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Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee Impressions
Written by jdavis on Monday, October 31, 2005
Hot Shots won out over Pac Pix on Sunday, although I'll probably be picking it up this weekend as well. It turned out to be the perfect game to lazy away a Sunday afternoon, on the couch. Almost too perfect. I'm trying to play it as little as possible because of all my flight time coming up, but it really is hard to stay away from.
Probably the most striking thing about the game is that it's HUGE. As I said, I played most of the afternoon, and again some last night, and I've only unlocked one more character, and the 2nd of the six courses. The game forces slow progression, requiring you to play a course 9 holes in, or 9 out, or all 18, through many tournies, putting challenges, or match play. This isn't a game where every couple rounds you play an additional course opens up. I felt like I really knew the first inside and out by the time I gained access to the second. About the time the second opened up is when I was prepared and wanting to move on.
The mechanics themselves come from the oldschool "tap tap" school of golf games. Timing is everything. Tap to set your power, then again for accuracy. Things get deeper, with the ability to put super spin on the ball, make power shots, etc. It never feels like a shallow experience. Its still very easy to pick up and drive right in, however.
At six courses the game is a little light (I believe Hot Shots Golf Fore! included 11 or 14 or something), and online play would have sent the fun factor through the roof, but those are my only two complaints. Game progression is slow, as I mentioned earlier. You'll have to play a LOT of tournaments where your only prize is a new club/ball/accessory for your golfer before unlocking anything significant. Some see this as artificially expanding the game's length, requiring a lot of play until all six courses are available. I personally think it just makes the game perfect for portability. A quick 9 holes takes almost no time at all, and at the end you'll always earn at least something, and be closer to ranking up or earning a new course/caddie/character.
Even if you don't traditionally like golf games, I would reccomend at least checking it out. Its a hell of a lot of fun and doesn't try to appeal to hardcore golf enthusiasts. If you DO enjoy golf games (and own a PSP), then HSG:OT is a must-own. It won't be leaving your PSP for a long time. It's currently right at the top of the PSP's library, with Lumines, Ridge Racer, and Metal Gear Acid.
