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Domestic | Feature

Feature: iPod Games Review Roundup (page 4 of 8)

Feature by Mr. Marbles, Ahoy_And_Avast, & Vicious Sid | 09/15/2006 | 19:25:43 PM PST

Mini-Golf

If you thought EA wouldn't take a first crack at iPod games, think again. Miniature golf is historically a staple for portable games, especially with cell phones. But the iPod's scroll wheel is much better suited for aiming in golf games than are the janky cell phone buttons that we consistently fumble with.

This version of mini golf, amply called Mini Golf, has three full courses of 18 holes each. EA keeps it simple offering three game modes: single player, pass 'n play (play with a buddy), and practice hole. Each of the three courses -- Tommy Totem's Tiki Putt Putt, Cleopatra's Mini Golf Oasis, and Sideshow -- each with its own distinct theme.

The controls are rather simple and revolve only require the use of the scroll wheel for setting your tee-off position and then aiming your putt, and using the select button to hit the ball. You can also reset your tee-off position by pressing the menu button, should you want to readjust.

For the most part, difficulty in Mini Golf is a little unbalanced; some holes are very easy while others will induce the dreaded quadruple bogey. As you'd expect, holes have hills, pipes, windmills, and numerous twists and turns. The view is presented in standard overhead miniature golf style, but unfortunately the camera positioned too far overhead. A closer view would have made for a better looking game and would have allowed for greater aiming precision. As it is, aiming long shots can be a bit tricky.

Audio quality is very good, and there is the option to turn the clock/battery meter on and off. There is a nice stats screen that shows the number of holes played, number of hole-in-ones, and best round for each course. You can also save your progress at any time, but if you set the game down, it will automatically exit after a couple minutes and you'll lose any course progress.

$5 for 54 holes isn't all bad, but I suspect better golf games to come.

Fun Factor 3.25


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