DiscLife Rating: 4
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1999 saw the world’s first disc golf computer game release -- “Frisbee Golf” -- which was justly ignored in the marketplace. Look out folks, a pro has just stepped up to the virtual tee pad.
“Innova Disc Golf” was originally scheduled for release nearly a year ago, but the extra efforts made to refine this game to match the challenges of disc golf have made the wait worthwhile. The game was developed by Sundial Interactive for WizardWorks, a division of GT Interactive Software which has been behind other successful games like Duke Nukem, Doom, Quake and Deer Hunter.
"Disc golf has experienced explosive growth because it offers an affordable and fun game for players of all
ages and skill levels," said Paul Rinde, senior vice president of WizardWorks. "Our PC game version captures that magic and delivers an exciting experience for casual and hardcore gamers alike."
Created in tandem with Innova-Champion Discs, Innova Disc Golf is thick with Innova images and discs, along with the flight sensabilities of Innova’s Dave Dunipace, who served as Disc Consultant for the project.
Players may choose from a full bag of eleven discs for any shot, and the flight characteristics are generally true to the actual discs thanks in part to the built-in flight physics engine and latest DirectX drivers (although I was very surprised to see a Stingray hyzering hard into a headwind).
Features include three skill levels (pro, amateur and novice), multi-player for up to four via Internet or LAN, and the ability to save your game as part of a “season.” Players may choose between four 18-hole courses which are beautifully rendered and include terrain changes, water hazards and other course challenges that we’ve come to expect. Your wind strength is selectable, and your throwing options are backhand or forehand. Hey, I’m not complaining, my overhand shot isn’t worth beans anyway.
In the center of the screen is your height adjustment and intended angle tool, which takes a while to get the hang of. You’ll spend more time experimenting with it once you’ve sent a drive into the side of a hill instead of over it. Screen windows include an overhead view which tracks your disc’s flight, and a view from behind the basket so you can watch the disc shrink into the distance on the main screen, and grow as it approaches into the basket window. Pretty slick.
True to real life, you’ll sometimes find yourself with a bush or tree right in your face, and the option of changing your angle of view for a better chance to get out. Can’t get out? Use the “drop” option and take your stroke. If you doink off the basket, the disc will realistically spin itself upright before settling back to the ground, a nice if cruel touch by the programmers.
Weaknesses are hard to find in Innova Disc Golf. Impatient golfers may tap their mouspads occasionally as the next hole view is created, and purists will notice a distinct lack of chain sounds, hearing instead the duller thud of disc-in-basket, or worse, hearing the dread sound of a disc bouncing off that wicked yellow band at the top of the Innova baskets.
Most impressive of all, this game is not easy to master, just like the real thing. I burned through at least 25 mulligans trying to hit a long deuce from 193 feet out. Putting is also just as frustrating here as in reality, so don’t plan on building your disc golfing ego with this game anytime soon. Do, however, plan on adding it to your shopping list.
Innova Disc Golf is available now at retail outlets nationwide for a
suggested retail price of $19.99. Order online from
Wizard Works.
