Previous Next

Few games offer an equal chance for humiliation as golf. While your partners might drive effortlessly, chip confidently and putt with devastating accuracy, you might hook and slice your way to bogeys of Bart Simpson proportions.

Still, millions of console owners who wouldn't be seen dead with a copy of Fighting Vipers (and thousands who would) queue up to buy the latest attempt to render the ancient game in digital form. Despite many of them looking much of a muchness, and having suspiciously similar control methods, some pitch closer to the flag that others. Actua Golf falls into this category.

A new golf game engine, nominally part of Gremlin's 'Actua' sports series.

Actua Golf simplifies the main tactical aspect of the golf game - aiming for the hole - with an arc. This transparent curve shows the ideal path of the ball when hit with the selected club (making no allowance for wind). This is not entirely new, but Actua allows you to change the viewing angle so you can see exactly where the arc will land. This feature is useful where the ball will land out of view of the tee, as you can make adjustments for slopes.

You can also use the arc to create a marker which indicates when you should stop your swing. But this is only offered in Amateur mode.

You can mix these randomly by selecting 'Intellicam'. The replay option offers a fresh set of viewing perspectives, including split angle replays.

Actua's attention to detail is a first in the genre. The programmers have thought enough to show mundane but lifelike aspects, like the golfers removing their balls after sinking a putt. They also show reactions on the green, willing a tense putt to the mark. The landscapes show remarkable detail, even down to independently moving shadows.

I was a big advocate of Velora Valley Golf, but the only golf game worth buying for Saturn has now been bettered in impressive fashion. A detailed simulation (as opposed to Velora's fantasy golf) Actua bristles with options and graphics that distinguish this is a golfer's golf game.

It's not perfect - the usually impressive commentary occasionally gets muddled, especially when there are a number of commentators - but this really is the most sumptuous golf game I've ever seen. An essential purchase for fans.

Finally, programmers who show some real interest in the game with their work, which seems to be assembled from a golfer's mind. The basic control method - stop a power bar twice - is the same as every other, but the flexibility in setting up your shot with the minimal recourse to menus, makes it easy and painless to perform chips onto the green, or draw the ball effectively.

Because you can do this easily, you're more likely to bother, unlike most other golf games. The excellent visuals and commentary all add, of course, and again, these have no peer on the Saturn. Two courses is not ideal for your greedy gamesters here, but there may be follow-up course discs. In the meantime, golf gamers should not hesitate to buy Actua.

Animation 84%
P. The moving camera offers good and occasionally spectacular views of your shots. The golfer's movement is also very good.

Music 51%
N. Very little music apart from a bizarre elevator ditty on the title screen!

Playability 93%
P. Easier to play, with more depth and subtlety than any other golf game, and more interesting courses.

Lastability 89%
P. The professional mode pushes players again once they've developed their confidence in Amateur status. N. 36 holes is probably 18 too few.

Overall 92%
Actua outdrives everything on the Saturn range. The leader in its field.