Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Golf Magazine presents 36 Great Holes starring Fred Couples offers a surprisingly deep golf simulation that lets players step into the shoes of 24 digitized golfers—12 men and 12 women—across 27 historic U.S. courses. Whether you’re teeing off at Disney’s Eagle Pines or navigating the coastal winds of Tidewater Golf Club, each of the 36 authentic holes feels distinct, with subtle green undulations and varying fairway widths that demand strategic shot placement.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game features seven distinct modes: Stroke Play, Tournament, Skins, Shoot-out, Scramble, Practice, and Match Play. Casual players can hone their swing in Practice mode, while veterans can tackle the full Tournament circuit or engage in intense head-to-head Match Play. Skins and Shoot-out add exciting rule variations that keep multiplayer sessions fresh, and Scramble allows for cooperative play with friends.

Club selection further enriches the experience. Choose between three club-head types—wood, metal, and graphite—to find the perfect combination of distance and control. A comprehensive battery backup system tracks 16 different statistical categories, letting serious golfers monitor fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts per round. Add in the occasional voice tip from Fred Couples himself (though he isn’t a playable character), and you’ve got a gameplay package that balances accessibility with real depth.

Graphics

For its era, 36 Great Holes boasts impressively detailed digitized golfers and lush course backdrops. Each course’s signature landmarks—towering pines at Disney’s Eagle Pines, the sprawling water hazards at Tidewater—are faithfully rendered, giving a strong sense of place. While the animations are somewhat choppy by modern standards, the static vistas between shots capture the serenity of a sunny day on the links.

Character sprites are well-defined, with smooth transitions as each golfer addresses the ball, swings, and follows through. Subtle touches, like ball flight shadows and the changing grass textures around the greens, reinforce the simulation’s commitment to authenticity. Even club-selection screens feature clear diagrams and swing meters that convey information at a glance.

Audio-visual presentation is enhanced by Fred Couples’ commentary, which pops up during key moments—announceable birdie putts, bunkered shots, and tournament-clinching drives. Though the sampled voice clips are limited in number, they provide an engaging layer of feedback that complements the on-screen action. The background music is suitably mellow, ensuring that you stay focused on lining up each crucial shot.

Story

While Golf Magazine presents 36 Great Holes doesn’t follow a traditional narrative, it weaves a compelling “story” through its tournament progression and statistical tracking. Players can imagine their chosen golfer’s career unfolding as they rack up wins across classic courses, from opening rounds to final championships. The sense of advancement—improving stats, unlocking new events, and chasing course records—serves as its own driving narrative.

The diverse roster of male and female golfers lets you craft your own storyline. Will you guide a seasoned veteran to one last title, or shepherd a rising young star through college-style match play, culminating in a dramatic playoff? The variety of modes—from skins games to shoot-outs—offers fresh narrative arcs each time you fire up the cartridge.

Fred Couples’ occasional advice ties the experience together, lending a pseudo-coaching storyline. Even though Couples isn’t selectable, his presence underscores the theme of professional-level golf. Hearing his voice congratulate you on a well-played round or prompt you to “stay low on your backswing” adds a layer of immersion that nudges the game toward a light narrative framework.

Overall Experience

Golf Magazine presents 36 Great Holes starring Fred Couples stands out as a robust golf simulation that balances realism with approachability. The wealth of courses, combined with seven gameplay modes and detailed club mechanics, ensures long-term replayability. Casual players will appreciate the Practice mode and accessible controls, while golf enthusiasts will dive deep into statistical tracking and competitive tournaments.

The graphics and audio, though dated by today’s standards, still effectively convey the atmosphere of a top-tier golf outing. Digitized golfers move smoothly, course layouts are readily recognizable, and Fred Couples’ commentary adds a professional sheen. The battery backup feature, which preserves your stats and tournament progress, is a welcome convenience that showcases the game’s ambition.

Ultimately, 36 Great Holes is a well-rounded package for anyone seeking an authentic golf experience on a classic platform. Its blend of variety, depth, and thematic touches from Fred Couples makes it a worthwhile investment for fans of the sport and retro gaming alike. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply enjoying a relaxing round with friends, this title delivers satisfying gameplay from the first tee to the 36th hole.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10