Customer Reviews

Pangya: Fantasy Golf

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is my first time playing a golf game and when I bought this game thinking the length of the game would be short by just completing the storyline, but i was wrong. There are 9 interesting looking courses with over 20 holes in each of them. There's much to do thatle keep you into the game for awhile. The storyline is quite long and semi hysterical. As for the games sound track it wasnt any thing ear catching but it goes well with the golfing theme. The learning curve wasn't to steep. What I liked the most was the statistical data the game provided, which gave me a sense of self satisfaction. While playing the game there was some graphical glitches and there was some grammatical errors in the storyline. Even thought there was some cons it didn't hinder the game play and its appeals. The game is quite enjoyable and relaxing to play, also it has give me a new perspective in the sport of golf.

Pros
+Lots of things to Keep You Busy
+Statistical Data
+Unique Character Design

Cons
-Poor Grammatical Errors in Storyline
-Graphical Glitches with the Floor
-The animation sometimes looks awkward.

I bought it already being a Pangya fan, so I will say I already knew how the gameplay works going into it and didn't have any trouble at all beating the early opponents. I understand that new players often have a tough time getting through, which could be a source of frustration (it certainly was for me just starting out on the Wii version).

I like the added features, such as using caddies as golfers, the new course, and the mini license games and tournaments, and the camera angles seem to be much better (you can actually SEE where the ball lands most of the time), but there are some shortcomings:

- clothes no longer affect stats, so they're mostly for purely aesthetic purposes now, along with potentially earning bonus pang in wearing new outfits, which ultimately gives me even less control in how I wish to customize each player's stats;

- the inconsistent spelling and grammar drive me nuts. In the same tournament I've seen them switch between "Remi" and "Remy" in the list of opponents, back and forth, repeatedly, for example. Sometimes I see a "your" where there should be "you're"; I feel like this shouldn't even be an issue;

- the graphics aren't what they could be;

- and they completely removed a few courses (Shining Sands, anyone?).

I think the gameplay is excellent and it ends up holding my interest for hours on end, but just be aware there are these shortcomings (though they may not bother you if you've never played the Wii version).

Having played the PC MMO version since Season 2, I had always wanted to get a version that allowed me to just go through the game without needing anyone to play with. It's been one of the biggest problems with the PC version -- that you can't really go through tournaments or versus mode just by yourself because there is no support for any kind of true single-player mode. If you aren't with your usual group or with friends, the MMO version is harder to jump into and have fun with. Now PSP owners have Fantasy Golf PangYa to satisfy their single player needs, although it's a complete flipside of it's MMO cousin.

The game features nine of PangYa's many courses: the three Winds (Pink Wind, Sepia Wind, and Wind Hill), the three Wizs (West Wiz, White Wiz, and Wiz Wiz), the first two Blue courses (Blue Lagoon and Blue Water), and Dark Inferno. While lacking some of PangYa's most unique and fun courses in the mix, the selections make more sense when you actually play through Story Mode. Also, getting a game with 162 holes is a pretty nice deal, as each course hole presents a nice challenge.

One of the best features, especially for fans of the MMO, is the added player characters. In addition to the players from PangYa Season 3, the caddies from the MMO now get into the game as actual player characters. All new player characters have been added as well, but I won't spoil who they are -- you have to find out for yourself.

With 18 characters and 9 courses, you can tell that there's a lot of gameplay in here already, but mix in the various game modes such as Story Mode and the Tournaments (with their Qualifying Games), and you have a pretty enjoyable and nearly endless amount of gameplay opprotunities. The controls are nicely laid out and work well with the game, especially the trick shot system. After spending some time with the PSP version, the PC MMO's trick shots feel clunky in comparison. Other than that, the game is identical to the MMO version.

Graphically, one of the best features is impressive 2D cut scene artwork that compliments the game very well. To go along with the 2D art is slightly upgraded character models, with Scout being the most notably changed of the groups. The courses look like they were completely lifted out of the MMO version and look identical to their counterparts.

So, with all of this praise, what problems could there be? The biggest problem of them all for a game of this type -- no hotseat gameplay of any kind. This disappointed me greatly, as the only method of multiplay on this version is Ad Hoc mode over networked PSPs with the game loaded. That's it -- no server mode, no passing-around-the-PSP mode, just hosted networking mode. Remember, I mentioned above that this game was the flipside of its MMO cousin, and it's very much true. This game would have been perfect if only it had hotseat gameplay.

Otherwise, this is a must-buy app for your PSP. It's a tried-and-true golf sim unlike any other with a great story mode, lots of characters to unlock and play as, and excellent replay value through Tournament and Match modes.

One thing I've always liked about the PSP is that it has no shortage of import-type (and sometimes just plain weird) games in its library. Pangya: Fantasy Golf is one such game, offering some fun golf gameplay with an anime-style presentation. Unlike typical boring golf games, Pangya adds a few tweaks that keep things interesting and fun. Graphically the game looks great for a PSP game, and is easy and simple to pick up and play. Even if golf games aren't typically your thing, give Pangya: Fantasy Golf a try, you won't regret it.

So, just to give you a little bit of where I'm coming from...I never was really fond of golf (and especially golf video games - I have tried some over the years). Also, the main reason I got this was because I heard it had a storyline...and such a "contradiction" ("golf game" and "story") I couldn't pass up...and the trailer further sparked my interest. Plus, it was inexpensive here on Amazon. Thus, I came into the game with little to no expectation, nor was i particularly drawn to the fact that it was "a golf game".

That said, this has really became a favorite game of mine...and I have gained a new respect for golf as a sport (yes, I know I can't throw down cobra shots and dodge lava pits in real golf, but to a layman this really helps us see more of what goes on in golf). It is a phenomenal game with so many features that you will be going through it for months to come if not a year (no joke from what I've heard other players say).

Here are just a few of my favorite highlights/features:

1. Story (this is the only real thing I need to address in length): At first, I thought that this was gonna be a generic short story just to stamp it on a sports game (because every anime game needs a story, right?). I mean, how in depth can you go with a golf game. BUT WOW. 9 hours in and I haven't completed Episode 1, yet. And theirs 4 episodes total!!!

*THESE ARE NOT PLOT SPOILERs, JUST THE GAME LORE* The story takes place on Pangya Island many years after the defeat of the Evil Dark Lord by the Hero. The Hero sealed his power away using a magic lance to strike a magic sphere into a dark hole (sound like a specific sports game?). Since then, the island holds a Pangya festival tournament in which all people (including earth inhabitants) are allowed to participate. It features a game they call "Pangya" ("similar to golf" as all the Pangyans tell new comers) that mimics the deed of that hero.

The Story develops as you unlock and play as different character/participants (i've only unlocked 5 out of 18 so far). What they did with this is beautiful because, though there is an overarching story...each character has their own reasons for being there. Some are looking for lost loved ones, others lost arch nemesis, others fried chicken, others crashed in a planes, and the list of reasons goes on and on. You play from each of their perspectives. Not only that, but each character's part in the episodes is consistent with other character's, even when they go toe to toe against each other. If any of you remember the original "Sonic Adventures", as you switched characters, the narrative events did not always line up with those of other characters. In this game, I have yet to find a narrative contradiction. All their stories and events have thus far been cohesive and building off each other. All in all, this game captures a very slice-of-life feel in it's story telling and many of the characters are simply hilarious and memorable...not bad for being the first golf game (that I know of) with a story line.

2. Graphics - Yes, yes, the graphics are dated and a little jagged in some spots. BUT IT'S STILL SO BEAUTIFUL AND VIBRANT. I mean, it has such a fresh and alive atmosphere. The world that Pangya visually paints is pure magic and imagination, the developers obviously had fun with this one. One thing that exhausted me from most golf games and mini-golf games was that it looked too stagnant with not much going on...and so much green with little variety. The course was their just to be a course and provide obstacles. Pangya strays from that...it takes its "Fantasy Golf" seriously. It's not enough to be a course, it needs to be a living, breathing world.

3. Music - This is a hit or miss for people, because of differing tastes (some of which may simply be cultural tastes, even). This is definitely Asian RPG music. For me, I love the music. It adds so much magic and pizzaz to this already mystical world. It's not background, it is part of the world as much as the visuals. The funny thing is that, some of the songs are upbeat, others subtle and quiet, and still others in between...BUT ALWAYS RELAXING. In fact, when I get frustrated (it is a challenging game), just hearing the music calms me down and makes me feel like, "it's still in my grasp". I even hook up my psp to my car to listen to the music on the road (it does have a gallery section where you can view movies, music, and illustrations). I watch K-Dramas and the music really captures that lively magical slice-of-life atmosphere that many Korean dramas are known for. I guess it makes sense because this is a Korean game after all.

4. Gameplay - The game plays very much like a typical 3-click golf game. But there are very useful and unique additions like special shots that u can initiate through certain button combinations during the "charge-up" sequence and the use of status/environment influencing items. Also, the equipment you have equipped can affect stats, too. There are many obstacles to dodge and many risky shortcuts. Also, the environment is active. Wind, terrain, etc....it's all there and it pays to be aware of the gauges. The meters are pretty easy to follow as well, when u understand how the system works (took me a few matches). Also, though you can do every move in the game from the get go, there are tutorials along the storyline as the courses get harder and require more strategic prowess.

5. Artificial Intelligence - This is something that struck me as amazing. This was the first game that when I made a mistake, I knew it was my own fault. Never could I blame the game for cheating or some glitch, neither. And the A.I. is wonderful. The CPU is a competent, tough, and a competitive player...but not perfect. Sometimes the computer made stupid mistakes, sometimes it had wonderful miracles, and sometimes it was just that good. And I was allowed to have those same things, too...stupid mistakes, wonderful miracles, and be just that good. The matches aren't stacked for or against you...but they are rarely "freebies". I've been in situations where I was down in the dumps and then a miracle occurs in the last hole and I "eagle" ahead. Other times, I was doing so well, then the opponent comes up from behind and beats me down. But it's never staged, always different every time. In 1-v-1 matches you take turns watching each other do your moves...but when you enter the 30-man tournaments, it's simply amazing. Instead of taking turns, you all are doing your things at the same time, it's hard to explain in few words what happens, but basically, the developers executed the actions of all 30 players (including yourself) playing at the same time in a way that doesn't make you feel alone, while not being cluttered (the PSP is still a pretty small screen). You quickly learn that it pays to play the matches to the end, no matter how bleak it looks. At the least, you will get tons of "pangs" (in game currency). At best, the computer may make a fatal error, or you may intentionally (or unintentionally more often than not) set up and make the perfect comeback shot.

6. Overall difficulty - It is a tough game and you can expect to replay many of the different matches or missions.

7. Re-playability - This is definitely one game I will be keeping with my PSP on my trips for a long time, because there are so many ways to play & re-play:
Story Mode: You follow the Story
License Mode: accomplish certain amounts of single player skill missions in order to gain licenses to play in different non-story tournaments
Tournaments: once you have the respective license for a respective tournament, you can play it.
Free Play: take your clubs to your favorite courses and just have fun
Multi-player: enough said (though it is ad-hoc)
Pangya Shop: as you play the game in any mode, you gain "pang" (the in game currency). You can shop for various outfits for all your characters (purely
aesthetic but does give you "pang" bonuses) or shop for tons of equipment from normal clubs to baseball bats, swords, and plungers (they affect stats).
collecting is fun and as you level up, you gain access to more items and outfits.
Gallery: As you progress, you can watch more movies, listen to more music (my favorite), and unlock more illustration albums)
18-different Characters: each have their own unique stats and traits...but fortunately, gameplay is still mostly dependent on your own skill. Still nice to see
how all of them handle, though.

As an extra note to game length, another player on another site stated that he's been playing for a few months, and STILL he does not even feel like he's scratched too much of the surface yet. Hard to believe at first, but now that I've begun playing it, I can see why.

Over all, this is a very fulfilling game and I am glad to have taken a risk on what initially sounded like a dumb idea. It is a game that will last a long time. A very fine work from the Korean game industry in these days where Japan has largely reigned (in these sort of games and style anyways). It is also an excellent PSP port and representation of one of their more popular MMO's (yes, Pangya is originally a Korean golf MMO...and has tons more content naturally). Finally, this is a very relaxing game that can often leave you refreshed, after, rather than adrenaline drained.

my first impression with this game was " great its another golf game just like Lets Golf ",, but its not, it has a story line.. if you play it in story mode, and you can play with other too in multiply player mode too. the controls are hard to get used to at first, but once you got them down, you can play for hours and not mess up a swing..LOL.

The graphics are great, the music is fun, and the over all game play is easy and fun to play over and over.

Pangya is a fun game, with "game" controls that are easy to learn and master. Using the story mode I was able to unlock the players and the game story was not that bad.
If you liked "hot shots" golf games, you will enjoy this game.

If you like anime. If you like golf. Pangya is the one. Very nice on the eyes and fun. About all I can say. Been playing this since it went online.

I am a huge fan of golf games, but I am also a huge fan of anime and manga. This game created in Korea features anime style art and fantastical and whimsical golf courses. I like these games because you can use the free play modes to just play golf without worying about beating your opponent. My other favorite golf games are the Tiger Woods PGA tour games which are also extreamly fun and give you a selction of courses to play in the free play option.

In my opinion GREAT GAME!

If you love anime and are slightly interested in golf games, you will probably enjoy this title. I am really enjoying this game and it's anime flare. It's cool to play on the neat courses with the different kinds of cool equipment and clothes you can accessorize with. My beef is that is boasts of so many ways to customize your golfer. The problem is that you have to unlock almost every single thing and it's taking me a while to unlock anything and I have over 15 hrs invested in it now...mostly on story mode. I wanted more clothing options and such readily available from the start, but you get very few and it grows very very slowly. But don't let that hinder you. It's still a really fun game and I really recommend it.