"Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee is exactly what a portable game should be."

Being a fan of the console series, I was quite excited to see that a Hot Shots Golf game would be coming to the PSP. The 'pick up and play' appeal of Hot Shots makes a great transition to the PSP. The simple, precise controls, and the surprising amount of unlockables make it great for gamers of all ages and abilities.

Graphics
I have been blown away time and time again by the quality of the graphics possible on such a small system. The crisp scenery rivals that of the console counterparts, so much that I was almost disappointed after going back after playing Open Tee for so long. The variety of climates for the courses keeps things fresh, and the environments feel surreal and quite enjoyable. Character models are very well done, and each separate character can be outfitted with a large selection of hair, clothing and accessories; so even the same character can look quite different. The hole fly-by before you tee-off gives a stunning view of the clean and fun environment, with very fresh and natural colors. I am simply amazed by the graphical achievments in this game, from the the lush fairways and water, to the unique looking characters. On occasion however, you will encounter a few rough edges on the courses, but there are no major visible seems.
9/10

Sound
There are of course all of the required thwacks and hitting sounds of the clubs, and various noises depending on where and what you hit. Each character has a few sayings, and depending on the caddy you select, there are various voices that comment on your play, but you will hear the same sayings multiple times. The music in the game is also done very well, and varies from course to course depending on the environment. It is all very pleasant to listen to between the smacks of the golf ball. While it is all done very well, none of the sound is very critical to the gameplay; a similar experience can be gotten with he sound muted. Although there is limited sound available for a golf game, all the necessary components are there, as well as some delightful music befitting to the course.
7.5/10

Gameplay
The gameplay of Hot Shots Golf is where the game truly excels above other golf games. The controls are simple to pick up, and take time and skill to master. The game utilizes a 3 button press system for hitting a shot. A press to start the meter, a press to select power, and the final press to set the impact of your hit. There is even a beginner option for players, that allows for a two-button control system. A poor club selection will result in a very small impact zone, which is harder to hit well, and will yield very poor accuracy. Though a club is selected for you, you may also change clubs on your own, or apply a power shot from your limited supply. The shot is affected by wind, the ground, trees, and other things that would expectedly deter the path of the ball.

Hot Shots Golf has one of the best putting systems I have ever encountered. When on the green, there is a grid that overlays where you are aiming. On each line fo the grid, small dots travel in the direction of the slope, at various speeds to show the steepness of the slope. The elevation change is shown above your power meter for putting, allowing you to adjust the strength of your hit accordingly.

Although you begin the game with only a few characters available, the modes of play allow for quick unlocking of new characters to play as. As you progress through the challenge mode, you gain rank, and open up new difficulty levels to play in. To unlock characters of special items, you will play either Stroke Play in a tournament, or Match Play against a single opponent. After a new level of difficulty has been achieved, you may replay old ones to unlock items to customize your character with. Items unlock range from new hair styles and clothing, to new golf clubs and balls that affect your performance. With the surprising number of unlockable items, there is great replayablity. Even without the plethora of item availible, the game is downright fun to play, and you will find yourself going back over the courses trying to get the lowest score, or hitting long chip-ins, or going for a hole-in-one.

If all that wasn't enough to keep you coming back time and time again, there is a putting challenge mode, that lets you test your putting skills.

Sadly, I have not had the chance to play Hot Shots multiplayer yet, which I imagine would offer a similar experience as the console version would. A fun time of challenge, and a chance to show off your skills. Personally, I think the game could have greatly been improved with a sort of 'pass-and-play' multiplayer, where only one PSP and game is needed, and each player takes turns hitting their shots, and passing the game around. I was pretty disappointed it didn't have this option in, to play with family or friends who are close by, but don't have a PSP.
10/10

The fun pick up and play nature of the game makes it great for taking on trips, or even just sitting around. It is easy to play a round or two quickly when you can, and it is equally enjoayable to replay time and time again trying to do the best you can, or to unlock all the items. Whether it is on trips, or while lounging around, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee is a perfect game for the PSP, hitting all the highlights that a portable game should have.

Graphics.........9
Sound..........7.5
Gameplay......10

Overall.........9

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/08/05