So what is the final verdict on Links 2004?

btmgov · Post by **btmgov** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 10:51 pm

Could it be considered a "system seller" or is just another "depends of the gamer" adequate golf title? Thanks for any input.
 
 
 
 gov

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 10:57 pm

It is the best console golf game ever made. Whether or not it is a system seller depends on how big of a console golf fan you are. It joins NCAA 2004 as the only games in my collection that I will not sell until the next versions are released, which is the highest praise I can give to a game. Also, XBL multiplayer is outstanding.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 11:55 pm

Hip,
 
 Do you think it´s better than TW 2004 on the PC? Or even TW 2003 since I know you´ve played that one at least. I have been holding off on Links cuz of the fact I´ve got TW 2004 on the PC and I still dig it.

J_Cauthen · Post by **J_Cauthen** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:17 am

db, I can speak on this subject since I own both... there is definitely room on my playlist for both games. There are some things about Links 2004 that fills in the voids that I find in TW 2004 PC. The polygonal golfers are superior to anything I´ve seen on any other golf game. I love the multiplayer support of Links 2004, fast play or not. Links 2004 is challenging, but a bit kludgy in a few spots.
 
 I can honestly say that there are times when I find myself appreciating TW 2004 less because of the way Links 2004 has spoiled me. The courses seem to have more character because of the variety of textures and objects used. When you put these splendidly rendered, biological looking polygonal players in that setting with gameplay that´s reasonably solid, it´s pretty tough to beat.
 
 I´ll confident that I´ll be playing Links 2004 until Links 2005 comes out. But I´ll also be playing TW 2004 in that same time frame. It´s still the top dog overall because of its advantage in gameplay, and even bigger advantage in interface. I would miss either of them if I had to give them up. [ This message was edited by: J_Cauthen on 11-12-2003 20:18 ]

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 1:09 am

Thanks J...I think I´ll pick it up in a couple weeks...maybe after Christmas. I´ve been eyeing it for a while, I just didn´t know if it was a worthy addition to my collection given the fact that I still play TW 2004.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:22 am

Yeah, it´s really a completely different game than the TW PC series. Neither game could really replace the other. It´s hard to describe what is so good about Links. What really sticks out to me I guess is the feel and pacing of the game. It´s easy to hit the ball straight, but you really need a good touch on your swing to dial in the correct distance. The feel on the green is great too. Shots don´t take long to plan or execute either, so the game moves at a nice fast pace. It´s just a really well done game, and I think you would really like it DB.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:44 am

I love it. I have already spent a ton of time playing and haven´t tired of it yet. If a few courses will be available for download along the way that would just be icing on the cake.
 
 I can think of things that aren´t perfect and things they need to add to next year, but I am too busy enjoying the game to care.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:46 am

Well I come from the different end of the spectrum. I don´t think Links is all the different from Tiger. Let me explain.
 
 First off, is driving and irons. That are pretty much useless in Links. If you have an opposable thumb and spend any real time with Links you can hit 14/14 fairways most of the time. I often hit less becuase I try to get away with too much.
 
 Where Links shines is it´s short game. It´s really the best for any console or PC. Yes it´s better than Tiger PC. Tiger PC is "kludgy" with regards to it´s putting system. That´s one of the things after playing Links really turned me off to Tiger. You know the saying once you had steak you don´t go back to ground chuck.
 
 But once you get outside the short game I find Links to be very average. This isn´t coming from wanting the ultimate simulation but rather I want to mishit drives with regularity. Tiger does this better. Try playing Bethpage Black with no wind and you´ll still struggle to shoot par.
 
 One of the things that bugs me is that the game is tough with dry greens and high winds. Yet, the game is Tiger-like in good conditions. With no wind and, easy pins and soft green you should be able to light it up but not as frequently as in both games. With wind howling 20+ MPH you should be struggling to shoot par. Links is about 4 strokes off in this regard.
 
 I´m not bashing links becuase it doesn´t fit into my golfing style but rather, this game is good but it seems it was gun-shy when it came time to developing the driving model. Links PC has one of the best driving physics of all time. It´s difficult for sure but you can still mishit drives. The problem was they "consoled" it up. Atleast for gamers that like Links but want more of a challange add an extreme mode needs to be added.
 
 All in all it´s a good first start. And the game would shut me up if they added an extreme mode where it just kicked my ass. Sometimes I like games to be fair but difficult (aka WE/PES)

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 11:55 am

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD>Quote:<HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><BLOCKQUOTE>
 On 2003-12-11 22:46, JRod wrote:
 
 Where Links shines is it´s short game. It´s really the best for any console or PC. Yes it´s better than Tiger PC. Tiger PC is "kludgy" with regards to it´s putting system.
 </BLOCKQUOTE></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
 
 Curious why you say TW PC is "kludgy"...I find the putting in TW2004 PC as well as the rest of the short game to be a much more of a realistic challenge than Links 2004.
 
 I love Links 2004 and I will be the first to agree with you regarding tee shots. But if I want to feel like I am in a simulation, I put Links 2004 down and go play TW PC on Expert.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:04 pm

Would you guys say that Links is an enjoyable single player game? Aside from XBL....

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:20 pm

Dan:
 
 Yes. Links has a lot of offline legs due to the varied challenges in the Career mode and just trying to better your scores on all of the courses.
 
 Take care,
 PK

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 1:59 pm

From my perspective I think Tiger could be smoother and better designed.
 
 It´s rather hard to explain but my feeling when putting is just trying to bang it in. I´m sure some will disagree with me but it´s hard get a feel for distance. I don´t think I helped you any of giving you my perspective of the game.