I'm really happy with this piece. I don't think you'll find a critical view on Hot Shots Golf anywhere else on the web.
If you've never liked golf, or don't understand how it could ever be enjoyable, Hot Shots Golf does an admirable job of making you think the opposite. The bright and cheerful presentation gives the experience a wonderfully relaxing and holiday-like feel. And you can play dress up! It's all very silly and lighthearted.
Unfortunately, it can also be incredibly difficult and unfair. A simple mistake in the later levels can cost you the match as you fall behind par. And with a game that's so dependent on sliding bars, varying power levels, and time-based button presses it's very easy to slip up and be punished severely. Hot Shots Golf has yet to meld the charming aesthetic with an equally fair and balanced play experience.
But hey! It's one of the best golf games around and well worth your time.
Just finished reading your post. What an interesting piece! You always come up with new and interesting ways to analyze games. Wish I had that kind of creativity!
ReplyDeleteIs this your first Hot Shots Golf game?
It's because my job is boring :p ! I get to write down stuff while waiting for calls and see where it all takes me.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually my second Hot Shots Golf game. I had the other one on PSP and spent an awful lot of time playing it. The Vita version drops the cute nature videos that play at the end of a round, though :( . I miss those.