To Flop, or Not to Flop? Mastering Shot Control

Golf video games, like the sport itself, have been around for quite some time. But, even as advances in play mechanics have slowly crept into the design, control has remained an issue. How exactly can you simulate the subtle nuances of a physical sport using nothing more than a control pad? Thankfully, the designers behind Links® 2004 have tapped into the responsive analog functions of the Xbox controller and added tactile feedback via the controller’s rumble capabilities. The end result is physical feedback that gives you supreme control over your shots.

Playing Links is an experience in golf. It serves as a means to educate newcomers to the sport as well as entertain the most hardcore fan. Let’s take a look at the variety of shot types available to the golfer, and analyze the uses per scenario.

A Bag Full of Tricks
There are six ways to execute a shot in Links. The most obvious (as well as most used) shot type is the Straight Shot. This is best used when driving a straight path toward the green with little concern for wind or obstacles. To perform a straight shot, simply move the left analog stick back to the desired strength and follow through smoothly to the front. Deviation from a straight motion will cause unexpected results, so unless you like frolicking in the marshes, be sure to have solid control and smooth speed. If you need less power, simply use slower force on the swing. This is a critical skill that gets easier over time, so practice with each shot, taking special care to exercise fluid motion.

Though the recommended club and shot type are automatically selected for you, experienced players will want total control over the ball using the Shot Type Selector. To access the additional shot types, activate theSelector by pressing and holding the B button and moving the left analog stick to the desired shot type. Should you find your ball dug into a bunker near the green, the Blast Shot may be your best choice to pop the ball out of the trap and close to the hole. With the Shot Types Selector activated, select the Blast Shot. In Links, the Blast Shot strikes the sand behind the ball to create the blast of force needed to loft the ball upward, rather than forward. This way, the ball won’t overshoot the flag, but instead, will bounce softly to a stop close to the cup. The effects of any shot are automatic; just select the shot, and perform the stroke normally.

The Chip Shot on the other hand, is used to pop the ball from the fringe or fairway onto the green with a forward spin. Again, height and angle are the factors involved, rather than simple brute force. Keep in mind that the loftier the shot, the more exposed the ball will be to wind. Adjust your aim accordingly to avoid errant hits, and land the ball as close to the flag as possible. Remember: The ball will roll after landing, so keep an eye on the power of your swing.

Golfers looking for more direct drives should use the Punch Shot or the Knockdown Shot, which restricts height, thus keeping the ball out of wind gusts or under the blanket of tree limbs. Generally, these shots require less power in your swing.

The Flop Shot is similar to the chip, in that it is used from outside the green to approach the hole, but there is no spin to carry the ball forward upon landing. You’ll need accurate power to drop your Flop Shot close to the pin because it won’t roll very far after touching the ground.

Finally, the Putt is used to sink the ball into the hole from the green. If your approach to the cup was accurate, a skilled putt should result in dropping the ball into the cup. Pay attention to the contour of the grass, as it will affect the path of your shot. Too little or too much power will also affect your trajectory and could mean the difference between a birdie and a bogey. Use the aim marker by moving the directional pad left or right to adjust your approach. The blue line stretching from the ball will give an approximation of where the ball should roll, if the proper force is applied. The putting camera is accessed by pressing the X button and gives a “ball’s eye view” from the ball to the hole. This is an extremely useful tool in judging aim as well as the contour of the green.

So, there you have it. The six shot types in Links 2004 give you a wealth of control over your golf game. If you want to ace the hole, you’ll not only need to master the execution of each shot, but you’ll also need to know when to execute each shot. With skill and a little luck, you’ll swing your way to the championships.

By Jim W. Gettys