Everybody’s Golf (Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational)
Clap Hanz | Sony Computer Entertainment
Simply referred to as Everybody’s Golf in the English Releases, this is actually the sixth numbered installment of the long running series which began on the Playstation 1 in 1997. Now personally I have never really been one to enjoy the sport of Golf – I can understand why people enjoy it but just like fishing I don’t feel I would have the patience or energy to mentally pay attention to the task at hand. However while I have only played a grand total of four golf games including this one, I actually think it is actually a solid sporting genre and have slowly gained appreciation of the mechanics implemented in this game. The main concern one could have however is that similar mechanics are implemented into many of these games including this one….. so how does it stand up against a “tried many times” gameplay mechanic? By doing it right….
Just as in real golf, you play on a variety of different courses which you have to take into account several factors such as the direction and speed of the wind, the environment and the different hazards that litter the courses from the bunkers to the dreaded water shots. As well, you are provided with a whole set of different clubs which offer different distances depending on how far you need to hit and additional clubs for putting the ball and so forth. The game itself uses the sliding gauge where you obtain distance and accuracy through pressing the X button at two different points (There is also a “Circular” shot system included in this release which replaces the second button press at the starting point to a shrinking circle). These mechanics don’t really set itself apart from similar games much, however they were simple enough considering this is on a portable system and easy enough to use on a moderately full train (Yes, I have tried). The touch control implementation was nothing special but did allow you to pull up maps, control different view-points from a camera menu and “rustle” the greenery around you.
The game features two single player modes alongside an adhoc and online multiplayer mode. The main single player mode is simply entitled “Challenge”, and has you taking part in different ranked Tournaments often beginning with either IN or OUT (9 Holes) course sets followed by 18 Holes and vs matches. The game works on a Gold Star system, where getting 1st place helps unlock extra courses and so forth in this game. Unfortunately, the only way to get a Gold Star IS by getting first place, therefore getting 2nd or above will leave you playing the same stages for however long they take in the hopes of winning. Unfortunately I was left in an agitating scenario in one of the earlier tournaments where I was on the third last hole and was in first place – but ended up hitting a ball over the edge of the course and landing on a high slope which for whatever reason was not called Out of Bounds – dropping my rank from 1st to 20th and wasting half an hour of my time. In the earlier stages this should not be so much of a problem but can get agitating later on. The other single-player mode is Stroke and is essentially the Challenge Mode without the added stress. I personally didn’t dive into the multiplayer modes too much, however the online mode is solid with lobbies to meet up with people and a Daily Tournament.
The games presentation is bright and colourful, with some creative but dated in quality courses and some well designed characters. Perhaps coming from previous Golf games I have played with more sizable character rosters, I wouldnt have minded a few more playable characters or at least the ability to greater customize them, as while you have the option of purchasing additional accessories, colour changes etc from the in-game store with your winnings, you don’t start out with much to customize them with and never really seem to. On the other hand, the games music is simple but pleasant but wouldn’t have minded perhaps having a bit more variety in them.
While the designs and music could have been better, the gameplay is as I was expecting and was really enjoyable to play through – aided by the addition of a number of online features. If there were one thing I would have liked to seen given that this is on a portable console and a more casual game at that – would be for there to be the option to select individual courses to play through over sets of 9 or 18 holes.
Final Score
Storyline/Character Development: N/A
Design: B
Music/Voice Acting: C
Gameplay: A-
Replayability: B+
Personal Opinion: A-
Overall Score: B+
