Hot Shots Golf 5: Out of Bounds PS3 review

Hot Shots Golf 5: Out of Bounds for PS3 Hot Shots Golf 5: Out of Bounds (AKA Everybody’s Golf 5: World Tour) is the latest game in the 10-year-running fun, addicting and ever-popular Hot Shots Golf franchise, as it tees up on the PlayStation 3. With it comes High Definition detail of course graphics accompanied with new, more accurate golf physics, brings a new level of immersion to the already established signature style of pick-up and play gameplay. With vibrant new courses, zany new characters and a wealth of new online features, Hot Shots Golf 5: Out of Bounds strives to enter the next generation strokes ahead of the competition. But does it succeed?

System: PS3
Genre: Sports
Release dates: March 18th 2008 (USA), March 27th 2008 (AUS), March 28th 2008 (EURO)
Players: 1-4 local, 2-50 online
HDD minimum: 4.4GB
Developer: Clap Hanz / SCE Studios Japan & Santa Monica Studios
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Origin: Japan

Hot Shots Golf 5: Out of Bounds screenshot

Hot Shots Golf 5 brings a brand new chapter of the beloved Hot Shots franchise onto PlayStation 3 for the first time. Showcasing high definition graphics along with new, more accurate golf physics, Hot Shots Golf 5 offers up a new level of immersion to the franchise’s signature over-the-top visuals and pick up and play action.

Hot Shots Golf 5 brings an entirely new element of gameplay control by introducing a shot system that focuses on the player’s swing instead of a power meter. Everybody’s Golf 5 introduces a modified version of the “3 click” shot system. Instead of relying completely on the gauge at the bottom to estimate the strength and slice of the shot, the new system encourages you to use the actual character’s golf swing to select the power. Once the strength of the shot is determined, the gauge disappears, and the accuracy of the shot relies on the player’s timing when the club hits the ball.

Watch the Hot Shots Golf 5 new shot system in action in 1, 2, 3…

Featuring more than 15 zany golfers and caddies, Hot Shots Golf 5 adds six new courses to the overall challenge, ranging from pitch-and-putt par three layouts to challenging 18-hole configurations. Initially, there are four courses in the game, four beginner characters, two middle rank characters, and three caddies, in addition to the guest character. Maruyama Shigeki will become the second real-life golfer to become a playable character and caddy. In addition, players will have unprecedented online access with the ability to create tournaments of up to 50 participants, and even access unique downloadable content.

Watch an introduction to the characters and courses.

The main features in Hot Shots Golf 5 are:

* New Shot System – Focus on the swing and not a power meter. The new shot system offers a high risk to reward ratio and gives players the ability to hit the ball farther and straighter, but also penalizes more on mistimed shots. Players will closely monitor takeaway and impact zone, taking into account distance, club selection, and weather. Of course, players may still opt for the traditional shot meter if desired.

* Online Action – Customize a tournament and square off with up to 50 others, or create a match with up to eight players and follow the action of each player. Enter the online lobby and customize your character with more than 300 options including hair, masks, clothing, and numerous other entertaining options while sending messages and setting up matches.

* Larger Courses and Environments – Strategically play your next shot while taking into account the entire course. Larger playable environments let you play your errant tee shot from a neighboring hole, or take aim at a different fairway and use it as a shortcut to better align the next shot.

* Six Immaculate New Courses – Adding to the wide variety of existing courses, Hot Shots Golf 5 introduces a set of new courses that bring players to unique and dramatic locations including links along the coast, in the desert, among the mountains, and in the woods.

* Refined Putting Stroke – A new putting stroke is in place to take player emphasis off the power meter and focus on the beautiful environments that Hot Shots Golf 5 and the PS3 deliver. The traditional putting stroke is still a selectable option.

* Crazy Characters and Caddies – Choose from 15 different playable characters and six different caddies, each with their own distinct look and quirky characteristics that embody the fun and spirit of the Hot Shots franchise. Customize characters in a variety of clothing options, and monitor character attributes including power, control, and accuracy. The longer you’ll use your favorite character, the higher their Loyalty rating will be and your abilities will improve.

* A Variety of Golf Outings – Multiple single-player and multi-player modes of play including VS Mode, Training Mode, Tournament Mode, Stroke Mode, Match Play Mode, and other challenging modes offer a diverse golfing experience for everyone.

* Extensive Stat Tracking – Hot Shots Golf 5 offers a wide range of statistical information that allows players to measure themselves versus the competition. Track game data through each round to compare skills in categories like best average score, driving distance, driving accuracy (fairways hit), greens in regulations, par pace percentage, putting accuracy, average putt length, holes-in-one, and many other stat options.

* Downloadable Content – In between rounds, head to the PlayStation Store to download exciting content including new playable characters, courses, clubs, clothing and other golf swag.

Enter an online tournament in Hot Shots Golf 5.

As a conclusion let’s rate Hot Shots Golf 5: Out of Bounds on its fun-basis.

FUN FACTOR – 8.0
Hot Shots Golf 5: Out Of Bounds invites you to slip on the golf shoes, step out on the course, and tee it up on the PS3. Overcome adverse weather conditions and dangerous hazards, rip a 300 yard drive down the middle the fairway, or go pin hunting on those tricky par 3s. No mulligans needed as this casual golf game is all about having fun and enjoying the most entertaining and over the top golfing experience imaginable. So come on, step up and give it your best shot, its great fun to play together with friends and family.

Graphics – 8.0
Hot Shots Golf 5 main characterThe first thing that will stand out are the big-headed cheerful and cartoony characters with well animated movements, but when you look around you’ll see everything in the courses is very detailed. The graphics are sharp, and despite that you can sometimes spot jagged edges, the game is beautiful to look at.

Audio – 7.0
The sound effects are pretty standard. There’s lighthearted voice work from the characters. The music is okay, and you can mute it if you hate it, but no audio really stands out.

Ingenuity – 8.5
The arcadey controls means the game will appeal to both casual and hardcore golf players. The 1, 2, 3 swing shot system will work perfectly for everyone, and long-time fans of the series can also choose to play with the classic shot meter. No lag or glitches at all during online tournament play with (up to) 50 players means the gameplay is smooth throughout. But that’s no surprise after a 4.4GB mandatory HD install before you start the game to reduce load times.

Replay Value – 9.0
Loads of single-player modes, even a tutorial for beginners, and multiplayer for up to four people locally for relaxing times and up to 50 players during exciting timed online play (no voice chat during online play, although you can type text in the lobbies). Combine all these modes with addictive gameplay and both casual and avid golf fans know they are in for a treat. Hot Shots Golf 5: Out Of Bounds will keep you playing for a long time.