| Links Corner Course Database ID Number - 768 |
Release Date |
CRZ Filesize |
Par |
Course Length |
| 2002-02-07 |
16,041,358 bytes |
71 |
7153 yards |
| Type |
Style |
CRZ Filename |
|
IMAGINARY |
TROPICAL |
A Lost Legend.crz |
| Course ID |
Course Key |
| 5c9754c21bf411d6bb2100e029510ffb |
1091114f8354f3d04e79a54872adba80 |
|
LINKS CORNER REVIEW |
Reviewed by
Chuck Clark
March 2002
Background: This is the twelfth golf course released to Links Corner by Mr. Stellema. But this is the first one since last June. In the early days of the APCD, Mr. Stellema was one of our most prolific designers, but he has seemingly taken a long break from designing. He is back now with A Lost Legend. Most of his previous courses were not well received though. His 11 previous courses never gained a rating higher than 60. I actually reviewed his last course, Rivers Edge, and gave it that rating. Hopefully, with a bit more time and experience, Mr. Stellema has gained the knowledge and experience necessary to make a great golf course. The read-me tells us nothing more than the designers name and that the course is an imaginary one.
Overall Impression: Well, the one word I would use to summarize this golf course would be Bizarre! Everything about this course is weird. From the Cameo screen which has a likeness of Ben Hogan in it (rolling over in his grave I am sure) to the fact that this course is half tropical and half desert makes you say 'bizarre' to yourself while playing. Yes, you heard me right. The first 7 holes are in a tropical jungle (see picture above). Then on 8 you are suddenly in a rocky desert populated with saguaro cacti (see picture below). Then on the fifteenth hole you go back into the jungle. Besides this, which would be weird enough, is the fact that the holes are strange and unusual to say the least. This is definitely a fantasy golf course. It has a wide selection of off-the-wall golf holes, with island greens, huge rock outcroppings and bizarre dog legs.
Playability: This course suffers most from playability. The rough right off the fairways is a deep variety, which is almost impossible to advance the ball from. This really takes the fun out of a golf course for me. It is also populated with wild and tough to hit fairways and greens. There are narrow and bizarrely shaped island greens that you have to hit from 200 yards (plus) away. There are two par fours over 500 yards and two par fives over 600 yards. It is borderline impossible to play this course. The second hole is a good example. It is a 150 yard par 3 with the tee shot played over (hopefully) a rocky mountain. Well, when I played it, it was downwind, so I chose a 9 iron and hit away. My ball was right on line with the flag when it hit the mountain and bounced back to the base of the cliff. I then had absolutely no shot to the green and proceeded to make huge number on the hole. Wow, that was fun!
Shot Values: Well, you do have lots of strange shots on this course. I guess you are tested pretty well here and there but the shots are so bizarre that you are not really enjoying them.
Visuals: Well, if you can't make your mind up if you feel like playing a tropical or desert course, then this is the one for you. The tropical part is deep green and lush with lots of palm trees and water. The desert part is rocky and severe with lots of scrubby bushes and cacti. I didn't care for the texture transitions used in the desert portion, they were glaring when viewed together.
Technique: I will say that Mr. Stellema has definitely advanced in his techniques with the APCD. He obviously knows how to use the program much better now than he did in the past. The hazards are much better done, the planting is better and the greens are not so intense. That is not to say there are no errors on this course though; there are still a few sharp edges, some bad texture transitions and the occasional strange twist that jumps out at you.
Summary: Well, as stated in the first few paragraphs of this review, I would classify this course as bizarre. It is a small download though, so if you really like a fantasy type golf course, then you may want to try this one out. If you don't like fantasy golf holes, then stay away from this course like the plague. It is too weird to really take too seriously, so if you want a good laugh play a round or two. It is definitely a different experience to say the least.
I am both a player and a designer. I review courses primarily from the standpoint of fun and playability. I appreciate courses that are beautiful to look at, but first and foremost I want a fun experience. I have spent many hours designing courses myself, so I understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the design process. Any critical comments made here are meant to be constructive and helpful.
Included/Not Included:
Cameo: Yes (with Ben Hogan in it?)
Splash Screen: Yes
Hole Previews: No
Tee Signs: No
Custom Tee Markers: No
Custom Flags: No
Read Me: Yes
Handicaps: No
Custom or Added Sounds: No? |
This course is available as a FREE download.
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