This is a difficult review for me to write, not because the game is complicated, but because I have never seen a sequel to a game that is so close to the original in just about every detail. I played the original on PSP for hundreds of hours and could not put it down, in fact I've been playing HSG since PS One.
For those that haven't played it, it's a simple to learn, fun to master golf game that doesn't take the game too seriously, yet can be very challenging at times. There are 12 courses in this one, up from 6 in the first, and they grow increasingly more difficult as you progress through various "challenges" (tournaments), earning new clothes, gear and players along the way. The controls are very simple, as not a lot of adjustments can be made to pull off unusual shots, but there are enough options to satisfy experienced golfers.
The graphics are bright, clean and colorful, the music is peppy (almost to a fault) and overall the production is flawless. Appealing to kids as well as adults for a light hearted round of the great game of golf.
My main complaint, if you can call it that, is that this game is so similar to the first that it's almost an insult. You start the game and see the girl waving to you from behind a desk with the EXACT SAME ANIMATION as the first game. Then you pick your character, start the first round on, believe it or not, the SAME COURSE AS THE ORIGINAL. That's right, South Alps CC. An exact clone, right down to the yodels from the hills. I have never in my long life as a gamer seen a game copy it's predecessor so closely. This is what makes this review so difficult to write: It's still a great game in itself, but if you've played the first one you might be a bit annoyed to have to start all over and unlock the same courses you have already played. Shouldn't a sequel advance the title, not clone it? I guess they figured if the formula works so well, why mess with it?
The main difference, to be fair, is a good one though. Multiplayer online via WiFi is a very welcome addition. Hopefully enough players will log on to make it worthwhile, as a 16 player tourney, as advertised, would be awesome.
Granted I'm only a few hours into the game, but here's hoping some new surprises pop up to make this a truly new adventure in video gaming golf. Recommended to new players to HSG, but veterans may want to wait and get it on sale.
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