Empire Signs Golf Pro Player

Empire Interactive has signed golf legend Gary Player for its upcoming first title in a series of realistic golf simulations. The Golf Pro will feature a "radical" new swing system called Mouse Drive that mimics the golf swing.

Talking about the Mouse Drive system, project manager David Pringle stated, "There's only so much you can do with the traditional click-click-click system.... With the Mouse Drive system, you're using a lateral mouse movement to draw the club back and forth, so you have a wider range of shots for a more accurate portrayal of a true golf swing. After using our Mouse Drive system, few players will wish to return to the traditional method."

Gary Player will provide 18 interactive lessons as well as provide commentary on the player's progress during gameplay on two major courses, St. Mellion International and Hilton Head International. With 21,000 frames of player animation, including 90 swing variations, The Golf Pro will also feature MatchPlay, StrokePlay, and Stableford competition play and matches.

As well as future add-on course licenses, Empire Interactive also plans on adding Internet play and online multiplayer tournaments. The Golf Pro is set for release in April and will come on four CD-ROMs.