Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots Review – Misses the Mark

Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots Review

After years off the fairway, Everybody’s Golf makes its return, but this time under a new developer and across multiple platforms. With arcade-style golf largely absent from today’s gaming landscape, the series has a chance to reclaim its spot as the go-to casual sports experience. Will this comeback be a hole-in-one, or will it land in the rough?

When a new developer takes the reins of a beloved series, fans will be understandably cautious. Since 1999, Clap Hanz has shaped Everybody’s Golf into an accessible yet multilayered arcade experience, brimming with charm and whimsy. Hyde aims to continue that legacy, retaining the series’ signature aesthetic and straightforward gameplay. While the spirit of the franchise is intact, its strict adherence to the formula and lack of innovation make this return feel a little dated.

Spot the Difference

There are three different methods to strike the ball, and while they vary in presentation, the underlying system is largely the same: line up your shot, set your power, and time your accuracy. Simple but effective, this tried-and-true control scheme gives the game a pick-up-and-play quality that makes it easy for anyone to enjoy a breezy round of golf. Yet beneath that accessibility lies genuine depth. Perfect timing is only part of the challenge; you’ll also need to account for wind, course hazards, and terrain. This encourages experimentation with spin and club selection, rewarding players who approach each hole with strategy as well as skill.

Although reaching the green is your initial priority, putting is where you’ll win or lose the match. It’s at this point that you must closely observe the layout of the land, as each bump and dip can send your ball drastically off course. Downhill and uphill climbs are communicated through colours, while dips and bumps are visible via the grid. This follows conventions of the genre but removes the frustration due to its forgiving nature. Sinking the ball isn’t ridiculously easy; you’ll need to survey your surroundings and take everything into account. However, it’s simple enough to grasp that newcomers can jump in without frustration, while still offering enough nuance to keep seasoned players engaged.

Give it a Whack!

You can use special shots to whack the ball further and gain an advantage. These are highlighted with replays and visual effects that emphasize the power of your strike. Throughout the game, various gimmick features appear, like a tornado near the hole that pulls the ball in when it’s close.

These wild elements are expanded in Wacky Golf Mode, which includes a range of fast-paced multiplayer games. For example, in Colourful Mode, the course is filled with different panels that trigger unique actions when landed on. Some provide benefits, while others can seriously hinder your progress. In Scramble, you and a partner take turns working together to complete the course. Or, you can try to navigate a minefield in the explosive Boom Golf! mode.

If you prefer a single-player experience, you can take part in an array of tournaments or try out World Tour, which has a short narrative for each player. The story is skippable, and that’s probably for the best. However, you can unlock multiple characters and earn money for cosmetics, making it worth your time.

In the Rough

The franchise is known for its cartoon aesthetic and vivid colour palette, a distinct look that sets the series apart. Unfortunately, Hot Shots falls short. The visuals are underwhelming, with basic character models, stiff animations, and low-quality textures. Combined with unreliable performance, it feels like a missed opportunity. Occasional stutters can disrupt your swing, turning what should be a relaxing time on the links into a frustrating experience. Add to that the repetitive dialogue, and you’re left with a disappointing round of golf.

Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots lands in the rough. At first glance, it seems to capture the spirit of the originals, but closer inspection reveals what it’s missing. Dated visuals, inconsistent performance, and grating dialogue build frustration. While the game offers plenty of modes and chaotic multiplayer options, the lack of gameplay innovation makes these features feel stale. You might enjoy a quick round, but it doesn’t do enough to keep you hooked for the full 18.

***PS5 code provided by the publisher***