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Icon-driven games seem to be popping out of the woodwork at the moment, but this is the first sports simulation I've seen that uses them.

Before playing 'The Open', I thought that a golf simulation would probably turn out to be Quite boring. The sports which usually lend themselves to computer games tend to be the frantic, action-packed ones such as football or tennis. However, after a few holes it actually turned out to be quite enjoyable. It isn't an incredibly exciting game, but it is absorbing and quite challenging.

The icon menu offers a choice of clubs, close up or distant views of the current hole, strength of shot, and a rotating icon that determines the angle of your shot.

The choice of club is very important, and if you choose a club that is wildly inappropriate for the shot you are going to play, then your 'caddy' will ask if you are sure that's what you want to use.

Each hole has a set of statistics accompanying it, including a 'par' score, and this adds a competitive edge to the game. I managed to get one hold down in par, and then I was hooked.

The graphics are nicely done, and the icon system is very simple to handle (unlike the systems used in some other games). Like the real game, 'The Open' is addictive in a Quiet sort of way, and once you've started it's hard to stop.

C.J.