Hot Shots Golf Fore!
- September 24, 2004 00:00 AM PST
What else can be done in the venerable Hot Shots series? Just enough to make the fourth installment another fun time on the golf course.
After three successful outings, it�s hard to think what else Sony can do to the next Hot Shots Golf game to make the series even better. With some visual tweaks, an addition of an old favorite mini-game, and a brand new control scheme, Fore certainly tees off in the right direction while preserving its track record. Too bad the online gameplay lands in the rough.
Two to Tango
Fore retains the simple pick-up-and-play golf mechanics that have made the Hot Shots games so accessible and popular over the years. Forget about using the hypersensitive analog sticks to swing like the other golf games�it�s always been about tapping the button at just the right moment to get that �Nice Shot.� This year, developer Clap Hanz has introduced an even simpler system of whacking the ball. Instead of the normal three button presses, you can now choose to ball smack with just two button taps. In exchange, you can�t hit the ball as far�but for beginners, who cares?!
Visually, Fore is as sharp as any of the previous Hot Shot games. Cartoony characters and their quirky caddies are all wonderfully detailed in colorful outfits, while the courses sport lots of diversity in layout and design. And who can�t resist taunting your teammates with rude and hilarious comments at each hole. The sounds definitely remain a high point in this series.
Online Hook
Another high point in Fore is its fun rounds of miniature golf. Strangely absent in the from the series since the first Hot Shots, this cool, tricked-out putting course finally returns with even more challenging obstacles and layouts.
The big drawback with this year�s Hot Shots series, however, is its online component. Saying that you actually play with other people online is somewhat inaccurate, though. Yes, up to 50 other people can play in a real-time tournament at one time. You can�t see anyone else hack away, nor can you taunt them like you would in the normal multiplayer setup. Instead, you�re forced to play each hole alone, then wait in a lobby until everyone�s done. The only interaction you have with one other is that typing short messages. Playing online is literally just posting your best score and letting everyone else see it in real time. What fun is that?
Even with the online mishap, Hot Shots Golf Fore! is still a great play. The game has just enough new features and improvements to make it the best Hot Shots game yet.
