Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots, priced at $39.99 and reviewed on PlayStation 5 Pro, is the latest installment in the beloved sports franchise, also available on PC and Nintendo Switch. Known for its rock-solid golf fundamentals and quirky anime-style characters, the game introduces RPG elements and rich single-player content, offering a fresh twist on traditional golf. However, the game’s presentation is basic, and its courses lack variety. Despite these drawbacks, it stands out as one of the better sports games released this year.
A Familiar Game Returns
The name Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots might sound familiar to long-time gamers. Originally localized as Hot Shots Golf in North America in 1997, the series adopted the unified name Everybody’s Golf in 2017, akin to Sega’s Like a Dragon and Yakuza series merger. The core gameplay remains consistent: players take turns hitting a ball across courses, aiming to sink it in the fewest strokes possible, much like its real-world counterpart.
For those who have played previous entries or similar games like Mario Golf: Super Rush, the mechanics will feel familiar. The game employs a traditional three-button swing system: one button press starts the swing, the next sets the ball flight distance, and the final press determines power. However, not every round is straightforward. Players must consider factors such as weather, wind intensity, and ball spin, adding layers of complexity.
Challenge Mode and World Tour: RPG Elements
The game truly shines with its light RPG elements, which are central to the single-player experience in Challenge Mode and World Tour. World Tour is particularly engaging, offering a series of missions with cutscenes and story arcs. Characters like Mizuki, a moody teen, and Jasmine, a love-obsessed girl, add a fun narrative layer, although not as deep as Golf Story.
Completing missions unlocks costumes, clubs, balls, characters, and caddies, alongside in-game currency. These items provide stat boosts, allowing players to customize their golfers. Challenge Mode, on the other hand, offers tournament-style play, where players compete in nine- or 18-hole tournaments to progress and earn rewards.
“Each golfer has their own specialties and proficiencies, but you can use food items to grow their skills. Each meal boosts Power, Control, Impact, Spin, and Sidespin.”
The RPG elements extend to building Trust with caddies, unlocking support stickers that temporarily boost stats. With seven caddies and 30 golfers, players have ample room to experiment with combinations.
Courses, Wacky Golf, and Graphics
Despite its engaging gameplay, Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots has its shortcomings. The courses, while enjoyable, often repeat, with only minor variations like rain or nighttime play. A course that reflects the characters’ personalities would have added more depth.
Wacky Golf introduces party mode with bizarre match modifiers, such as Boom Golf, where land mines send balls flying. These modes offer a fun diversion but lack long-term appeal.
Graphically, the game falls short. While the fairways look realistic, character models and other elements appear jagged and fuzzy, detracting from the overall experience.
Conclusion: A Whimsical Yet Imperfect Experience
Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots delivers a whimsical take on virtual golf, blending traditional mechanics with RPG elements. While its presentation and course variety leave room for improvement, the game’s engaging modes and character-driven narratives make it a standout in the sports genre. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive gamer, this title offers something for everyone, ensuring hours of entertainment.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, titles like Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots remind us of the joy found in combining classic gameplay with innovative twists. The future may hold more polished iterations, but for now, this game provides a delightful escape into the world of virtual golf.
