Hot Shots Golf Open Tee Review

Hot Shots Golf Open Tee

Cheats
Downloads
Reviews
Previews
News
Screens
Comments (0)

Publisher: SCEA

Developer: Clap Hanz

# of Players: 1-8

Category: Sports

Release Dates

N Amer - 05/03/2005

Official Game Website

Also available on:

Hot Shots Golf Open Tee Review

Glink It

OK, here's the deal, when I bought my PSP I looked at the coming soon titles and saw that Sony was going to put out a PSP exclusive edition of its stellar golf series. The game is everything that I want in a game. Long life, plenty of unlockable items, easy controls and nothing short of phenomenal graphics. But I'd like to expand on why I like this game, so please read on.

Featuring beautiful graphics, Hot Shots is played just like the PS2 version of Hot Shots Golf Fore! Players select a character, attack the various courses and try to unlock all the extras that the game features. What makes this series a slam dunk is the fact that the gameplay is so user friendly and the graphics are darn near like watching a cartoon. And of course, since this game flows in the same vein as its PS2 brother, you can expect the same quality graphics and user friendly controls. If you think from my review that I like this game, you would be absolutely right.

Hot Shots isn't anything heavy in terms of storylines or back-story, if anything, the game is arcade through and through. Initially, you only start out with the basic two characters and equipment, as you play through the game's several modes, more items and equipment is opened. Of course, the game practically begs you to play through the Match Play mode as it is the only way to unlock the cool upgraded items. Those items being new outfits, accessories, golf clubs and golf balls. The two latter increase the game's dynamic by allowing for longer drives, more control of the ball and a definite feel for the game. Hot Shots does a wonderful job of being able to tell the difference between equipment selections. Often in other games, you do not see a tangible difference in the game's selections when applied, but here, you can really tell a difference when selecting the differing items. Some of the items are really goofy, like the trucker hats or the sunglasses that you unlock. They have no real bearing on the game other then novelty. Other items have a direct impact on the game as they actually affect in-game play. Plus playing as the same character also provides benefit as you gain loyalty points which directly translate to more innate abilities for your character.

I must inject at this point that the ad-hoc, PSP to PSP playing experience is nothing short of awesome. Playing against one of my fellow co-workers I found that no matter what my buddy did to rattle me (the game allows for heckling during play) I would more often then not, make my shot. Now I can personally attest that I really did get a heck of a ride out of playing the multiplayer mode on this title, since you can play with up to eight golfers. The game is Taylor-made for multiplayer fun and really brings another quality dimension to the title overall.

Now I keep making comparisons to this title and the PS2 version, but for good reason. Starting with the fact that there is an incredible likeness graphically. Sure there are a couple of miscues, but in all honesty, the game is a handheld and the similarities are still stunning. The game has a really strong sense of depth and visually you can see great distances in terms of golf courses. The camera angles vary depending on your shot, but I love how sometimes the game pulls to a focus on the ball as it flies through the air, or the camera view shifts to a 3rd person perspective and chases the ball as it runs its course. Very smooth framerate and very tight, clean lines make the visuals of this game the finest I have seen on the PSP so far. Hot Shots Golf Open Tee is an absolutely awesome looking title.

Eventually as you play through the game, you will also unlock several other characters that each have there own unique play. Sadly though, there are limited amounts of caddies, where the PS2 game has several options for caddies, this game simply does not have them. And with that, come the little snippets of dialogue that the caddies say as you play through the course. Nothing bad mind you, but things like "Good Shot" or "A little right" do come out quite often. Other noises like the pleasant melody that plays during the load out screen or the sound effects that occur whether it's you hitting a fireball quality drive, or the ball smacking into a rock wall come out well, but because we are talking about golf, not a high tension action title, the sound effects can only be so good.

Review Scoring Details for Hot Shots Golf Open Tee - PSP

Gameplay: 8.8

Strong easy controls that allow you to select either a three button action swing or an auto mode that ensures you hit it straight every time. There are lots of menus and options for play, allowing for an incredible gaming experience. The game also has a putting challenge that opens up a whole other experience.

Graphics: 9.0

This is the best looking game on the PSP to date. Bright colors that pop off the screen, easy looking, fun character models and varied golf courses. Good looking courses and cartoonish graphics all pull together for a well rounded gaming experience.

Sound: 7.0

Yeah, I said it before, but it bears repeating. It's golf, how awesome could it sound, really?

Difficulty: Medium

The hardest part of the game is playing long enough to really unlock those other characters. You really spend allot of time completing the challenges since there are over 250 unlockable items. And if you think about it, you can only unlock one item per round of golf, so you do the math.

Concept: 7.8

The Hot Shots series is a really great series. The game balances the perfect amount of cartoonish fun with actual golf strategy.

Multiplayer: 8.9

It's only for Ad-Hoc multiplayer mode, but that enough for me. The game really has a strong multiplayer mode complete with heckling. Select your character, pick your course and go for it.

Overall: 8.8

It's the best game I have played on the PSP so far, it has lasting appeal and plenty of game in it's tiny disc. I have recommended this to plenty of people and every one of them has thanked me for doing so. Get this title!