Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Links LS 1999 builds on the solid foundation of its predecessors by introducing refined swing mechanics and a wealth of customization options. The new PowerStroke and 3-click mouse swing options give both newcomers and veteran golfers precise control over every drive, chip, and putt. Whether you prefer the timing-based 3-click system or the pressure-sensitive PowerStroke, each shot feels responsive and true to life, letting you adjust your power and accuracy with confidence.

(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 inclusion of a robust Mode of Play Game Designer takes gameplay well beyond simply tackling the 30 pre-built challenges. You can craft your own tournaments, hazards, and course layouts, tailoring tees, fairways, and roughs to your exact specifications. Sharing these custom creations with friends or downloading new ones online adds tremendous replay value, turning a traditional golf sim into an ever-evolving playground of creativity and competition.

Online play receives a major overhaul with real-time voice chat, spectator mode, and crowd galleries lining the fairways. Playing a head-to-head match feels like a true tournament thrill, complete with virtual fans cheering every perfect drive. Spectators can switch between smart cameras or follow your shot in first-person, fostering a communal atmosphere that bridges the gap between a home PC and a live golf event.

Graphics

Visually, Links LS 1999 is a significant step forward for the franchise. The courses—ranging from the historic St Andrews Old Course to the scenic Entrada at Snow Canyon—are rendered in lush detail, complete with dynamic haze, drifting fog, and waving flags that flutter realistically in the wind. These subtle environmental flourishes help each round feel unique, as morning mists or afternoon sun glare can alter visibility and ambiance.

Course objects such as bunkers, cart paths, and water hazards are modeled in full 3D, lending depth and dimension to every shot. The improved panorama engine offers sweeping vistas that showcase rolling fairways, distant dunes, and rocky canyons. Smart Cameras allow you to position your viewpoint anywhere—from an overhead satellite angle to a low camera beside the green—so you can judge slopes and yardages with cinematic flair.

Ball-flight physics are markedly more realistic than prior entries. Spin, wind, and turf interaction all affect trajectory, making each swing’s outcome depend on subtle variables. The digitized footage of Arnold Palmer, integrated into swing animations, adds a human touch—his forms and follow-through are captured with uncanny accuracy, reminding players of the sport’s legendary figures as they strive for their own moments of brilliance.

Story

Although sports simulations don’t typically follow a traditional narrative arc, Links LS 1999 delivers a compelling career-style structure through its tournament environment. Beginning with casual club events and progressing to high-stakes international competitions, you experience the rise of a golf pro from rookie to champion. The crowning moment at St Andrews feels earned as you navigate each round’s pressure and shifting weather patterns.

The inclusion of crowd galleries and voice-over commentary helps build a sense of drama throughout your journey. You can even author your own commentary scripts—adding personalized remarks that play back during critical shots. This level of creative control enriches your personal story, allowing you to craft memorable highlights that tie directly into your style and achievements on the green.

Beyond simply winning trophies, the game weaves in authentic extras such as post-round interviews, locker room banter, and highlights reels. These multimedia elements transform routine strokes into narrative beats, offering an engaging storyline full of adversity, triumph, and the occasional comeback. Even without a scripted plot, the emotional highs and lows of competitive play become your own unique tale.

Overall Experience

Links LS 1999 stands as a gleaming addition to the Links franchise, marrying depth of play with visual polish and online integration. The diverse selection of courses—from the venerable Old Course at St Andrews to the desert vistas of Snow Canyon—ensures that no two rounds ever feel the same. Weather effects, course hazards, and smart camera angles invite you to explore every nook of the fairway.

The fusion of customizable game design, real-time voice chat, and spectator mode turns a classic golf sim into a vibrant community hub. Whether you’re practicing solo, exchanging your own custom challenges with friends, or competing in a streamed tournament, Links LS 1999 has the tools to keep golfers of all skill levels engaged for hours on end.

From its realistic physics and digitized pro animations to the strategic depth of shot selection and course management, Links LS 1999 delivers an immersive, authentic golf experience. It offers both a polished single-player progression and a robust online scene, striking a compelling balance that will satisfy purists and casual players alike. For anyone seeking a comprehensive, feature-rich virtual golfing experience, Links LS 1999 is well worth a spot in your lineup.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10