Links 2004 E3 2003 Preshow Report

Microsoft will have Links 2004, a new installment in its golf series, on display for the Xbox at E3 2003. One of the big new features of Links 2004 is its inclusion in the XSN Sports network. Using XSN, you'll be able to organize and create your own tours and tournaments using a centralized Web site. The new Web site will have the ability to broadcast league scores, standings, statistics, and more to any Web-based device (including cell phones). You'll play online games using Microsoft's Xbox Live service.

Links 2004 features realistic graphics, highlighted by a television-style presentation. You'll play on championship courses from all around the world, including Greywolf in Canada, New South Wales in Australia, and the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in California. Course environments will be displayed with great attention to detail, including animated water, ocean surf, 3D trees, divots, and galleries of golf fans who react to your shots. Golf course fauna like birds, squirrels, and gophers will be part of the scenery, with birds flying away if you plink a tree with an errant shot. Splash one into the water hazard, and any nearby ducks will fly away. The level of detail extends even to the game's lighting, as shadows will be cast differently across the course depending on the time of day.

Links 2004's gameplay is focused on a feature called "real-time swing." Using the Xbox controller's left thumbstick as the club, you'll have the ability to execute almost any type of shot, such as draws, fades, chips, and flops. The game's physics engine takes swing speed, direction, and course conditions into account when calculating the path of the balls you hit.

Spanish golf phenom Sergio Garcia is Links 2004's cover athlete, and you'll be able to play as him or other professional golfers. You can also create your own character and customize his physical characteristics, skills, and apparel. In the campaign mode, you can build up your character from a fresh-faced rookie who has just earned his Tour card to the number-one player in the world, earning money and sponsorships along the way. Licensed equipment from real golf manufacturers will be a prominent feature in Links 2004.

Links 2004 is slated for release in late 2003 for the Xbox, just in time for the holiday season. We'll have more information on the game as it becomes available.