CNET Editors' review
An amazing array of real-world physics and configurable user controls make Links 2003 a must for anyone who wants to get in a quick nine from the comfort of a desktop. Although it doesn't offer as much animated pizzazz as other golf games, it does deliver the ultimate in realism and beautiful 3D scenery. All the strategic elements of a real golf game apply, and an excellent tutorial covers all the controls, including club selection, course rules, and pin position. The game's Real Time Swing feature adds yet another level of impressive realistic play, requiring true dexterity and skill to make the big shots. The file size is monstrous, but the demo comes with enough features and gameplay to make it worth the download, especially for broadband users.
Publisher's Description
From Microsoft Games:
The newest version of the popular Microsoft golf simulator features improved graphics; six brand-new championship courses; high-resolution 3D characters; the Dynamic Camera, which lets you see your shot from different perspectives; and improved putting with the new 3D Green Analyzer. Links 2003 also brings improvements to the Arnold Palmer Course Designer 3D course architecture tool.
With the trial version, you will be able to play as Sergio Garcia, using the new Real Time Swing option. Included in the trial version are five modes of play, in addition to the ability to compete head-to-head online at Zone.com. The featured course is the back nine at Skeleton Coast, the new fictional golf course designed exclusively for Links 2003.
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 32 votes
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Current version:
3.6 starsout of 32 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Could not play w/Windows 7"
Version: Links 2003
Pros
I gave this 4 stars since that was about the average. And, in all fairness to Microsoft
Games, this application did not claim to support Windows 7. That's a shame, there
are many glowing reviews about the great video featured in this app.Cons
Hangs w/Windows 7... at least that was my experience.
Summary
I tried to install twice. Boith times the app would initalize and then hang before I could
tee off. -
"Great golf game, nice graphics"
Version: Links 2003
Pros
Play is relatively easy, nice graphics mostly despite the age of this game, good sound effects in full version.
Cons
The water has that same look as Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight (relatively flat and computer-grafikee-looking. Also from what I found, the full version of this product is no longer available from Microsoft.
Summary
It's too bad that this product is no longer available in it's full version. It seems like I had d/l'd this before and the demo had bird sound effects in it.
But now if you want the full version, you click on the 'Buy Now' link inside the game and it will take you to the MS Games site, but it appears Links 2003 is no longer sold by Microsoft. I'm sure that it may be available somewhere like eBay, or elsewhere used, but it is currently not available on amazon.com either.
Well I'd recommend you download and enjoy Links 2003: it's worth the price of admission.
Enjoy
Tomas773 -
"Brilliant"
Version: Links 2003
Pros
So cheap if you buy the download version, add on courses are cheap too, and there are hundreds of free ones to download around the net. The graphics are brilliant, the LAN multiplayer option works beautifully!!! Highly recomment this program, FANTASTIC!!!!
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"Played links for first time. Played others in past. This is the best."
Version: Links 2003
Pros
Challaging. It all depends on you.
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"Fantastic Graphics for its time... too bad the series ended"
Version: Links 2003
Pros
Great Graphics... best ball physics I've ever seen in any sports game.
Cons
Can be boring at times compared to Tiger Woods series. Too 'laid back' for many users?
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"I wanna be Mike Weir instead"
Version: Links 2003
Summary
Excellent game the couses are quite scenic.
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"SUCKS"
Version: Links 2003
Summary
For those of you that don't have high speed internet, don't bother with this program. You almost have to build a guide rail for your mouse to get a straight swing, or a very large desk. The lag time between shots also leaves a lot to be desired. Not worth the time to download!
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"F**KING EXELLENT"
Version: Links 2003
Summary
I Really love this game. SOOO much!
That I want the full version.
I was'nt into Golf games!
But when I played this is was hooked!
I play this Demo 3-4 times a day!
But if anyone has the full game and dont mind sharing it! email me at GEZDAGR8@hotmail.com
Thanx Guys! -
"Very Good demo"
Version: Links 2003
Summary
I like what Microsoft has done to update this classic golf sim. The real time swing is a welcome addition.
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"Not good..."
Version: Links 2003
Summary
Real-time swing using a mouse is a joke. They've taken a really good product and made it too much like the old Microsoft Golf. Stick to PS2 for golf games...
