Microsoft Golf 98

Golf games are a PC staple, and it's always nice to be able to take a relaxing round after you get sick of Quake (or trying to get it to work). Microsoft's series has come along in leaps and bounds since it's original outing in 1995, and now includes full support for a range of 3D accelerators.

A golf game stands or falls on it's control system, and Microsoft's title is evrything it should be in that are: easy to learn, hard to master. Players will be quick to get started, but can rest easy in the knowledge that there are many solid hours of golfing ahead. Of partcular note are the ball physics this time around, which seem much improved from last year, and are consistent with the type of ball the player selects.

Microsoft have excelled themselves in the range of options available to the user. There are four courses from which to choose, and these make a total of 63 holes. Couple this with five modes of play: Stroke Play, Match Play, Skins Scramble, and Bingo Bango Bongo (Raja's favourite). The condition of the Sky, Wind, Fog, and Ground can all be altered, ball type is selectable, and the pin is fully movable. Novice players can check an auto caddie option who will give them advice on particular holes or help with general tactics.

No PC game would be complete without the addition of multiplayer elements, and Golf 98 allows for up to four players over the Net or a LAN, while two players can face off with a direct modem connection.

Perhaps the only things lacking are a PGA license, which can be countered to a degree with the create player option, and the lack of a course editor. These shortcomings do not detract from the quality of the title, however.

Overall: MS Golf '98 may not be as showy as some of it's competitors, but at it's heart is a eminently playable golf title.

7 out of 10
Reviewed by Cameron Tod from VideoGames.co.nz