Ahhh...I couldn't disagree more with the low score given by Gamespot. They game Tiger Woods an 8.8 and Links a 7.7! I would accept the reverse of these...are they playing the same golf game I am playing? Is EA shelling out money to high profile sites to give them good reviews? I dont't know...but here is a fair assessment of the game... It has been a LONG time since a great golf game has been released on a console. It has been about a 3-year drought since Hot Shots Golf 3 was released. Swingerz Golf, Mario Golf, Outlaw Golf all were OK to fair games at best. Tiger Woods 2003 came out and that series has sort of accepted the top spot by default. But finally, a GREAT golf game has been released...Links 2004 Better than Tiger Woods?...NO Question about it, the answer is YES! What makes Links a great game? Gameplay: excellent, deep use of the analog stick. 3 difficulty levels (with varying levels of forgiveness are available). If you have played TW, Links will feel similar. However, you are going to find Links much more of a challenge and you won't get away with a sloppy shot. The analog uses a nice risk/reward feature with the extra power. If you want extra power, take it, but understand you need to run your analog swing perfectly. Graphics: Top notch models, detailed courses. Everything looks great. Sound: Great use of the XBOX custom sound tracks. Announcers are fine. It is a bit unpolished and you can tell words are being pieced together to make sentences. But in defense, the announcers discuss relevant information and stats, giving the game a more personal feel than others. XBOX Live: The 4 player speed golf is a great innovation and great fun. The lobby is a bit unfriendly, but whatever. LINKS 2004 vs. TIGER WOODS 2004 Links better than Tiger at: +Solid core gameplay, physics, and control +Analog swing tuned truer +unlock cool balls with fire emblems,etc. +errant shots are possible +XBOX Live +Difficulty Levels will keep everybody happy. I recommend advanced. +Everything screams quality +Full analog putting control +full grid on greens +Custom sounds are more controllable, hit white button to skip song +In game stats and commentary +power controlled in analog +spin controlled analog before swing +XBOX Live +No luck feature, great shots are EARNED +Just more fun to play +Courses have more detail and things going on Tiger better than Links at: +create-a-player depth is 2nd to none +more courses...COOL fantasy courses +more players +Farady, love that guy! +Typical EA polish and presentation +Game frame rate speed looks higher and cleaner
Other Helpful Reviews for Links 2004 (Xbox World Collection)
This game was the first golf game that I played that wasn't the Mario Golf games and I tell yah, it was a bigger transition than I expected. First off, the whole swing mechanics were new to me, and they took me a while t... Read Full Review
1 of 1 users found the following review helpful
Rating:9.7
By randypinball | Review Date: Apr 13, 2004 | XBOX
I have been playing Links since the good old 486 pc days. Every year it has improved, and since Microsoft took over the project from ACCESS the game has turned into the best selling golf sim of all time. So here's the de... Read Full Review
