I have been a fan of the Hot Shots Golf (Everybody’s Golf in other regions) franchise since the PS2-Era. I got hooked on the simplified golf gameplay and the gameplay loop of unlocking new characters, clubs, balls, and costumes. Now, Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots has caught my attention again, and it offers a lot for people, whether you are new to the franchise or not.

First off, let’s talk about the wealth of options for gameplay. There is a Single-Player and Multiplayer Mode, but each offers a wealth of options. In Single Player, you have World Tour mode, which is a story mode for several characters, with unlockable content made possible through each chapter. New to this entry is the possibility of divergent stories, though this usually only dictates who you take on in each chapter.

Then you have Challenge mode, which is a series of tournaments designed to let you earn currency for the shop, with some unlockables available for completing the tournaments as well. Then you have Stroke play, allowing you to do solo-golfing hole-by-hole. You can also practice various other modes, such as Match Play, where you take on another character (similar to a standard versus mode) or Wacky Golf, a unique twist on golf that turns it into a crazier party game of chaos.

Aside from Challenge Mode and World Tour, the other modes are also available in Multiplayer. You can play either locally or online, allowing you and other friends to play whether you are in the same room or across the world. It is important to know that there is no crossplay between platforms, so keep that in mind.

As far as the gameplay goes, it is the same Hot Shots Golf gameplay you know and love. However, there are multiple control schemes this time, offering more “technical” golf gameplay for fans of more serious golf games, or the standard arcade-y triple-button controls of classic games in the series. I went for the traditional control scheme because I’m a casual golfer and love the franchise, but it is very accessible for any type of player.

Each character has a unique special ability you unlock through playing them. Additionally, you can unlock costumes and special clubs or balls. Some characters (like Pac-Man) have specific equipment you can unlock for them that makes them even better.

For single-player content, there are also a variety of difficulty levels, so you can test your skills and play for the challenge or just play for fun. I do have a minor complaint, however. While Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots says it boasts the largest character and caddie roster in the series’ history, there is very little guidance about how to unlock characters beyond a small note in the tutorial about World Tour.

There’s no information about whether all of the characters are unlocked through World Tour, or if there are other modes you need to play. Don’t misunderstand me here, I don’t want detailed instructions; I just want vague guidance on where to start and what I need to play to unlock characters and content.

With that said, the currency you gain from winning in matches in various modes lets you unlock a variety of clubs and balls, along with things like costume dyes. Playing a specific golfer regularly also increases their loyalty, which unlocks abilities and things for that character specifically. Using a specific caddy regularly also increases their trust levels, which unlocks things like Support Stickers, letting them help you as you play.

Overall, I think Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots is a fun experience. I’ve really enjoyed dipping back into the franchise. I think with Wacky Golf and other modes, there is a lot of room for multiplayer fun, or solo gameplay if you just want to golf on your own. This isn’t exactly the PGA Tour type of serious golf your Grandpa watches, but if you want some silly (challenging at times) fun, then Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots is just the ticket.

A PC Review Copy of Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots was provided by Bandai Namco for the purposes of this review.

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Also, if you’d like to join the Phenixx Gaming team, check out our recruitment article for details on working with us.

Phenixx Gaming is proud to be a Humble Partner! Purchases made through our affiliate links support our writers and charity!

Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots

$39.99

9.5

Score

9.5/10

Pros

• Accessible Gameplay
• Lots of Unlockables
• Single and Multiplayer options
• Tons of modes to play
• Lots of fun characters

Cons

• No real guidance for unlocks