Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Greg Norman’s Shark Attack! The Ultimate Golf Simulator delivers a deeply intricate golfing experience that stems from eight man-years of dedicated development. The core mechanics revolve around ball lie and swing style, providing nuanced shot shaping and realistic ball behavior. Novices can disable these advanced effects for a more straightforward feel, while veterans will relish the full simulation options.

The game offers multiple play modes to suit any group of golfers. Whether you prefer one-on-one match play or stroke play, or want to team up in Fourball, Foursome, or Greensome modes, the flexibility is there. A practice mode rounds out the package, letting you refine your swing on either of the two included courses before heading into competitive rounds.

Controls are intuitive yet deep: a three-click swing meter determines power and accuracy, while optional weather and wind settings add strategic complexity. You can toggle wind effects and dynamic weather on or off, tailoring the challenge to your tastes. Before each shot, an overhead 3D perspective gives you a clear view of hazards, distances, and green undulations, helping you plan your next move.

Multiplayer support for up to four players makes Shark Attack! a social affair, whether you’re sharing a single computer or swapping turns. The combination of realistic physics and flexible game modes ensures each round feels fresh, and the ability to save your progress means you can build your reputation across multiple sessions.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Shark Attack! leans heavily into 3D modeling, with detailed fairways, bunkers, and greens that reflect real-world conditions. Grass textures vary in density and color depending on the lie of the ball, while subtle elevation changes are accentuated by dynamic shading. These visual cues are vital for planning your shot and nod to the eight years of development behind the simulation.

Course design is thoughtfully executed, with two distinct layouts that showcase different challenges. One course features rolling hills and water hazards, the other emphasizes tight doglegs and strategically placed bunkers. Both benefit from a clean overhead view before each swing, offering crisp visuals that won’t bog down older systems yet still look impressive for their era.

Environmental effects, when enabled, enhance immersion. Wind is represented by swaying palm fronds and drifting clouds, while occasional rain alters the ground texture and forces you to adapt your shot selection. Even if you choose to disable these effects for a more straightforward session, the game’s baseline graphics maintain a polished, professional aesthetic.

Story

As a pure golf simulator, Shark Attack! doesn’t weave a traditional narrative with cutscenes or character arcs. Instead, the “story” is carried by the endorsement of Greg Norman, one of the game’s chief selling points. His involvement lends authenticity and invites players to test their skills against the standards of a top professional from the 1980s.

Your personal progression serves as the de facto storyline: improve your handicap, master the subtleties of each course, and rack up victories in different formats. While there’s no career mode in the cinematic sense, the sense of achievement comes from honing your technique and conquering progressively tougher conditions.

For gamers seeking a deeper worldview or a narrative campaign, Shark Attack! may feel light on story. However, those drawn to technical accuracy and the pure thrill of golf will appreciate that the focus remains squarely on the sport itself. The absence of contrived plot elements allows you to sink into the simulation without distractions.

Overall Experience

Greg Norman’s Shark Attack! The Ultimate Golf Simulator stands out as a technically ambitious title that prioritizes realism and replayability. The eight-man-year development cycle shows in the depth of its physics models and the breadth of playable modes. Whether you’re competing against friends or sharpening your own skills in practice, the game adapts to your preferred challenge level.

While the lack of a cinematic story might deter players seeking a narrative journey, the authentic gameplay more than makes up for it. The ability to toggle advanced ball effects and weather conditions ensures both newcomers and seasoned golfers can find their perfect difficulty curve. Plus, the inclusion of four distinct multiplayer formats adds lasting social appeal.

Graphically, the simulator strikes a solid balance between performance and detail, offering clear overhead views and course visuals that remain impressive even by modern standards. Audio cues for ball impact and ambient course sounds further immerse you in each round, reinforcing the sense that every stroke matters.

In sum, Shark Attack! is a must-consider title for golf enthusiasts and simulation fans alike. Its detailed mechanics, flexible settings, and endorsement by a legendary player deliver an experience that is both accessible and deep. If you’re looking to bring the precision of real-world golf to your computer, this simulator is ready to tee off.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10