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One Shots: Motu Teya panorama
Today's One Shots comes to us courtesy of a person that many Second Life folks know and love -- Torley! Originally he contacted us to tell us he really enjoyed looking at the One Shots gallery, but he also linked in his own awesome gallery of panoramic Second Life shots in the mail. We couldn't resist featuring some of his gorgeous panoramic screenshots here! Of this one (which you really should see full-size to appreciate) Torley said, "Bruce Patton is so nice, he came up with this project and... it made a dream of Philip's come true in Second Life -- golf!"Do you have some great panoramic screenshots that you made from your favorite game or virtual world? Perhaps you caught a fantastic sunset that just made everything look fantastic. Whatever your story or screen, we want to see them! Send them to us here at oneshots AT massively.com, along with whatever information you'd like to give us about them.%Gallery-9798%
First Impressions: Albatross 18
Have you been pining away for a great golf MMO? We have, too! Look, even if you haven't, let's just go along with this, okay? Albatross 18 is an engaging, colorful, whimsical game that doesn't disappoint. When one considers golf, there really isn't too much to it -- hit the ball into the hole, rinse, repeat. The beauty of its simplicity is that a developer can go crazy with that concept and add all sorts of madness to it, and it can only improve the game.And that's exactly what's going on with Albatross 18: beautiful environments, useful power-ups, crazy caddies, mascots, costumes -- this game is hilarious. Will you like it? Let's find out. As always, we remind you that this is not meant to be a full review of everything in the game; these are the first impressions we got after spending an hour or so playing. Excelsior!%Gallery-21821%
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 hitting the greens on June 3
Are you a fan of the professional golfing scene, but wish that Tiger Woods' head was a tad more hydrocephalitic? Feel disappointed when your long drives aren't punctuated with high-pitched squeals and rainbow trails? Whether you're a soon to be fan or a returning wedge-wielder, we're sure the news of a North American release date for the sequel to the PSP's premier anime-inspired golf simulator, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee, will bring tears of joy to your dinner plate-sized, sparkle-filled eyes.Sony recently confirmed that the game, appropriately titled Open Tee 2, will hit store shelves June 3, and will tout an 16-player online tournament mode (making up for the original game's complete lack of online support) and an 8-player ad-hoc match play mode. If you've never been exposed to Clap Hanz' peculiar take on the ancient sport, you can get the full version of Open Tee the first on the Playstation Store for $10.99 -- a mere fraction of the cost to hit the big boy links, and without all that pesky walking.
One Shots: Just playing through
While we're not entirely sure if this is really the precursor to golf, or if it's more in keeping with hockey or perhaps even croquet, we have to admit, this Lord of the Rings Online screenshot made us laugh pretty hard. Today's One Shots comes to us from Captain Finudir of Gondor, who sent the above screenshot in to us with the following note:As Captain Finudir of Gondor toured the Northern Shire, he came across this odd wooden sculpture. Is this an artist's rendering of what eventually became golf? Notice the smile on the hobbit's face. Clearly, he is enjoying himself.We really think it's the almost smug look of "this one is going into orbit" that really makes this one laugh-worthy. We can just picture any of us doing that after a particularly nasty battle, too. Fore! Have you found anything in your game of choice that just shows off that the designers have a great sense of humor? Perhaps you've found a hilarious easter egg, or saw something that just made you stop and laugh that another player did. Whatever the case may be, we'd love to see it! Just drop those screenshots into the mail to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com. %Gallery-9798%
Golf With Style! (in Korea)
Publishers in South Korea are pulling out all the stops to make sure gamers pick up their launch titles when the Wii officially debuts in the country on April 26. Though these aren't as glamorous (or as scandalous) as the Zack & Wiki pearl necklaces, Tecmo is giving away free shirts featuring characters Kooh and Arin with preorders for Swing Golf Pangya 2nd Shot.Interestingly, the golf title will be released in Korea four months after the game arrived in the states, despite being a console spin-off of a Korean MMO. At least they'll get free shirts to make up for the delay! And they're still getting it before Europe (July 4th)![Thanks, Nick!]
Masters HDTV broadcast sets records on ESPN, stumbles on CBS?
We've been getting in our fair share of greens watching the last few days, with the 2008 Masters Tournament spread our over four days on two networks, it might be one of the best sports events in HD. TVBytheNumbers called it a reason to get high definition (like we need a reason), before suffering through some SD-only hiccups yesterday -- a check of AVS Forum's thread reveals there may have been breakdown in some areas, but it looks great now. The New York Times keeps it old school, insisting the Augusta National can only be truly appreciated in real life, but with the most viewers of a golf telecast on cable ever, we're sure quite a few you took a look on ESPN-HD.Read - TVbytheNumbersRead - New York TimesRead - AVS ForumRead - Multichannel News
Super Swing Golf teeing off in Europe this June
Manga-fied golf title Super Swing Golf (or, as U.S. readers may know it, Super Swing Golf: Season 2) will be appearing in terminally neglected Europe this June 27th, courtesy of Rising Star Games.As most Americans may well have already played/completed/traded in/completely forgotten about Tecmo's criminally under-rated golf game (it launched stateside back in December), it probably won't hurt to remind you that there's plenty of mascot cameo goodness, and quite a lot of a very serious sport not being taken seriously in the slightest. Which is for the best, really.[Via press release]
We think we'll love We Love Golf
Camelot has always done a good job handling Nintendo sports, specifically those of the golf and tennis varieties, so We Love Golf is definitely on our watch list. This video also gives us a nice feeling about the title. Seeing some of our favorite Capcom characters in action is enticing, and we love the bright and cheery atmospheres. Most importantly, though, the gameplay looks spot-on. Now, all that remains to be seen is how well the Wiimote's motion controls work in the game.If Camelot managed to get that down, though, all of these elements combined with online play promises a very irresistible package.[Via Gemaga]
ESPN's HD plans for 2008 Masters Tournament coverage
Golf's Masters Tournament starts April 10, and (along with DirecTV's enhanced coverage) ESPN has big plans for its first year covering the two opening days of competition. Live coverage each day from 4-7 p.m. on ESPN HD is in the works, as well as re-airs from 8-11 p.m., and live HD streaming on ESPN360.com of all Masters telecasts. Live streaming from the "Amen Corner" (holes 11, 12, and 13 for the uninitiated), Holes 15 and 16, and Masters Extra will be up on Masters.org. Finally, for those who can't wait until Thursday for their green jacket fix - the never-before-televised Par 3 Contest on Wednesday April 9 featuring players, retired past champs and honorary invitees will be on ESPN HD and ESPN360.com from 3-5 p.m.
Zack loves golf, Wiki unavailable for comment
Well, it's not actually Zack. It's some We Love Golf-er in a Zack costume. That's why he looks so, you know, not like Zack at all. Capcom has just added a character likeness from their beloved Wii adventure to go with the other Capcom costumes found in the golf game. We enjoy silly costumes as much as we enjoy playing games online -- maybe more (we're weird)!Our gallery has been refreshed with a bunch of lovely new images from Capcom's Digital Day press event. Check it out if you love golf (video game screenshots)!%Gallery-10822%[Via press release]
We Love Golf American release to include online play
Capcom's upcoming North American version of We Love Golf will add four-player online matches to the recently released Japanese game. Wii players will be able to connect with or without Friend Codes, and they'll have the option of Mii avatars in games.Due sometime this year, the Wii golf game is being developed by Camelot Software, long-time cartoon-golf developers. Collectables and other touches add value to the OCD set; the poll results are in, and we'll get Ken and Morgan costumes in this version. But screw those extras, Capcom had us at "Friend Code optional."%Gallery-18257%
More Carnival Games come to the Wii
Because Carnival Games was such a success (the title has sold over one million copies worldwide), it was only inevitable that 2K would make another game utilizing a similar formula. This newest creation is essentially a miniature golf version of its predecessor, titled Carnival Games: Mini-Golf. We have nothing against a mini-golf game that could very possibly be fun. We are, however, very against the press release calling this title "a hole in fun." It's no secret that we've subjected our readers to some terrible punnery over the years, but there's some lines that you just don't cross.The game supports up to four players, and will feature characters that were "made popular" from the original Carnival Games. So, if you've missed Carnival Bob so much that it hurt, you'll be able to see him again soon.Also, if and when this game succeeds, you can bet it won't be the last Carnival output on the Wii from 2K.
New King of Clubs trailer and release date
Those of you looking to get into King of Clubs, know the game is releasing on March 14th. On top of that, if you've perhaps not checked the game out in awhile (it's been a bit for us, we admit), then hit up the trailer above for a fresh look at the game. Personally, we're digging the narration in the above trailer, as the comedy is spot on.
DirecTV offering interactive, multi-screen HD coverage of Masters Tournament
DirecTV is most definitely going out of its way to appease consumers this month, as shortly after announcing exclusive HD coverage of the South by Southwest Festival, it's now making every golf fan not on DTV incredibly envious. During this year's Masters Tournament, set to open on April 10th, DTV subscribers will have access to an SD and HD Masters Mix Channel which will provide four windows of viewing. Aside from providing a look at CBS / ESPN's live coverage in View One, users will also see a highlight window with continuously updated material including voice-over commentary. View Three provides a look at "Amen Corner" -- holes 11, 12 and 13 -- while View Four showcases the notoriously difficult holes 15 and 16. Better still, each of the bonus channels will sport its own production crew and announcers, and a special recap show will also air on DTV's own The 101. You know that pricey ticket to Augusta you've been eying? Skip it. %Gallery-16539%
Ken and Morrigan to love golf
Because it's now the law that all cartoony sports games must contain company mascots, Capcom recently asked fans who they'd most like to see make a cameo in the western release of Camelot's We Love Golf. A week and a half on, and the people have spoken, voting for Ken (from, duh, Street Fighter) and Morrigan (from the Darkstalker series).Neither character exactly springs to mind when golf is mentioned, though we suppose that's precisely the point. Mind you, we fear Morrigan especially will struggle to fit in. Will that choice of hair color really fly with the stuffy golf establishment? And what of those demonic wings sprouting from the side of her head? She'll be a pariah within minutes of flapping into the clubhouse.
CNN, Golf / Versus finally added to Cox's New Orleans lineup
Although Cox inked a deal to snag CNN HD (and TBS HD, mind you) some three months back, it seems as if customers in New Orleans, Louisiana are just now getting a taste. According to a tipster, Cox has just recently threw CNN and Golf / Versus into the high-definition lineup, but stations such as History Channel HD, Science HD and NHL Network HD are still sorely missing. Anyone else enjoying the (admittedly late) newcomers in the area?[Thanks, Jose R.]
uPlay touts "iPhone of golf GPS technology"
There's certainly no shortage of GPS devices out there to aid your golf game, but the folks at uPlay seem to think they've got one to beat 'em all, with them even going so far as to tout their new uPro device as the "iPhone of golf GPS technology." Exactly what earns it that designation, we're not sure, but the device will let golfers determine the distance to holes from their current location, and give them aerial photography, video flyovers, and details on course hazards, among other things. No word on a price or release date just yet, it seems, but we'd expect those details to be revealed when uPlay shows off the device at the 2008 PGA Show that gets underway in Orlando on January 16th.
We love golf (and TV ads)
Hey old timer, put down that corded controller and get with the times! Pick up a Wiimote and hit the virtual links like a pro. Join all of the cool kids and get in on the sensation that is sweeping the nation!That's pretty much the gist of the ad. There's some gameplay tossed in, but with it being the usual Japanese ad, its length is fairly short.%Gallery-10822%
WRUP: FOOOORE! edition [update]
Nothing much in the way of new games this week, save for the over-the-top golfing action of Super Swing Golf Season 2. And, with Capcom's golf game out on Japanese shelves, the links are receiving even more love on the Wii. So much golf, so little time!Are you going to be hitting the links, or are you playing something else? Going to get cozy with some friends and enjoy some multiplayer action? What are you playing?Update: My knowledge of golf is vast and intimidating. Actually, it isn't. Spelling mistake fixed.
Hot Shots Golf 5 swings into US March 2008
A little birdie told us. Actually, it was PS3 Fanboy, but working those guys into a golf pun proved to be more challenging and awkward than hitting a hole-in-one with a pool noodle. As the strikingly informative headline would suggest, the fifth main iteration of Sony's Hot Shots Golf is expected to cross the gulf between the US and Japan sometime in March 2008. The game was greeted with polite applause upon its initial release in July, prompting PlayStation 3 sales to double and avid clubbers to praise its sparkling graphics and adorably deformed characters. Expect to hear an exact release date early next year. Until then, caddy on.
