Retro Review: Hot Shots Golf 2
File Size: 157MB
Price: $5.99
Developed By: Clap Hanz
Published By: Sony Computer Entertainment of America
Original Release Date: February 29, 2000
Short Review
Recommended. For better or for worse, the golf genre's lack of significant evolution makes Hot Shots Golf 2 an incredibly worthwhile purchase. The graphics have aged very well, and the quick load times make this $6 purchase just as worthwhile as other fully priced modern golf games.
Full Review
What does a golf game need? Wind? Check. Ball spin? Check. The basics of the game are all here, including the traditional two-click setup that we've all come to enjoy from golf games. Hot Shots Golf 2 gives you all the basics... and then some, which might surprise many, considering the relative age of the game. For example, you can read the wind by watching the clouds. Or, if that doesn't work, you can kick up grass to give you an idea of how strong the wind is. The effect on your shot is significant, and feeling that your golf ball is controlled by realistic physics is important in any golf game.
It's surprising to see how fully featured the game is. There are a plethora of modes to access in a pleasantly easy to navigate menu system. The game's tutorial feature is an especially nice and friendly addition to the game, and will certainly aid any first-time golfer. The other options, like Practice, allow you to take a few swings and get a feel for the game's mechanics. The real meat of the game comes from the game's extensive Versus and Tournament modes, where you can unlock an incredibly wide assortment of characters and courses.
Nothing about the game feels dated, which many other PSone games can't attest to. The graphics, for example, look very nice on the PSP screen. Although the game may not look as lush, or vibrant, as the PSP version, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee, the subdued color scheme provides a more realistic feel to the game. The cartoony characters stray far from the anime styled characters in the PSP iteration, and that's actually a very good thing: these characters won't be so talkative, or feature annoying voice acting. They're completely silent, and that feels much more appropriate for a game of golf.
It's really hard to find any real faults with Hot Shots Golf 2. For better or for worse, the golf genre's lack of significant evolution makes Hot Shots Golf 2 an incredibly worthwhile purchase. The game is fully accessible for beginners, but also becomes quite challenging for masterful players. The graphics have aged very well, and the quick load times make this $6 purchase just as worthwhile as other fully priced modern golf games.
PSP Fanboy Retro Review: 7.0 out of 10
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