Hot Shots Golf 2

"Come on, get in the hole!"

Introduction

As I strolled into my local video game retailer one day, I had about 80 bucks in my pocket. My old Dual Shock controller had died on me, so the first thing I picked up went I walked in was a new one. After that I turned my attention to new games. I had narrowed it down to Hot Shots Golf 2 and Vagrant Story. And while probably 80% of people would pick VS, on that day I walked out with a new controller and possibly the best damn golf game I've ever played.

The original Hot Shots Golf could of been thought of as a sleeper. Sure, Camelot started the whole line of goofy golf games. But now Camelot has moved over to Nintendo's side, where they have developed the excellent Mario Golf and are working on the upcoming franchise game, Mario Tennis. New developer Clap Hanz sure had their work cut out for them to deliver a even better sequel. Did they? Oh hell yeah!

Graphics (9.6/10)

These have to be some of the best graphics ever seen in a Playstation sports game. Everything is this game in crisp. And the amount of detail is startling. This almost looks identical to the Dreamcast clone, Golf Paradise.

Character designs in this game are great. Each character has great attention to detail. They all are crisp and smooth as they swing their clubs. Even Mel's waiting action, where he scratches his posterior, is well animated. Even the original characters which are unlockable, are true right down to their big heads.

Course designs are very well done. Each course has it's own look and subilties. From the many water hazards of Blue Waters Country Club to the desert sand traps and cactus of Death Valley C.C., it is all well done. There are even fountains and frogs splashing around in the water. It is obvious that the designers spent a lot of time on little details.

Overall, the graphics are excellently done and are truly a site to behold. Personally, I can't wait to see what a PS2 version would look like.

Music and Sound Effects (8.8/10)

Music in this game seems to fit the atmosphere perfectly. It's mostly loopy instrumental mixes, with a few jazz pieces also included. It captures the laid back attitude of golf very well. The only music I did not like was the annoying music that you get at the Tour screen. That was the only one that annoyed me.

Sound Effects are good, but they get annoying after hearing them a million times. I guess I would have liked a little more variety. But what is included sounds great. The sound of birds chirping, your caddy yelling ''Nice shot!'' and even the explosion of a bomb after you hit a perfect power shot all sound amazingly lifelike. Well, I don't know if you would hear a explosion on a golf course, but this is a video game, they can do what they want.

Gameplay and Control (10/10)

What can I really say? The gameplay in Hot Shots has to be some of the best you will find in a sports game. And the control is spot-on. The ball will always land exactly where you want it to.

Gameplay is great. Like I said, this is a great game to play when you are just looking to have a little fun. Hell, this can almost compare to a day on the links. And it's even better when you can't get a Saturday morning Tee Time and are forced to play in 100 degree Georgia weather.

The sheer amount of options will keep you playing this game for months. You start with three characters and then can unlock eight more in the vs. mode. But they didn't stop there, then you can unlock three special mascot characters from other Playstation games. Do that, and you're still not done! No, turns out that the original cast from Hot Shots 1 is included! But the problem is, you gotta beat them to unlock them, easier said than done. To unlock these, you have to play at least -4 each round. Hell, I would be content with that, but it's not over yet.

You want lots of couses to play on? Ok, it's covered. Eight courses are featured in the game, each with it's own subilties and challenges. Blue Waters features lots of water hazards, Death Valley's difficulty comes from sand traps and wind, and King's Gardens, well, I'll just say you had better be on top of your game if you want to come anywhere close to shooting Par.

As for secrets, this game holds plenty of them. Playing through the Tournament Mode will unlock extra balls, extra clubs, and other assorted goodies. The extra balls and clubs can help you set up your character how you want. Do you want a combination of Spin and Distance? Use Big Air clubs with Turbo Spin balls. The goodies you recieve range from new caddies to Wallpapers you can use for the menu screens to the option to mirror all the courses. Needless to say, you will get a lot out of this game.

Control is spot on. If you play golf, you will immediately be in love with the number of variables this game offers. Every shot you have to worry about the lie of your ball, wind speed and direction, slope, and obstacles such as trees. Figure all this out, line up, and swing away!

Putting is true to life in this game. Slope and speed determine whether you ball goes in the hole or runs past. The slower the speed of the ball, the more severe the break. Just like in real life.

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Other Important Scores
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Replay Value: High

This game contains so many different characters, courses, and secrets to unlock it's almost scary. I have playe this game almost every day since I got it and I still haven't unlocked everything yet. And even when I do have everything, I'll still be playing out of the sheer fun of it. This would make a great substitution for a rained out golf game. Something I have done a few times, but unfortunately for my friends, I always win!

Challenge: Medium

This game takes a short time to learn, but a long time to master. The original cast of characters characters are extremely hard in vs. mode, especially when they really turn on their game during the last few holes. While golf players will probably have a easier time with it, due to their knowledge of reading greens, wind factor, ect. Everyone will have a blast playing.

Overall: 9.5

I love this game. While it does have a few minor drawbacks, it is one of the best pick-up-and-play games on the Playstation. It ranks up there in that regard with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. That should give you a idea of just how much I love it. Overall, I give it a 9.5, round that for Gamefaqs, and that gives Hot Shots Golf 2 a score of 10. Very well done, I applaud Clap Hanz and Sony for their efforts and can't wait for the PS2 version.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/09/00, Updated 03/06/01