I don't know if the claim will mean much to today's Nintendo Wii
audience, but I'm of the mind that Neo Turf Masters on the Neo-Geo is
the best arcade golf game ever made. It's so easy to become spoiled by
motion controls on Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort and Tiger Woods
Golf, isn't it? It's very tempting to toss aside all the older golf
games and stick with the Wiimote. However, I do strongly suggest that
you hold on to this one.
I really love the presentation on Neo
Turf Masters. This game is wonderfully polished and you can see the
care and dedication Nazca, the developers, brought to the table. Golf
games were decidedly second-tier in the arcades (usually reserved for PC
simulations), and I think that's part of the reason gamers are so
impressed. Just look at the bright and brilliantly detailed graphics.
Note the excellent use of color, and note the spectacular animation of
the golfers. Observe the stunning use of scrolling to simulate 3D depth
with sprites.
I certainly wouldn't expect four different
courses, at 18 holes each. I certainly wouldn't expect a variety of
golfers with their unique skills, or a full set of clubs, or the ability
to add curves or spin to the swings. In other words, I would expect a
stripped-down arcade game, not the full experience. Nazca clearly
proved their dedication and love of detail - a trait they would
demonstrate again and again with their Metal Slug series.
Perhaps
because this is an arcade title, the courses aren't recreations of
actual locations, but offer the sort of surreal fantasy video games are
made for. I especially like the par-three holes which take place over
cliffs. I also enjoy the brisk speed of the game; it's just a couple
quick button presses and you're making your next shot. It's fairly easy
to make shots, but you will have to use your golfing skills, as the
game is quite challenging.
And, hey, look at that! I made it to
the end of the review without cracking lame Tiger Woods jokes. What an
achievement. I should get an award for this review.