| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 288 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2000-09-22 |
20,963,291 bytes |
58 |
3915 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
FICTIONAL |
UNCLASSIFIED |
threecan.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| 8cee233851da44ecb66ca98885f7b3ac |
9e011549d788c63c8e8d6acd618c4fa0 |
|
CLIPNOTES by Ben Bateson (ousgg) |
Description
Fictional, short course. |
Location
TBA |
Conditions
TBA |
Concept 3/10
Although this is probably Microsoft's most coherent attempt at a non-real
course, it throws up many questions: why would a Par 3 course exist in the
middle of the desert? What on Earth is all this water doing in the desert?
Why would anyone create such an amazing panorama to go with these 18
fairly uninspired holes? It's unenthralling stuff, to say the least, far too
repetitive, and needs an injection of excitement in order to pass itself off
as a valid player-worthy course. |
Appearance 5/10
There is a certain incongruity in seeing the bright green fairways in contrast to the desert sand. Sometimes it works; on this course it
certainly doesn't. In addition, the course is surely over planted, some planting - especially of the big rocks - is floating, and at least
one water feature has been terribly extruded. The saving grace, and have no doubt it is a big one, is the terrific dramatic panorama.
Without it, the course would be terrible. With it, the course is just about playable. Amazing how much difference a background can
make. |
Playability 3/10
With Par 3 courses, designers really have the license to exercise their imagination and landscaping abilities to an extent which would
be unplayable on a full-length course. Why oh why, then, have Microsoft not done this? It's dreadfully monotonous; lacking variety in
length and relies almost entirely on the nice Par 4s to rescue you from slumber. Sadly this means that there are only four worthwhile
holes on the course. Which isn't enough. |
Challenge 6/10
Three Canyons is reasonably well pitched. Most green gradients have been created with a simple tilt, which lacks imagination but
makes for a stiff putting test. The hazards do not come into play much, though, which makes birdies possible if unlikely. The Par 4s
should help you to pick up strokes in order to challenge par, but it would be nice to have more Par 3s that it was possible to score on. |
Technical 6/10
There are one or two very disappointing features, not least the way the water features and elevations have been handled. It would be
preferable to have a browner, dryer set of grass textures too. But let's not overlook some good (if over-enthusiastic) planting, of both
trees and rocks, and of course that sumptuous panorama. |
| Overall |
A par 3 course which promises a lot and, for the most part, fails to deliver. A lack of
variety and some glaring problems emphasise Microsoft's weakness with fictional
courses. |
23/50 |
Please remember that Clipnote reviews are the opinion of one person and do not constitute an 'Official' Links Corner review of the course. |
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