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MICROSOFT GOLF 1999
Developed by: Microsoft (1998)
Genre: Golf game
System Requirements: Windows 95/98, P 90+, CD ROM, 55 MB HDD Space, 16 MB RAM, Mouse, Modem.

OVERVIEW: With the rapid growth of golf, due to exciting players like Tiger Woods, the PC golf market has become very competitive in the past year. Everyone seems to have a golf sim in their product line in order to tap into golf's newfound popularity. However, there have been two golf sims that have pretty much battled it out (and set the standard) for several years: Access Software's Links and Microsoft Golf. Both have big followings in the PC golf arena- but which is the real top dog?

Microsoft's latest incarnation of MS Golf, Golf 1999, attempts to make serious gains on Access' Links- and almost succeeds overall.

Golf 1999 is the best golf effort from Microsoft to date. Now I was never a fan of MS Golf from bygone years- always thought the graphics weren't that great. Well, that's changed! Golf 1999 offers graphics just a SHADE (and I mean just a shade) below Links LS 99. It's not postcard quality- but the rendering is excellent. The golfer animation, in my opinion, is better than what you'll find in any golf sim. Microsoft spared no "expense" to offer a better golf game than in years past.

Golf 1999 offers seven courses (which look great), 10 game types and four swing methods ranging from the traditional click methods to natural (al la mouse drive) and sim swing. Sim swing allows the player to concentrate on golf strategy while the computer handles the actual swing. Sim swing is different, but I believe it detracts from the game- after all, golf is a game of skill. However, it's a different angle of play so kudos for trying something unique like Sim Swing.

The game physic are also excellent and on par with the competition. All other features, like ambience and commentary (by CBS golf analyst David Feherty- a man with a very dry Irish wit), are first class. Frankly, there really isn't anything "bad" about the game- except for the lack of add-on courses. Links offers 30 something courses while MS Golf offers....well, they're working on it (keep those fingers crossed).

All in all, MS Golf 1999 is a good game. While it may not have the "postcard" course graphics of Links, it's a great choice and a challenging 18 holes. Well done and highly recommended.

THE SCOUTING REPORT:

THE PROS:

• Golfer animation is best so far in a PC golf game.
  Graphics, while not photo quality, are actually very good.
  Course selection is top notch: Donald Ross, Medalist, Eagle Heights, Casa de Campo, Bay Harbor, Preserve 9!
  Great sounds and commentary.

THE CONS:

• Lack of add-on courses. But this is supposedly being addressed.

Review by Steve Ellis