ESPN Final Round Golf 2002

"The GBA's First Golf Game"

Golf on the Game Boy/Game Boy Color have been, well, less than stellar. With the exception of Golf and Mario Golf, the games have been pretty bad. The screen limitations and the lack of options have made one's handheld golfing experince stuck in a sandtrap.

Let's talk about Mario Golf. Anyone could like this game. I know people who can't stand golf go nuts over this game. The game was fun to play and boasted many game modes. The only bad thing about the game was that it was too easy. Other than that, it stands as the best golf game for the Game Boy, if not one of the best games for the system.

Now we have the powerhouse that is the Game Boy Advance. At least we'll be able to see where the ball is going on this machine. This machine has to be able so decent golf games. That seems logical. Within the first year, we get ''Final Round Golf 2002''. This game goes away from the cartoony world of Mario to the real world. however, despite the fact that it has the ESPN license, it has no real golfers nor any real golf courses. This is no big deal as long as the game is good.

In short, this game would have never survived on the original Game Boy. The golf in this game is similar to those found in many of the lackluster games on the Game Boy. What saves this version is what the Game Boy Advance cando better than the original Game Boy; graphics and sound. The eye and ear candy make this game an enjoyable experince.

Graphics 10

My eyes! They've been poisoned! I've never seen a game so pretty (on the GBA). The water reflects the sky and shimmers. All hazards are clear and viewable, eliminating the ''Where the hell did that tree/sandtrap come from?'' factor from the game. Simply put, these visuals are purty. Really purty.

Game Control 6.0

As pretty as the game is, the control in this game is something that needs fixing. For some weird reasons, my ball with either go an extra or fall short from a range of anywhere from ten to sixty yards. I understand that wind and slopes may factor in the velocity of the ball but sixty yards. I also find that putting spin on the ball has no effect. Putting seems to easy, but I think that's more a game design issue. Even though I'm told that my maximum distance I can hit the ball is 32 feet (that's the player I usually use), I can make 40 foot putts, even though there is no slope.

Replay 8.0

There are really not that many options to open up. The only thing that keeps me playing is the fact that it takes a while to open up courses. Instead of beating one and then opening up another; you have to beat one several times to earn money to be able to buy your way into another course. The tournaments are fun but are way to easy. I haven't had a chance to play multiplayer because no one I know has this game and you need a game pak for each Game Boy. However, I could imagine that there is no difference in playing a one-player game andplaying against friends, with only the added fun of beating the crap out of one of your friends.

Game Design 7.0

This game needs more options. Plus it offers no real challenge. Getting eagles are not really a problem. The game control problems also need to be fixed before next year's edition (I assume that there will be a new game for next year) is released. Some real golf courses would also be nice too. Still the graphics and sound are perfect. If they improve on that, I'll be really impressed.

Sound 10

Backround music in golf games aren't really necessary. The music in this game is quite pleasent. Really nice with headphones. The sound effects are amazing. The crowd gasps and then cheers when you hit a tee shot two feet within the cup. The crowd reaction is smart. They know exactly when to cheer, gasp, and groan. The other effects like ball sounds and weather are great too.

Satisfaction 9.0

I'm happy with this game. I wish it had more depth with it but the graphics and sound make up for it. It's quite the enjoyable golf game. I'd get it considering the fact that the price has been lowered (in Canada) to $40 bucks. At that price it's well worth it. I just wish it had more challenge to it. Still, it's good, clean fun that doesn't involve any violence. Unless your a ball, of course.

Watch out dimple face! I'm coming for you!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/27/02, Updated 03/27/02