Sid Meier's SimGolf

"Yet another in the oddly addicting series of Sim games!"

Before I begin this review, I must respectfully note that I am not a big PC gamer. Consoles have always been my first love and will probably always will be. If a great game ever came out on the PC, I would just hope that it received a console port or would just live without it. However, I recently picked up a copy of SimGolf, and I have to say that it is the best gaming experience I have ever had on a computer. After playing this game, it is very easy for me to see why games like The Sims and SimCity are so insanely popular. I'll never be a devoted PC gamer, but SimGolf ranks very highly on my list of all-time great games on any platform.

Graphics:
Ok, so we're not exactly dealing with Doom III here. The graphics are very simple, but they do get the job done. In fact, in their own way, they are very cool to look at and really give you the feel of constructing a golf course. The camera is pulled back far from the action, but you can zoom in a couple of times for a slightly closer view. The zoom doesn't get you too close to the action, but everything look great, anyway.

Score: 9/10

Sound:
The ambient noise presented in SimGolf is just perfect! Everything sounds as if it would on a real golf course. From the chatter of your customers to the various noises animals happen to make, everything is pretty much spot on. The music is soothing and very much suited for the type of game. After all, it's not like this game needs a epic, driving musical score, right?

Score: 10/10

Gameplay:
The Sim games have been famous for their addictive gameplay, and SimGolf proudly continues that tradition. It takes about a total of 10 seconds to become familiar with the interface and all of the commands at your disposal. Building your dream golf course is absurdly simple, and having to keep your customers satisfied is also very easy. You will also have the opportunity to play your own courses and if your course is good enough, it can be entered into tournament play. Basically, everything about this game just screams fun! The tried and true formula of simple, addictive gameplay is successful once again.

Score: 10/10

Replayability:
This game has as much replayability as you want. If you want to experiment with course design in a quest for the perfect golfing experience, this game will consume many hours of your life. Some people may become bored with this after only a little while, but I really feel those people would be in the minority. Just like The Sims, this is one you'll be playing for quite some time.

Score: 9/10

Overall impressions:
Although I had heard many great things about SimGolf, I had hesitated about buying it. As I have said, I usually invest my time playing console games, and I was reluctant to take a chance a game that I might not have liked. However, I found this game at Wal-Mart for only $20, and I feel it is the best twenty bucks I have ever spent on a single game. There may not be violence and bloodshed in this game, but there is plenty here to love. Go out and pick up a copy of Sid Meier's latest classic!

Overall score (not an average): 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/28/02, Updated 09/28/02