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Look across the page a minute. Notice the type of game being reviewed? It's a crazy golf simulation! Isn't that a coincidence, what with this being a crazy golf sim as well? The difference is that in Mini Golf most of the play takes place on flat, two-dimensional greens, whereas in Zany Golf all the action takes place in a multi-directional scrolling, forced perspective environment.

Each hole has its own theme - castles, windmills, fans, etc - and requires special tactics to complete. You only have a certain amount of strokes for each hole and there are bonus strokes for, say, touching the fairy with your ball or completing a time bonus.

Of the two golf games that came in this month I played the Gremlin product first. I thought that they'd interpreted the game as well as could be expected, so I had quite a pleasant surprise when I loaded up Zany Golf.

The strange intro sequence and intermission screens are very pretty and have a sort of Disney-cum-Alice In Wonderland feel about them. The whole thing is very nutty and incredibly playable; easily as much fun as the real thing.

I've no hesitation about recommending this little gem.

If you notice, I say in the review of that other golf game that I really like mini golf. Zany Golf captures much more of the feel of a real game of crazy golf, with its strange buildings, mental tunes and weird bonus systems.

The only thing that concerns me is that there are only nine holes to play, which means that, once you've completed them, you may get a bit bored.

Having said that, I've been playing for a while and I'm still not bored. Check it out!

Presentation 78%
Four-player option, wonderfully atmospheric appearance and great touches throughout. The multi-load's a bit odd though.

Graphics 76%
Extremely well drawn and coloured intro screens and holes: slightly messy scrolling.

Sound 85%
Superbly weird tunes add exactly the right atmosphere.

Hookability 91%
As soon as you see the stupid title screen, you know this is going to be fun!

Lastability 80%
Only nine holes, but they should take a while to complete and you can always improve your score; the four-player option guarantees long-term interest.

Overall 81%
A great 'sports' game which is good for a laugh or ten.