The Final Round

Konami is going for a birdie with Final Round, one fantastic Golf game. This exceptional golf simulation for the PlayStation features a polished and easy-to-use arcade-style interface that is very addictive.

It has all of the bells, whistles and happy bird sounds that avid video game golf fans should enjoy.

In the production of the game. Konami's game designers used a unique motion-capture technique that makes the golfer's swings very smooth and the ball physics accurate. The ball comes off of the driver differently than it does when you hit it with an iron. The attention to detail is what makes this game enjoyable. With this game Konami is definitely in the running for this year's Green Jacket of golf.

Up to four people can compete in stroke, match or skins play. You can can even work on improving your chipping, driving or putting in the Training Mode.

The game has three levels of difficulty: Easy, Normal and Hard. You can choose from any one of five male players and one female player. Each of the players are polygon-based and they are rated in a number of different golf-related categories: power, technique, stability and luck. Each of these 3-D rendered golfers has distinct strengths and weaknesses. One may have a better touch on the green, while another may be able to drain a long putt, while another can drive the ball 300 yards. This game is very addictive and you will find yourself going through each of the characters trying to get a handle on which one has the most well-rounded golf game.

The game allows you to adjust your handicap for your golfer or any one of your opponents from zero to 40. There is even an option that allows you to start play on the front nine or the back nine. Among the other options, wind can be turned on or off as well as weather and instant replays. If you have the replays turned on, after a shot the computer Al will replay the shot automatically.

An announcer calls your shots as they land and he'll let you know by the tone in his voice whether you landed on the dance floor (the green), the bunker or the drink. The sound effects in this game are outstanding. Whether you're in the tee box getting ready to blast one into the stratosphere or getting ready to putt for birdie, the sounds of the crowd clapping or the birds chirping makes you feel as if you are really out on the links.

Sound effects make this game, whether it's the plop of the ball as it lands in the water or the clank of the ball as it kareens off of the pin. The sounds of the birds are so lifelike you will want to wear a hat.