hotshotsgolf
Latest
Hot Shots Golf 5 online service looks set to retire to clubhouse
Cutesy-but-crazy golf sim Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds may see its online play become out of bounds by the end of October. After five years of super-deformed multiplayer fun, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the online service for the game's European variant, Everybody's Golf: World Tour, will end on October 31. Both versions access the same servers, so it seems likely the discontinuation will affect North American copies, too. We've reached out to SCE America to clarify. Out of Bounds' multiplayer lets golfers either compete in ranked tournaments where they can win prizes for in-lobby avatars, or take to the fairways in a range of friendlier golf-offs. The good news is Vita entry Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational landed on PS3 via PSN last month, and features much of the same online tomfoolery.
Sony reveals more titles for PSP Favorites, new Marcus PSP TV spot
Back on June 1, Sony announced a new line of budget-priced titles for the PSP, dubbed PSP Favorites. Each game will only set consumers back $9.99, and today Sony revealed the new packaging that will grace these budget titles and plans to bulk up its line-up well into the holiday season. Consumers can look forward to reduced prices on Burnout Legends, Capcom Classics Collection: Reloaded, Capcom Classics Collection: Remix, Dark Stalkers: Chaos Tower, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Medal of Honor: Heroes, Sid Meier's Pirates! and more. Head past the break for the latest Marcus PSP spot, which sums up the new initiative in the young lad's typical succinct fashion while simultaneously trashing the iPhone. Early preparation for the new Ericsson?
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 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.
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 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.
Japanese hardware sales, Jul. 23 - Jul. 29: Subpar edition
Chased by a group of adorably deformed but club-wielding golfers, the PlayStation 3 has finally crossed the one million mark in Japan -- 1,017,689 systems have been sold. Everybody's Golf 5, or Hot Shots Golf 5 as your Western mind may recognize it, debuted in the second spot in the Japanese software sales chart with 152,379 copies sold. It was beaten only by a certain portly plumber's eighth party, which was attended by 264,953 people. The golf game helped push the PS3's sales up to 28,829 units, a high number when compared to those of recent weeks, but not so much when compared to the considerably cheaper competition. The Xbox 360 also saw a boost to slightly less abysmal sales, an event you can likely blame on the software chart's number seven. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion broke into the listing with 40,168 copies sold. - DS Lite: 150,494 3,965 (2.57%) - Wii: 77,169 9,617 (11.08%) - PSP: 35,068 2,174 (6.61%)- PS3: 28,829 16,642 (136.56%) - PS2: 11,757 2,302 (16.37%) - Xbox 360: 3,872 1,208 (45.35%) - Game Boy Micro: 263 52 (16.51%) - GBA SP: 228 106 (86.89%) - Gamecube: 102 29 (22.14%) - DS Phat: 90 45 (100.00%)- GBA: 41 17 (70.83%)[Source: Media Create]See also: Previous Japanese hardware sales charts
Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of July 23rd
Not a lot happening this week. Nor, really, for the next couple of weeks. You could call this period of time "The calm before the Storm." The "Storm", in this case, being Lair. Here are this week's PlayStation 3 offerings.US Games Nascar 08 EU Games No new releases Asian Games Minna no Golf 5 Wangan Midnight Major League Baseball 2K7 Oh yeah. How could we forget. This week sees the release of Minna no Golf 5 (you might know it better as Hot Shots Golf 5} and its bundle pack. Interestingly, this game currently resides at number 7 on Famitsu's top 20 most wanted list, with over 300,000 preorders of the title in stores. Could we be seeing a huge surge in PS3 sales in Japan over the next few weeks? If you fancy playing some Minna no Golf 5 this week, then feel free to order it from Japan to play on your US/EU PS3. It won't mind. Release dates are fickle and subject to change at a moment's notice. Contact your local shop before potentially wasting a trip into town.
