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Links 2004
The Perfect Way To Enjoy Golf In The Damn, Hot Summer

Platform: XBox
Company: Microsoft
Stats: Offline Players 1-4, Xbox Exclusive, Dolby 5.1 Surround, Online Scoreboards, System Link 2-4, 16:9 Widescreen, Online Multiplay 1-4, XSN Sports Enabled, Custom Soundtracks, HDTV: 480p, Content Downloads, Live Aware

By Jason Wallace

A beautiful, solid-looking game that plays with the best of them, Microsoft's flagship golf sim has made its way from the PC and on to the Xbox. With nine realistic golf courses (plus two more for download through Xbox Live), customization of your own golfer's attire and name brand equipment, Links 2004 gives you the ability to link up or play online with your friends. Enjoy single match play or tournaments against anyone in the world.

While in "Career Mode" you will be able to buy skill points with money you earn for your golfer during the over 30 tournaments and skill events on 5 different tours. You have the option to add to his/her Power, Putting, Recovery and Control. When you think your über "Tiger Killer" is ready for a stroll, you can enter yourself in Live tournaments through XSNsports.com or just challenge a friend or two with the seven modes of play.

Links uses a "Real Time" Swing system, which means you're using the control stick to swing, a method that is pretty easy to pick up, even for the novice. Then, there's the Spin Control system where you can hit draws & fades, and put backspin and forward spin on the ball. There are also six different Shot Types: Straight, Blast, Chip, Punch, Flop and Putt. With all of these in your arsenal, you have a multitude of possibilities to improve your game.

"Club Bar here I come!"

Overall, in comparison to other golf-titled games, Links 2004 has the advantage of being a Live Enabled game as well as being in the XSN family of sports games.

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