PGA Tour 96

"Great Game for the Golf Fan"

Game play 8/10

Drive some balls, sink some chips, and bury an eagle, these are just some of the things that you can do in 96 version of this realistic like golf game. Modes range from novice to pro and are a challenge even for a seasoned veteran. Keep your concentration as you smack the ball down the fairway and hope it doesn’t roll into the rough, any slice or hook could be disaster. Judge the length of the club to the hole, hitting the ball full blast isn’t always the answer. Also, make sure you pay attention to the putting instructions because the break of the green could be the difference between a birdie and a bogey. The controls are simple, press B to start your swing, B again to bring it back down, and B once more to make contact. The controls are quickly learned, but not mastered, because timing the swing is quite difficult.

Story 8/10

Practice driving, chipping, or putting, play a regular round of nine or eighteen or try your luck at match play or skins, and for the skilled golfers try your hand at a tournament. You can play eighteen holes or the back or front nine. Play against your friends or the computer, or both. You can also create a golfer and pitch and chip your way into golf history. If you create a golfer there are numerous stats that help you keep tabs on your new favorite golfer. You can play at three different courses, Spyglass Hill, Sawgrass, and River Highlands. Each course has its own unique challenges, sand traps in Sawgrass, water hazards in the Highlands, and a mix of both at Spyglass.

Audio/Video 8/10

The lush trees and bushes line the rough as you drive onto the neatly cut fairway. See the small hills and dips in the course and sand traps that are adjacent to the green. Each golfer has his own shirts, pants, and even hats. The graphics seem a bit fizzy and is about the only downfall. Hear the ball hit the pin or listen as the ball rolls into the water hazard. There are many sounds in this game that are note worthy. If you are unfortunate enough to hit a tree you can hear them rustle as if from the push of a gentle breeze. The crowd gives a “golf” clap every time you save par or knock in a birdie or eagle.

Replayablity 10/10

This game never really gets old, as the multi player option keeps this game interesting for hours. Push each other to new levels as you compete for a match play crown or a lump sum of money in the game of skins.

Buy or Rent

Since you can’t rent this game I recommend that you buy it if you enjoy golf and are look in for a good time. Plus, since Genesis as gone down the crapper a few years back you should be able to pick it up are your favorite used video game store for less than ten bucks.

Overall 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/10/01, Updated 06/10/01