While it didn’t implement the most advanced gameplay elements it did emanate its own zany charm

User Rating: 6.8 | Will Harvey's Zany Golf APL2
By fishdalf | Review Date:
Zany Golf is probably a name many of you are unfamiliar with, it didn’t redefine a genre and it didn’t change the face of golf games for a generation but what it did do was bring silliness to the sport with a whimsical approach to its courses and its overall gameplay. Compared to games such as Mini Golf which were released around the same time Zany Golf truly excelled, taking their boring 2D graphics and bringing them to life with colourful 3D environments. The graphics as a whole were great, using shading and perspective to a standard unrivalled at that point in time, along with its eye-pleasing isometric viewpoint this game really brought a tight package to the table.

You started the game with three spare shots and each time the ball was stroked you inevitably lost one, the better your par on the last hole the more spare shots you carried over to the next. It was also possible to gain extra shots by squashing fairies with your ball (Indeed…) or by completing a course within a certain amount of time. While it didn’t necessarily offer a whole lot in terms of variety within it’s gameplay it did require a fair amount of practice if you wanted to make full use of it’s shot system.

The game featured a disappointing 9 playable holes with 1 measly bonus stage available upon completing certain requirements. This felt pretty lazy and didn’t do much for the games life span; it’s a good job the courses they did include were well crafted and crazily addictive to play through. The insanity started right from the get-go requiring you to navigate a windmill in order to reach your goal, others ranged from bouncing hamburgers and whacky pinball machines to ant hill shaped holes that deviously moved around the course at will.

The sound was pretty impressive and one of the best aspects of the game, each ping and twang resounded with an enthusiastic zest. Every hole boasted its own unique soundtrack that generally fitted the theme and made for the perfect accompaniment to the crazy golfing action displayed on screen. This game never took itself all too seriously and it showed in abundance, its off-the-wall style made for a unique feeling golf simulator. While it didn’t implement the most complicated of shot systems or the most advanced gameplay elements it did emanate its own zany charm.
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