The graphics engine here is a bit deceptive. Using the rather blocky voxel technology for the main screen swing, it appears everything is about to use this view. It allows players to see elevation and depth a bit better, even if it hardly comes into play. Instead, the majority of the action takes place from a simple overhead view.
A price is paid for that new engine too. Switching from the main view to the swing screen requires the game to load the view change. It's quick, but still gives the game a choppy, unfinished feel. There's little reason why you can't aim and swing on the same screen, which would save time, giving the game a much needed pacing boost. Elsewhere, golfer animation is nothing short of stunning (all pre-rendered) and the rain moving in the direction of the wind is a nice small touch that adds a sense of realism to a very arcade style golfing game.
It's not saying much when you can turn the volume completely down and not miss anything. The music is left to the menu screens and is hardly noticeable. A few ambient effects (bird calls and such) bring little life to the course. The nice thwack of the club hitting the ball is one of the few, if only, notable effects.
If you want a golf sim, then you should stay as far away from this series as possible. This is supposed to be a fast and fun golfing title. It succeeds in that partly. If your definition of fun is wailing on computer opponents by over 15 strokes every round, then you'll be fine. If you just want a simply game of golf to pass the time, then this works on that level too. If you actually want to be challenged, then this is simply not the game for you.
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