User Rating: 9.3 | Links 2004 (Xbox World Collection) XBOX
Just picked up this game today and absolutely LOVE it! I've played golf on the PC for quite some time and also have played it on consoles before to. I've recently gotten a little bored with the PC version of Links and thought I'd give this game a try. All I can say is it's awesome! The environmental effects like ocean surf and beautiful water rippling makes you think your there. Crappy shots in the trees often lead to birds diving out of the way of your shot...just too cool! I've played Tiger and can honestly say that the graphics are far better in this game, they're just more real. The addictive part of the game is the gameplay itself and it's new real time swing. It works perfectly and when adjusted to the Intermediate and Advanced levels you'll often find yourself making divots all over the courses and losing balls in the drink and sand, but that's how golf is. I guess that's the biggest difference between Tiger and Links, Links is a true simulation and Tiger is more of a Mario arcady type game to me. I'm not trying to bash Tiger but I found myself enthralled with it for about 2 weeks and that was it. Links has the staying power and challenge to it that will keep my playing as long as I've played the PC version. On the bad side I have two main grudges that are more annoying than anything else. The environmental effects like birds chirping, etc. etc. are well done but the announcers should have had some polish. I mean it's ok, and if your like me your sound is off anyway and you've got some tunes going on so doesn't really make a big deal in the end. The other downer is the price of downloadable content. To charge 5 bucks American for an additional course is not a great way to attract new golfers to the series. They should have released at least 3 or 4 free ones to show some appreciation to their customers. The online mode is in itself a reason to buy this game. It so well done and now will be starting a Links tour that will track everything that you can imagine! The "fast play" option that allows you to play through a whole round in just a fraction of the time is genius. You basically are playing singles and in another area of the screen you see who your playing against and the shots in that area. They are drawn with tracers so you can see if someone's hit the water, etc. etc. and it'll also post the scores along the way. It's just perfectly done and helps speed up the game a lot for us clock watchers! :) I'm shocked at the review given here as it is an injustice to say the least. It's really as equally gorgeous as Tigers game and has far more realism to it. I mean if your really into changing your earrings and watches they get Tiger, but if you want a true simulation that just gets down to the guts of true golf than grab this gem...you will not be disappointed. cheers 
