According to WizardWorks, "Innova Disc Golf is the world's first interactive simulation of the sport that's sweeping the country". Well they got one thing right, it's the world's first interactive simulation of disc golf. What they didn't get right was the game itself.

Innova Disc Golf plays much like any other golf game, except instead of golf clubs and golf balls you throw discs around a course with the objective of throwing it into a basket. There are four full 18-basket courses on which to play. That's not the only similarity to the sport of golf however, each of the courses are par threes. That's to say that on each hole, it should only take you three throws to land the disc into the basket. The goal of Innova Disc Golf, much like regular golf, is to have as low a score as possible.

There are 11 different discs in total to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics. The discs are similar to golf clubs in that some of the discs can travel farther than others. Some discs are meant for longer shots while others are more effective at closer range. Some discs are designed to curve to the left or right depending on whether you throw it backhand or forehand. Basically you have to judge your shot and select the disc that will best suit your needs.

Sound simple enough? It's golf except with discs instead of clubs and balls. I suppose the biggest difference between the two games is that well, golf is interesting. Innova Disc Golf does nothing to add tension to each shot, does nothing to re-enact the sport well at all and does nothing to bring excitement to a relatively new sport. Certain sports have no place in a video game and disc golf is one of them.

If you've played any PC golfing title, you'll instantly recognize the mouse-driven interface. A series of mouse clicks will start and finish the disc throwing action and the actual game view is exactly the same as any golfing title out there.

Graphically, Innova Disc Golf is as budget as can be. The visuals are extremely dated and the effects within the game are absent if not horribly done. The audio is also less than spectacular with only a few sound effects in the lineup. Whether it be little quips coming from the players or environmental sounds, it's all typically poor. Overall, the presentation is less than appealing to say the least.

You can play Innova Disc Golf with up to 14 players at the same time over a network or on the same computer. You can customize several characteristics of your disc golfer including their name, gender, skill and handedness. The game keeps track of numerous stats through each round including longest shot, best scores and much more. The game features a single player mode and a pro season which allows you to play through two rounds on each of the four courses in a competition-like manner.

The bottom line is simply this: Innova Disc Golf isn't fun. This is one sport that simply doesn't come across on the PC and I really do question the decision to even make the attempt to do so. Budget title or not, keep the discs in the park please.

[ 07/20 ] Graphics
[ 06/15 ] Sound
[ 12/30 ] Gameplay
[ 06/20 ] Fun Factor
[ 02/05 ] Multiplayer
[ 03/10 ] Overall Impression