Hot Shots Golf: Out Of Bounds

So I have put in more playing time with the newest Hot Shots game and all I can say is that it is more of the same, which is great news if you are a fan of the series like me. It has the same easy playability as the other games in the series, along with the addictiveness of playing "just one more game" that can eat up a whole evening. There is also a new (optional) control scheme, which gets rid of the power meter that has always been a staple. It's difficult at first, but once you get accustomed to it you can make some amazing shots. But it is still more difficult to control the distance of each shot precisely, so I am sure many will stick with the original control method.

The graphics are phenomenal, especially the golfers themselves. They are very similar to the characters used in Japanese anime and the cuteness factor can turn some people off. But for what looks like a simple cartoon game for kids, it has real depth in it's gameplay. In the single player game you can win new and better equipment for your golfer as you proceed, and you also unlock new outfits for each golfer and new caddies. Every so often you compete one-on-one against a computer controlled golfer. Beat him or her and you unlock them to use as well. While the unlockables are not nearly as deep as the last version on the PSP, they are still fun to uncover, and a new feature lets you pick a card to determine which random prize you earn after each tournament victory. Fun stuff.

I have not attempted the multiplayer mode but hope to check that out pretty soon. It's a bummer that there is no voice communication available when you play over the Playstation Network, but it still looks like it will offer lots of fun against other players.

All in all, it's a solid game that does everything right, even if you have seen it all before. The fewer number of unlockable items is a bit disappointing to me. But it is easy to pick up and play, very addictive and quite charming. On a grade scale of 1-10, I'd give it a solid 8.