A Swing-Away Video Golf Game

With all the heavy rains we’ve had recently, that put a stop to most outdoor activities, especially golf. I know that some of you golf fanatics will hit the course, rain or shine, but I don’t think you want to be out there when lightning is striking. If you’re that hardcore golf addict stuck indoors when it’s storming outside or just someone who wants to learn, a new virtual golf game just hit the shelves that you should try.

Real World Golf is the first golf game on the Play Station 2 or Xbox that allows you to swing a “real” golf club to hit a golf ball. It brings the realism of golf to life in the comfort of your own living room. The game uses Gametrak, the first controller of its kind, which operates using two form-fitting fingerless gloves attached to the device and captures hand, wrist and arm movements in detail. With its extremely accuracy, it can track your swing speeds up to 2,000 mph, movements as small as small as 1mm, the angle of your club face and the height of your swing. This all translates into precision that tells the game where your ball will land as if you hit a real golf ball on a genuine golf course.

The Gametrak controller is so realistic that you can draw, hook, slice or put a backspin on the ball. With six in-depth video tutorials you can work on improving your grip, stance and swing without possible embarrassment on the real golf course. The game also includes ten 18-hole golf courses, a driving range and pitching and putting areas.

The skill levels vary from novice to pro, it’s up to how much you want to challenge yourself. You have the option to choose your golf clubs. Newbies can use the amateur clubs and the more experienced players can select a semi-pro or professional-level clubs, which require a more precise and smooth swing, but can drive the ball farther. Gameplay options include career mode, championship play, tournament and a training mode that includes an in-game golf pro. You can link up to four Gametrak consoles to your Xbox or two to your PlayStation 2. The game also includes multiple fun mini-games such smashing a ball through the clubhouse, hitting a golf ball at a giant dartboard and target practice on a driving range.

The Real World Golf game is bundled together with the controller and is available for $69.99. Swing by your closest CompUSA or GameStop to par one.