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Two 'Hot Shots Shorties' PSP collections rated by ESRB
The ESRB has revealed ratings and content information for two "Hot Shots Shorties" minigame collections for PSP. Hot Shots Shorties Green includes a boxing game, a minigame about a "a sword-wielding salt shaker that jumps around a kitchen counter to slice up rogue vegetables," and a third unidentified game. Hot Shots Shorties Blue contains a game about kicking a soccer ball to break objects, and two others. These games (and six others) were originally released in Japan as part of the retail game Minna no Sukkiri ("Hot Shots Refresh"). In our TGS 2009 preview we said, "If the individual minigames were offered as PSP minis, they would almost certainly go ignored." Good thing Sony has decided to bundle them into groups of three instead!
TGS 2009: Hands-on: Minna no Sukkiri
The latest Hot Shots title from Clap Hanz isn't about golf or tennis. Minna no Sukkiri is more Hot Shots ... baseball! And karate! And ... vegetable fighting! And book sorting! And other things that I didn't get to play in my short demo session! Sukkiri (something like Hot Shots: Refresh) is a minigame collection featuring twelve wildly different games. If the four I played are any indication, the descriptions for all of them would include the phrase "and that's it."
Clap Hanz working on new Hot Shots sports game
The Hot Shots series has seen golf and tennis. What's next for the franchise? Well, we're about to find out, as Sony and Clap Hanz are working on a brand new sport for the franchise. A brand new teaser site hides the full name of the game, but we'll find out soon enough: a playable demo will be released simultaneously with the game's reveal this Friday.The demo will be available for PSP, and will most likely be downloadable through the Japanese PlayStation Store. (So you'll need to register for a Japanese PlayStation Network account, folks.) We can't wait to get our hands on the next Hot Shots game. Hot Shots Bowling? Hot Shots Soccer? Hot Shots Curling? All will be revealed soon enough.[Via andriasang.com]
Reminder: Siliconera and PSP Fanboy present the Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 charity tournament
Hey, Hot Shots Golf fans! Siliconera told us about a great promotion they're doing, and we couldn't help but join them! Pick up a copy of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 and you'll not only be eligible for some prizes, but you'll be helping a good cause too. There's a lot at stake: signed copies of the game from Clap Hanz and other swag provided from Sony Computer Entertainment America. Are you ready? Setting up an online Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 tournament is a bit tricky so please read the rules carefully. %Gallery-20551%
PSP Fanboy review: Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2
It's not easy reviewing Hot Shots Golf. Why? It's not because it's particularly bad -- no, in fact, the game is quite good. The franchise has a long legacy of high quality titles that date back to the PS1 era. However, how does one explain the merits of a game that has so subtly changed? Each iteration adds a bit more functionality, and refines the gameplay. However, the core mechanics have remained largely unchanged for a decade. Open Tee 2 expands upon the original Open Tee game by adding more courses, more customization options and the biggest selling factor, online Infrastructure gameplay. For those that are familiar with the franchise, these additions may be enough to warrant another purchase. However, those that want more than the series' traditional 3-click swing mechanic have no reason to upgrade from the already-excellent original Open Tee. %Gallery-20551%
This Open Tee 2 vid is all about online play
Here's a pretty video clip showcasing some of that online gameplay from Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2. There is a robust 16-player online mode for gamers to take part in, and there's also an 8-player ad hoc mode. Of course, if you're planning on not doing any of those things, then there's still the single player game -- it's not going to just get up and run out on you. Open Tee 2 comes out this June 3, so it won't be long before you start hitting the course again on your PSP ... or have the urge to buy yourself some plaid pants.
Meet Hot Shots Open Tee 2 cast in these here vids
With a US release coming up soon, there's definitely an influx of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 media coming in. Have you noticed? Anyway, these two gameplay vids we have right here show off some of the game's cast of quirky characters pulling off snazzy, yet unrealistic, special moves. Take the blond guy's par at ten seconds into the clip for example; that move is so explicitly cheap we have to shake our heads in disapproval. Of course, when we get to pull that move off for ourselves, trailing behind a few holes, then it doesn't seem so bad to use that ace up the sleeve. Check out the second clip after the break. What's in it? Watch a poor old lady fail to clear the sand trap. Sad.
Hot Shots Open Tee 2 box art revealed, plus new screens
Click for high-resolution image. Here's a look at the North American box cover for Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2. Isn't she a beauty? The boy in the red sweater does seem familiar though ... where have we seen him before? Oh! That's right, he looks like the kid version of the sleazy guy on the Out of Bounds box for the PS3. Son, what have you become. Anyway, the other characters are an interesting and eclectic bunch; there's a samurai character and a granny, too. You can see them all in these ten new screenshots from our gallery below. Enjoy. %Gallery-20551%
Look at the mini-games of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2
When you want to take a break from golf, you can always ... well, play more golf. The mini-games of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 don't appear to stray far from the formula. At least, not according to this GameTrailers montage. Watch as this player shows us the many ways to avoid successfully sinking a golf ball. PSP Fanboy has just received their preview code of the game, and will be providing you impressions shortly. %Gallery-20551%
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 gets June US release date
It's been a long time coming, if you ask us. Hot Shots Golf is coming back to the PSP, sure, but until now we've never been able to pin down a date for the game. A three year hiatus between portable titles is enough! We have to alter our schedule to get a round of golf in, you know? Well, Open Tee 2 is coming to America on June 3rd, sporting some full-fledged online play and further character customization than its predecessor. We're glad to finally have a date and one so soon, too.
English language screenshots of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2
Golf is the kind of sport that transcends languages, right? Regardless, SCEA has just released new screenshots of the upcoming Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2. This PSP-exclusive follow-up to Open Tee features the classic Hot Shots gameplay we've all grown to love, but adds a key feature: Infrastructure multiplayer, so you can take your shots online. Check out our new gallery below: %Gallery-20551%
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2: debut trailer
If the anime-inspired hijinks of the recently released Hot Shots Golf game on PS3 couldn't satiate your appetite for the sport, have no fear. SCEA is bringing over a new Hot Shots Golf game to the PSP, unsurprisingly named Open Tee 2. The franchise has been known for its easy, accessible gameplay, and we don't expect that to change in this iteration. It looks to retain all the wackiness the franchise is known for. Just look at that awesome penguin suit for proof!
PS3 Fanboy review: Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds
The game of golf is all about precision, patience, and looking swank in plaid. Unquestionably, this checklist of golfing requirements was on the developers' minds when they started designing Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds. If we take those three terms and translate them into the context of videogames, it would sound something like this: precision comes in the form of an intuitive yet complex gameplay; patience describes the progressive difficulty and the game's longevity; and lastly, plaid symbolizes a stylish design. Well okay, plaid isn't that stylish, but you get the point right? As Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds introduces a new style of play, it still is more or less true to its roots. We've enjoyed the game immensely and we've got to clap our hands together for Clap Hanz. Nice shotto! %Gallery-11629%
PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Hot Shots Golf Out of Bounds
Click for high-resolution image. With a little over a month left until Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds comes stateside, we decided to take a near-complete version of the game for a spin. We don't know if this'll be in the final retail version of the game, but we were annoyed to see that Hot Shots Golf, just like Devil May Cry 4, features a required installation at game launch. In fact, with about 5GB of data being installed onto the PS3 drive, it's just as lengthy as Capcom's action game. We were surprised by this -- we didn't have our sandwiches ready for the long-haul. Once in the game, we saw a few stray items left over from the Japanese build of the game. We can't wait to see if these features get localized. One option allowed players to access the Minna no Golf website from the game, while another option was a video tutorial on how to navigate the game. Certainly, that'll be helpful for the casual gamers that'll flock to this surprisingly deep offering. %Gallery-11629%
Sleazy dude headlines the US Hot Shots box
Click for high resolution image. Unfortunately, it looks like us US residents are stuck with a much less attractive box for the upcoming PS3 exclusive Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds than our Japanese friends get to enjoy. Instead of focusing on the totally cute characters of the Japanese release, we have this somewhat shady, somewhat sleazy looking man (it's the combination of the gelled back hair and sunglasses) gracing the cover of our game. Granted, the heart of the game is still going to be good. In fact, a recent PlayStation.blog entry elaborates on the new Advanced Shot swing mode of the game, for those of you that want a slightly less HUD-intensive approach to golf. Don't worry, though. The traditional three-click method is still intact for the traditionalists. %Gallery-11629%
Hot Shots Golf gets new subtitle for US release
For some reason, SCEA wanted to give Hot Shots Golf a new subtitle for its upcoming PS3 release. In Japan, it's simply titled Minna no Golf 5 (Everybody's Golf 5). But, SCEA wanted to get the number out and go for a different moniker. According to a new PlayStation.blog entry, it was a rough decision (we bet!). "Working on this title has been tough. Imagine my situation: it is sunny and warm here at SCEA Santa Monica. The sun is shining through the office window with a hint of Pacific blue off in the distance. A typical perfect day to be out hitting the links, but alas, there's work to be done – c'est la vie." We've been playing with a near-final complete version of the game, and hope to provide a preview for you shortly. %Gallery-11629%
PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Hot Shots Golf 5
At a recent NYC media event, PS3 Fanboy was able to get our hands on a newly localized version of Hot Shots Golf 5. The newest iteration of Clap Hanz's casual golfing game keeps the franchise's highly accessible gameplay, but gains a new level of unprecedented detail and personality, made possible by the PS3. The visuals are impressive, but considering how old the Japanese original is, it no longer has the "wow" factor it had when we first saw the game. The build we played featured the same characters from the Japanese game and the same charming voice acting from the Japanese original. However, localization is not yet complete, and the Sony representative on hand was unable to comment whether or not both English and Japanese language tracks will remain in the game. We urged them to -- let's hope they take our advice. The traditional three-press model returns in Hot Shots Golf 5, which has you timing button presses to determine the strength of a shot. However, a new advanced mode of swinging has been introduced. In this mode, you must look at the character and the position of their club. As they lift their club, you will press X to command them to swing. Because it doesn't use a HUD, it's a very natural way of interpreting the sport, although it does take some time getting used to. Supposedly, you'll be able to add a bit more slice and spin to the ball in this mode. Solid graphics, solid gameplay and fantastic presentation make Hot Shots Golf 5 a worthwhile addition to the PS3 library. The beginning of the year is usually slow for games, but this will certainly make a splash when it releases in March, exclusively for the PS3. %Gallery-11629%
Hot Shots PS3 bundle cheaper than standalone console
What's the value of Hot Shots golf for the PlayStation 3? Apparently negative 5,800 yen (that's approximately negative US $47). Siliconera has found a pair of Hot Shots PS3 console bundle, with the 20 GB model for 51,980 yen ($423) and the 60 GB model for 61,980 yen ($503), according to Impress Watch. And though on Amazon Japan, the 20 GB standalone model is cheaper at 49,980 yen ($406), the 60 GB standalone SKU is 67,780 ($551).Is this indicative of a forthcoming price drop, a distaste for golf, a miscalculation, or some rift in the time-space continuum where a bundle of consoles from three years ahead found their way into Sony's hands? If that's the case, somebody check that Sixaxis for rumble.
Minna No Golf 5 PS3 bundle on its way to Japan
The Japanese love their golf. In particular, they love Minna No Golf (you might know it better as Hot Shots Golf). They love it so much, in fact, that to date there have been over 300,000 pre-orders for the latest iteration of the series on the PS3. Seeing this as an opportunity to boost system sales in Japan, Sony have announced plans to release a Minna No Golf 5 bundle pack.Interestingly, the bundle will come in both 20GB and 60GB form, so there's no sign that the 20GB system is being dropped yet as it has elsewhere. The bundle allows a saving of almost 4000 yen when compared to buying the system and the game separately. That works out to about £16 or $32, so nothing special. Still, that coupled with the light and airy box art (as opposed to the "forbidden evil" design that the boxes have now) may allow for a surge in console sales.Japan is an important market for the PlayStation 3 and, as of yet, the decent game offerings have been a bit western for their tastes. With FolksSoul released tomorrow and Minna No Golf 5 next month, we could be seeing the real start of the Japanese PlayStation adoption taking place quite soon.[Via IGN]
PSone downloads begin on 11/22... in Japan
In just a few hours, Japanese PS3 and PSP owners will be able to download and play PSone games on their PSPs. The following titles will be available for only 525 yen (less than $5) each: Resident Evil Director's Cut (Capcom) Konami Antiques MSX Collection Vol.1 (Konami) Konami Antiques MSX Collection Vol.2 (Konami) Bishi Bashi Special (Konami) Arc the Lad (SCEJ) Jumping Flash! (SCEJ) Hot Shots Golf 2 (SCEJ) Silent Bomber (Bandai Namco Games) Tekken 2 (Bandai Namco Games) Playback of the games requires the newly released 3.00 firmware. PLAYSTATION 3 owners will be able to play the downloaded games on their home consoles in the future.[Via IGN]
