Links LS 1999: Information from Answers.com

Platform: IBM PC Compatible
Release Date: July 01, 1999
Genre: Sports
Style: Golf
Similar Games: Tiger Woods 99 PGA Tour Golf (IBM PC Compatible), Jack Nicklaus 6: Golden Bear Challenge (IBM PC Compatible), PGA Championship Golf 1999 (IBM PC Compatible), Pro 18: World Tour Golf (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

Access brings Links LS 1999, the venerable golf simulation's 4-CD package, to your Windows 95/98 desktop -- credentials: three Editor's Choice Awards and the Codie Award -- Best Sports Software Game. According to the designers, the game includes more than two dozen new features and an update version for fans of the 1998 edition is also available.

In addition to supporting more than 25 previously released Links expansion courses, the major new features include a new Mode of Play (MOP) designer (with 30 new MOPs on-disk), four real world-class courses and two new swing options. Other enhancements include a new tournament environment, new 3D objects, an Internet "spectators" feature and real-time voice chat facilities, two new golfers from which to choose, improved computer-controlled player AI, an expanded sound script editor and improved sand play with "explosion" and "pick" options.

The four CDs give an idea of what is provided in Links LS 1999. CD1 contains installation and setup, plus 17 converted SVGA courses in LS format (assuming the player has the original courses). The second CD has eight golfer animations and the four courses shipped with the game: St. Andrews Links Old Course, Entrada at Snow Canyon, Bay Hill Club & Lodge and Latrobe Country Club with two versions, fall and summer. The third CD has the multimedia tours of both Latrobe Country Club and Bay Hill Club & Lodge and a virtual reality tour of Arnold Palmer's workshop. The last CD contains two more multimedia tours (Entrada and St. Andrews).

Gameplay features a new PowerStroke mouse swing and a 3-click swing in addition to the original Links 2-click method. Multi-player support is provided free at www.LSTour.com with many types of play available.

~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Roots & Influences

Links LS 1999 is the most recent of the long line of Access golf simulations, all using some form of the name Links. The release of an annual upgrade and expansion courses is part of the Access product.

~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

It would be exceedingly easy for the present author to spin a poetic paragraph extolling the virtues of the Links LS series from Access Software. Both the original Links LS and the 1998 Edition maintained a largely undisputed dominance over the golf sim market during their respective release periods, which is a greater testament to their quality and popularity than I am able to convey here. Nevertheless, it would be remiss of myself not to indicate my own personal affection for Links LS 1998, which was, in my considered opinion, the most accurate and compelling recreation of the gentlemen's game to be converted to interactive media (at its date of release).

With Links LS 1999 (LS99), Access Software have clearly adopted an enhancement policy, as opposed to beginning anew. The same gameplay and graphics engine that powered its predecessor has been continued and extended, with the addition of a number of significant developments. Even so, LS99 is an upgrade first and foremost, which owners of the 1998 Edition would be wise to remember when making purchasing decisions.

The Links LS series has always been about recreating the sport of golf as accurately as possible. Once again, LS99 delivers compelling realism. Ball physics are as true-to-life as ever, and the game models a plethora of variables that will effect your shot-making decisions. Wind factors, slopes, elevation, lie and course conditions strongly influence all shots, and once you've made it to the green putting is exceptionally well handled. Grid overlays will illustrate the green's undulations, but "reading" breaks is a skill in itself. A new bunker play system has been implemented, giving the option between a "pick" shot (from fairway bunkers) and an "explosion" shot (greenside traps). In the realism department, LS99 delivers a golf experience second only to the real thing.

Four individual courses are included in the box: The Old Course at St Andrews, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Entrada at Snow Canyon and Latrobe Country Club (Fall version). All are rendered in exquisite graphical detail, and, once again, accurate to their real world counterparts. In fact, LS99 is simply beautiful in all areas of presentation. Fairways and greens are depicted with lush textures, and trees lack any pixelation even when viewed up-close. There are also stunning water reflections, while new to this 1999 version are galleries that crowd the course during tournament play. It's a nice addition, but because the spectators are static the effect is more impressive when viewed from a distance. Still, it's difficult to fault LS99 in terms of graphical prowess, unless one resorts to petty criticisms.

Interface is similar to previous versions, with a couple of major exceptions. Most significantly, a mouse-controlled swing method called PowerStroke has been included to complement the ubiquitous "meter" system. Basically, PowerStroke requires you to move your mouse to the right for the backswing, followed by a movement to the left for the downswing and follow through. Chipping and putting both use a modified version of the same basic movements. Despite my total scepticism that a mouse swing system can work effectively, I've been pleasantly surprised by the PowerStroke. Numerous realism factors have been modeled, such as clubhead speed and angle at impact, swing path and swing tempo. The sensitivity of the PowerStroke can be adjusted for your own speed preferences, which means that, unlike some other golf titles, the movement to the left for the downswing need not be violently fast. Overall, the PowerStroke is a terrific addition, and combines with the traditional "click meter" to cover a range of styles and preferences.

As before, LS99 is hugely flexible with its gameplay options. Numerous modes of play are included affording the golfer the luxury of customizing the game to their liking. From single player rounds to multiplayer (either multiple players on the same machine or through modem/Internet support), you can challenge yourself with any style of play: Strokeplay, Matchplay, Skins game or any number of other types (Bingo, Bango, Bongo anyone?). A new utility called the Mode of Play (MOP) game designer even allows you to design your own game styles easily for great replay value.

Two types of tournament options are supported. Offline tournaments place you in a field of fictional names to compete against, with a range of settings that can be adjusted to your liking. Frankly, this offline mode is fairly lacklustre in its implementation, and fails to provide any long-term enjoyment. Much more enticing is the option to play online through Access Software's LS Tour website (www.lstour.com ). This is a free service allowing worldwide competition in a variety of tournaments and competitions. A special software program records your results and uploads them to the website when you've completed a round. It's a masterful addition that provides an enormous amount of longevity for golf fans.

Ultimately, Links LS 1999 is a beautifully designed package that continues the LS series admirably. There are so many small touches that separate this one from the pack: support for all previous add-on courses (for Links LS titles and Links 386), multimedia tours of the four included courses, a stunning manual and simply a great playing, great looking golf simulation. Only those who own the 1998 Edition need hesitate, since the new enhancements may not be enough to warrant the extra purchase. Otherwise, I can't imagine anyone who enjoys golf not finding LS99 a treat and a pleasure.