arnold, in any of the available formats (Stroke Play, Match Play, Skins etc.) Arnold proves to be a challenge, but every once in a while he goes cold, a realistic touch. Overall, it is fun to go out and play a round of skins with a legend.




Overall:
Links LS is graphically the best golf game to date. Every little detail on each golf course is represented giving you the feel like you were there. The courses that come with the game are excellent. Some people have complained about the static screens being like playing golf on a picture. While this may be somewhat true, it’s hard to overlook the graphic perfection of the game. Would it really make that much a difference to have a bird fly by or the tree blow in the wind? Maybe, but we will have to wait till a future version to see that. Perhaps they will offer a tournament addition in the future. If you are looking for a realistic, competitive, beautiful golf game, look no further. Links LS remains the best golf game available today, at least maybe until the revamped Jack Nicholas 4 can oust LS with their robust course designer and updated graphics!