Microsoft Golf 2001
Score: 80% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Microsoft Games Media: CD/0 Players: 1 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: Although the graphics are okay, I just wasn't that impressed by MS Golf 2001's overall look. As gamers, we have come to base certain games on their graphics, and this game just didn't do it for me. The game's sounds also seemed to be lacking something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. MS Golf 2001 has all of the typicals (announcer, golfer sounds, environment sounds, etc), however I just didn't feel as immersed in the game as with other golf titles.
Gameplay: MS Golf 2001 has a great variety of games to play on the course. For the first time anywhere, I have now seen the game called 'Bingo, Bango, Bongo' which awards points for first on the green, closest to the pin, and first in the cup. The reason I mention this is to show that MS Golf 2001 has many mini-games to choose from (and because it's my father's favorite game on the golf course!). Another weird game is called 'The Happy Golfer.' This is a game that allows only 6 pre-selected clubs. The better your golfer does, the happier he/she gets, and the more points you will score. MS Golf 2001 includes 7 courses that are not the best I've played, but still quite fun. This is an entertaining golf game and anyone can jump right in and play. You also have the option of hopping onto the Internet to compete online against other weekend warriors out there.
Difficulty: Although MS Golf 2001 doesn't include an instruction manual, it does have a tutorial-type option within the game to teach you how to play. There are 3 different styles of swings, one of which is the 2-click easy swing meter. It is nice to see this variation in controlling a golf swing, as this allows everyone to be able to jump right in and play. Computer opponents have varying skill levels, so difficulty also varies in that aspect.
Game Mechanics: Um... point, click and enjoy the view. Pretty simple, eh? Well, if you think so, then up the skill level of the competition or change your swing a bit. So, get your mouse ready and swing away. As with anything, the more you play, the better you'll get. MS Golf 2001 Edition is a good way to kill some time on a rainy day. Oh, and thanks for the blimp with the Microsoft logo on it, as I didn't realize I was playing a Microsoft game. (That's sarcasm.) No, really, Microsoft Golf 2001 is a solid game and worthy of picking up a copy.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
Minimum System Requirements: Pentium 166MHz or higher; Windows 95/98/NT/2000; 32MB RAM for Win95/98, 64MB RAM for WinNT/2000; 280-420MB Hard Disk Space; 4x CDROM; 16-bit color Monitor; 8-bit sound card; Mouse; Internet Connection for Internet Play   Test System: 366MHz PII; 64MB Ram; Windows 98 (upgrade version); Creative's 3D Blaster Annihilator 2 32MB 3D-Accellerator AGP Video Card; Ensoniq AudioPCI sound card; DirectX 7.0a; using Hewlett Packard CD-Writer Plus 9100 (reads 32x, writes 8x, rewrites 4x) as main CD-ROM; 1 gameport; 2 USB ports; Saitek's P2000 Tilt Pad (*USB*/gameport connection); 500kbs Cable Modem
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