Previous Next

If playing computer games is Japan's national past-time, golf must be a close second. Hardly similar events, but their obsession knows no bounds. Arnold Palmer, the American pro player, has endorsed this simulation of the sport. But don't worry - you don't have to wear checked trousers and a Pringle sweater to play it.

The game centres around a tournament, but practice modes are available - and important if you want to hold your own in the main event. Choose your club, find the leg position that suits you best, check the wind strength and direction, and make your stroke. This is achieved by pressing the button once to start the backstroke, pressing again at the top of the swing, and a third time to connect with the ball, and determine the amount of chip or slice put on the ball.

The choice of club is paramount: choose a wood when only 80 yards from the green and the ball goes sailing into the woods - or off a cliff, as some of the courses are in very strange locations indeed!

Not a game that is easily mastered, Arnold Palmer's Golf requires a lot of practice and perseverance. But it certainly is pretty...

Choosing the right club for a stroke is vitally important. Try to learn when to use a putting wedge instead of an iron - and when to slice and chip instead of trying a straight shot. Another great option is the chance to have clubs made of different materials: black carbon, fibreglass, and super ceramic clubs are all available. It's up to you to discover the pros and cons of each type!

Sooner or later, and probably sooner, a shot will go astray and land in the rough. If this is just the surrounding area of the fairway, it's usually easy to chip the ball back on course. However, if it lands in the trees, things can get tough. Oddly enough, the ball won't travel through solid wood, so it's necessary to rotate until the way is clear. Unfortunately, you can't cheat by quietly kicking your ball out of the woods!

Nintendo golf was always one of the highlights of the machine with its variable wind, clubs and shot strength. Arnold Palmer's Golf is very much in the same tradition, but with greatly improved graphics (although the music is diabolical).

It offers a stiff challenge, with testing courses; like any sporting game, though, it's much better with two players. I don't think this takes the genre that much further than the Nintendo game, but it's hugely enjoyable nonetheless.

I recommend it to anyone interested in a golf game.

As golf games go, this is a very good example. Using big sprites, convincing graphics and a variety of player moves, this simulates the sport very well. It's pretty tough, especially when you're playing the tournament mode, but there are practice and two-player options to help you get to grips with the rather difficult course.

I certainly enjoyed playing the game, and I think that any sports fan will find this both addictive and challenging - and your Dad will absolutely love it!

Presentation 84%
Great piccie of Arnie himself on the title screen, and professional presentation throughout.

Graphics 81%
The animation of the golfers is of a high quality, and the trees and very pretty too!

Sound 72%
The theme is truly awful, and will drive you up the wall in no time. But the sound effects make up for it.

Playability 82%
Once the basics are mastered, it simply becomes a matter of improving the score. It's much more fun with two players.

Lastability 84%
Although it lacks excitement, this game has true staying power, as you'll keep coming back to it to improve your par.

Overall 83%
More fun than Bruce Forsyth, better looking than Tarby, and more strokes than Cecil Parkinson.