2nd Op By

Brad Gallaway 8.5 RATING

Having spent a lot of time with the original PSone version, a change in Hot Shots Golf 3 that I appreciated was that that Clap Hanz toned down the insane difficulty level of opponents during one-on-one matches. Theyre still challenging in Hot Shots Golf 3, but nowhere near the superhumanly unrealistic level they were at in Hot Shots Golf. After watching the computer score multiple holes-in-one, fifty-foot putts and hundred-yard chip-ins without breaking a sweat, I lost a lot of respect for the first game. It still takes hard work to come out on top now, but I dont feel like Im being cheated any more. This is a big plus.

Now that the issue of computer advantage has been (mostly) dealt with, the game is almost flawless. There are still two areas that need tweaking, but theyre pretty minor. Still, what good is being a critic if I cant nitpick?

Number one, you cant turn off the ultra-annoying voice samples from the crowd or caddies. The repetitive (and very limited) sound bites get old really fast, and the caddies dont do a thing for your game except provide noise pollution. Youll swiftly get sick of their heckling when you miss a shot, and hearing them spurt lame praise for doing well is just as bad. If I have to hear my caddy yell Cream Cheeeese one more time, somebodys going to get hurt. Theres just too much yammering going on, when all I want is a little quiet on the course.

Number two, the character designs ABSOLUTELY SUCK. Therere two or three that arent too bad, but most of them are so unhip and cheesy they literally distract me from the game. I dont know what defective personality thought these characters had charm or appeal, but they completely turn me off. I almost didnt buy the game based on my level of repulsion to this collection of nerds, weirdos and sideshow escapees. In Hot Shots Golf 3, the players had just the right mix of realism and cartooniness. In Hot Shots Golf 3, most of them look horrible, with the games final playable character taking the cake. It makes my stomach queasy just thinking about it.

Besides those two relatively minor issues, theres nothing to complain about. The core of the game is basically unchanged from the last two installments except for the new selection of extras, but thats fine with me. I thought the game was nearly perfect to begin with. Seriously, I dont see how the gameplay can get much better. Its a great title with a superb level of polish and massive amounts of playability. It comes highly recommended, even for people who dont like the sport. Im sure that knocking a little white ball around some grassy hills doesnt seem like a very good time to most folks compared to all the extreme sports, hoops, or football but give it a chance. Youll be hooked before you know it, just like those old Scottish guys from way back when. Kilts are optional.

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