On Par with Sony’s Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 (HSG:OT2) for the PSP doesn’t deviate far from its predecessors. From the series’ requisite post-game cinemas showing the beauty of nature, to the bobble-headed player models, the Hot Shots games are not known for innovation. Instead, this entry in the ten year-old franchise aims to refine the already excellent gameplay, while including all the elements that gives the series its unique flavor.

Playing a game of HSG couldn’t be simpler- player’s start by choosing one of the two available characters, then they are on the first course in seconds, thanks to the title’s speedy load times. Once gamers are at the tee, they press the “X” button three times to swing their virtual clubs- once to initiate the swing, once to set power, and one final time to decide on accuracy. A nine-hole game can be finished in less than fifteen minutes, making this a perfect title for commuters.

While this Hot Shots game is just as beautiful as the first PSP game, with its lush greens, gentle clouds, and spotless framerate, some graphical oddities persevere. For example, when CPU golfers calculate their shots, the game freezes for a second or two, which is especially noticeable when rain is present. Still, we can’t knock the title too much- this same quirk is found in the PS3’s Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds.

New PSP owners with the slightest inkling towards golf should try the Playstation Store demo. Inevitably, they will find themselves hooked on the title. Owners of the original PSP Hot Shots Golf may want to wait for a price drop. Its $30 price for the addition of online multiplayer and some additional content may only be justifiable for fans of the series.

Final Grade: A-