Links 2003 - PC Games

Living up to its claims of photo realistic graphics, it's a game brimming with options, yet also equipped with a useful if a little drawn out tutorial section. Still, the learning curve is further aided by special aids, which can be turned off as the player gets better, to help with judging the likes of aim and power.

Included are six brand new courses to the Links franchise, along with a comprehensive and genuinely useable course designer. There's a choice on how you play your strokes too. While the traditional gauge that permeates most golf games is included, a real time swing--whereby the mouse movement controls the club hitting the ball--is a more interesting way to play.

The devil in Links 2003 though is well and truly in the detail. From the nuances of creating your own golfer through to the visualisation of the courses, it's clear that little expense has been spared. That the game also comes with a challenging and long lasting single-player mode in addition to time-guzzling online multiplayer options is but a further compelling reason to buy the game. For if you're a golf game fan, nothing on any format does this better. And heck, even if you're not and you like your sports simulations, it really is worth finding out what all the fuss is about. --Simon Brew