Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds (PS3)

Its proven gameplay and online multiplayer are compelling, but the lack of courses and a $60 price tag sting a little.
3/28/2008 1:54 PM | 0 Comments | Page 1 of 2

Arcade golf games haven't changed much. You mash a button to start a swing, hit it a second time to mark your power, and press it third time to dictate shot accuracy. The fifth version of the long-running Hot Shots Golf series for PlayStation 3 closely follows this formula, and that's not a bad thing -- after all these years, the simple gameplay continues to satisfy, and a fresh coat of HD paint is just gravy.

A Caddy Shack of Basics

For the uninitiated, Hot Shots Golf is known for its bright use of color, zany characters and speed of play, not unlike other arcade golf games. Out of Bounds plays noticeably slower than its PlayStation 2 progenitors, which is a bit of a disappointment. On start-up, the game requires a mandatory 15-minute hard drive install, which immediately sets a slower pace that can be felt throughout the game. It's not a show-stopper, just something to consider if you were hoping to dive right in.

Once inside, players will have three play modes from which to choose: single-player, two- to four-person multiplayer, and online multiplayer for up to 50 people. The single-player offers what you would expect: a series of challenges that are used to unlock new courses, players and gear; stroke play on any unlocked course (there are a total of six); and a practice mode, which doesn't affect your recorded stats. Local multiplayer is a welcome addition for living room taunting, but online play, which I'll cover later, is really the bright spot.

What's New?

Despite resting on its gameplay laurels, Out of Bounds does bring a few new items to the table. The first is an Advanced Shots mode, which requires the player to make a power decision on the backswing as opposed to the height of a meter bar. The new play mode can be frustrating at first, as trees can sometimes interfere with club viewing (it's impossible to see the max backswing while putting), and Traditional Shots is optional only part of the time.

As the game wears on, however, you'll begin to appreciate the greater range and wider impact zone that Advanced Shots affords over Traditional Shots. The new mode also introduces a little more strategy and freedom and is more integrated into the presentation. As a longtime fan of Hot Shots, I actually prefer Advanced Shots over Traditional Shots, now.

Out of Bounds also includes a robust stat tracking system which can be used to monitor your play accomplishments, records, progress and overall performance across all courses. This feature alone is a welcome bonus, as are the saved videos of your most memorable shots. Nifty!

Compete Online!

As previously stated, the addition of online multiplayer is the real improvement over other Hot Shots games. A clunky lobby system and slow matchmaking aside (it can take up to 15 minutes to start tournaments), Out of Bounds Online feels alive, competitive, and suffers no lag whether playing an eight-person quick match or 50-person tournament. You'll see opponents compete in real-time as you do the same (there's no waiting in line), and I especially enjoy the Fast-Time play option, which disqualifies players for failing to cup a ball in under two minutes. It makes for chaotic play, and augments both speed and strategy. Simply put, online multiplayer is a good time, and an excellent effort.