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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%
Hot Shots Golf trailers: shot system, online tourney
You've probably already read all about the new advanced swing gameplay in our hands-on preview, but now, why not see it in action? In this new Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds trailer you get an informative tutorial on how to make that perfect swing using the new and improved advanced mode. You better study carefully, because it won't be too long before you can start swinging the golf clubs -- March 18 to be exact.If that first trailer wasn't enough, why not check out the second one after the break. This second trailer details how the online tournament feature works, and it's looking mighty spiffy.
Hot Shots Golf's lead artist talks about art direction
It's all in the title, really. If you're curious about the artistic direction behind Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds or just want to check out some more cutesy golf action, feel free to watch. You'll learn about the new shot system. How is it more "realistic" than previous iterations of the franchise? You'll know, when you watch the video with Clap Hanz' lead artist on the project, Keisuke Futami.
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%
Hot Shots Golf 5 gets a feature-ridden update
Also politely known as Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds outside of Japan, Hot Shots Golf 5 is getting a host of new features on February 7th in Japan. Hopefully, these additions will appear for all of us when the game is released in March. The free update adds two online modes: Stroke and Match. The former allows stroke play for four players. The neat thing is you can run around the course freely while chatting away with your friends. Match mode is a one-on-one battle with several predetermined rules set by you and/or your opponent.The update also lets you tweak rules in the game, like forbidding the use of certain skills in certain missions or holes or whatever. The online lobbies get a facelift too, allowing you to make it so only friends can get into your lobby, or people at similar skill levels. This update is free, but priced downloads aren't far away -- two new characters will appear across February and March, with a new course to be offered in April. Sounds like we're getting the game just in time!
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%
PS3 has "almost no limitations" for Hot Shots Golf 5, says devs
Clap Hanz president Masashi Muramori recently sat down for an interview about his beloved Hot Shots franchise. The interview covered many topics, from the possibility of new sports to explore, previous games' success and of course, the PS3's anticipated Hot Shots Golf 5. We'll summarize that portion of the interview for you, but if you're interested in any other information, feel free to check it out. The demo is a good indicator as to the graphical quality of the final product. New courses under development will improve effects and environmental design. Muramori also said there are "almost no limitations on the PS3's ability to create visually rich and fully interactive environments," stressing he would like to take advantage of that on every course. The Japanese version will tout 15 playable golfers, 7 caddies and 6 courses. No word on whether the numbers will go up or down for the rest of the world. The new shot mechanic (playable in the demo) is meant to bring about a more realistic and fluid swing to the game. Muramori admits it's more difficult to master, but when you do, the shots will be more powerful and travel farther. Online features will be based on what was available with Hot Shots Golf Fore, but built up exponentially. More features are going to be announced at E3, so we'll announce them at that time, too! At this time, Muramori doesn't have any plans to put Sixaxis controls into the game. You won't have to swing that controller around just yet. The final point Muramori answers is the possibility of downloadable content. This is the type of game that's perfect for extra stuff down the road. New courses, characters, outfits for characters, special online tournaments ... there are so many potential reasons to add on to the game after release. Muramori understands this and is very excited and ready to explore them. More announcements regarding this will come with E3, also. We can't wait! The demo was, and still is, incredibly fun.
