Review – Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots

marks the return of one of the most beloved franchises of video games after eight years of absence. Originally known as Hot Shots Golf, the series finally reaches the PC and Nintendo Switch for the first time in its history, coming out of PlayStation exclusivity since 1997. This release represents a significant change not only from platforms, but also developer studio, moving from CLAP Hanz’s experienced hands to Hyde, known as titles such as Digimon Survive and Tamagotchi Plaza.

The return of the franchise after so long ends up expecting fans, especially considering that the last main entrance was Everybody’s Golf for PS4 in 2017. The absence of Clap Hanz, responsible for practically the whole history of the series, initially caused the fans, but Hyde has shown to understand the fundamental elements that made the special franchise, maintaining the accessible gameplay and the relaxed tone that always characterized those. series titles.

In the swing of nostalgia with classic rescue

The proposal to adapt golf to the world of video games has always been the great differential of the franchise. Since the early days with Camelot, the series has been able to create a unique formula that balances realistic simulation with fun arcade elements. Hyde has managed to keep this essence intact, preserving the classic three -step system that defines the gameplay: aiming, determining power and refining accuracy. It is a simple system to learn but difficult to dominate, where factors such as wind direction, terrain conditions, and choosing tacos directly influence the outcome of the strokes.

Game mechanics remain faithful to tradition, but with some interesting additions, such as the characters progression system, which has been completely reformulated, allowing any golfist to reach maximum statistics through a food and loyalty system. This update has managed to make experience easier by allowing players to choose their favorite characters based on aesthetic or personality preferences, not just numerical attributes. In addition, the game offers two additional shot options besides the classic three -step system, providing flexibility for different game styles.

News for this edition include elements that raise the experience beyond traditional golf, with Wacky Golf mode standing out for introducing chaotic elements such as explosive balls, tornadoes and random obstacles that turn golf into an almost party game experience. The dynamic climate system and time cycle, with day and night, adds strategic layers to the matches, changing the conditions of play in an organically and requiring constant adaptation of the players. The inclusion of caddies (your partner during the game to carry the bag with tacos and balls) is supported to offer detailed tips and support skills, acting as an expanded tutorial system to help both new and veterans.

For the new generation of consoles, Hot Shots brings the biggest cast of characters in the history of the series, with more than 25 playable goals, including Pac-Man’s iconic return as unlockable character, among many others. The customization system allows you to adjust attributes, tacos and balls to match different game styles, while the World Tour mode offers individual stories to each character, expanding the narrative of experience for those who prefer to play single-player mode.

However, the variety of modes is impressive, bringing Challenge Mode, seeks the best score and complete challenges to unlock characters and coins, solo round, to play at their own pace and without competitiveness, stroke, with matches to reach the highest score, match play, to face an opponent, and the aforementioned variations of Wacky Golf.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots managed to keep in his art direction the characteristic charm of the series, bringing that anime air with charismatic characters and vibrant fields. However, recently the developers were the targets of controversy because of the use of AI to generate textures used in the game. Meanwhile, a good job by professionals also results in a soundtrack that can keep the tone cheerful and relaxed in the series, complementing the experience and atmosphere of the game.

Right stroke or ball in the water?

In the competitive aspect, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots offers solid structure through Challenge Mode and online competitions, allowing players to test their skills against opponents of different levels. The official classification system and tournaments create a natural progression for those looking for more serious challenges, while casual modes keep the door open to more relaxed sessions. For this, multiplayer shines both locally and online, supporting up to four players in a single control or online competitions around the globe.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots can capture the essence that has made the franchise special over almost three decades. The gameplay remains engaging, the modes offer sufficient variety for different audiences, and the characteristic charm of the series remains intact. Bandai Namco managed to rescue the elements that built a dear franchise, creating an experience that works for both nostalgic veterans and curious novices. For fans of the series, this release offers genuine fun, while some more demanding players or those experiencing the franchise for the first time can be bothered by some aspects of this more casual experience.