Hot Shots Golf Fore!

“Wanna have a thumb war?”

“I see a dead cricket.”

“Are you a vegetarian?”

These are just some of the comments your cute little caddy may throw your way during a round of golf on one of the 13 courses provided in Hot Shots Golf Fore!, a PlayStation 2 title from SCEA and Clap Hanz.

As one may surmise from the title, this is the fourth in the series. The franchise has sold more than 7.5 million units worldwide and for the simply reason that it combines solid golf gameplay with excellent graphical elements.

GameZone.com picked up the golf bag and headed out to the links to check out the preview version of this title, which is slated for release in mid-August. Not all areas of the game were available to look at – like the single-player aspect, but the multiplayer was ready to go.

To say this is a cute accessible game is a bit of an understatement. The game goes overboard in the cute department, but does have wonderful graphics and terrific ball physics.

It is a rainy day, and the rain is bouncing off the green as the ball sails in, hops and rolls, leaving a tiny wake in its passing. That is attention to detail and makes the dynamics of the game enjoyable. There is an array of caddies depending on the coarse you play on, and there are a total of 34 characters in all.

The game features several modes of play, including mini-golf games for those with not a lot of time, and there is even an easy mode for new players to get a feel for the game. In the easy mode, almost everything is taken care of, including initial direction and club selection. In multi-play there is match play and stroke play. The game even will have an online presence. In single player, expect training, versus mode and tournament play.

The miniature golf games provide a lot of challenge with this game, as do most of the modes of play. As you progress you will unlock other golfer models and courses.

The game controls take some getting used to, but you will soon find the rhythm and aiming the ball is easy. Also, the game uses the two-click method for shooting – the first click is the power, the second is the accuracy. In the easy mode, you simply aim your shot and it’s one click on the controller.

The sound of this game can be a bit of a drawback. Repetitive phrases, or remarks that are inappropriate (like telling the ball to “lay down” as it hits the trap and stops), combined with the pabulum-musical score may cause some veteran golfers to turn down the sound a bit. There are also some repetitive motions as the golfers react to missed shots.

However, there is little doubt that HSGF is a nice blend of cerebral and reflexive gameplay. You have to view each hole, determine the best approach bearing in mind that the course environment will play havoc with a direct line to the hole, and then use the shot meter to deliver the perfect shot. It may sound easy, but it really isn’t.

There is only one way to truly sum up this title, and that is to use the immortal words of the cast of off-the-wall characters, who philosophize with these words of wisdom:

“Who wants a trophy?”

“Like my shoes?”

“I’m going to be 30 one day – POO!”