Chip Shot- Let’s Golf Review

When Let’s Golf was published for the iPhone last March, many noted the game’s unmistakable inspiration. From the title’s vibrant visuals to its host of statistic-enhancing unlockables, the game managed to capture the best elements of the celebrated Everybody’s Golf/Hot Shots Golf franchise. Now Gameloft has translated the diversion into a PSP Mini, allowing Let’s Golf to indirectly compete with the titles which motivated its existence.

Like the renowned Camelot/Clap Handz series, Let’s Golf doesn’t wallow in the minutia of golf. Instead, the title keeps the game uncomplicated and speedy- gamers can complete nine holes during a short commute. For even more abbreviated excursions, the game’s tidy Instant Play mode allows virtual duffers to shoot from three random tees chosen from the game’s 64 holes. This shrewd inclusion illustrates the title’s strength- Let’s Golf allows players to get on the links quickly, and start enjoying the game.

Each of Let’s Golf four venues are complemented by geographically accurate backdrops and music, from Scotland’s placid lochs and bagpipes accompaniment to Fuji’s sandy beaches and steel drum rhythms.  While all of the game’s locations are immediately available in the game’s Free Hole, and pass-the-PSP Hot Seat modes, but must be unlocked for tournament play.

The title’s Tournament variation is the most detailed mode of the game. Participants compete with four other A.I. opponents in effort to emerge victorious and unlock one of the games accessories. Like the iPhone iteration, hairstyles, outfits, and equipment gained in the contest are gender specific. There’s no way of outfitting a male character a school girl costume, as amusing at the notion may be. Each accessory boosts one of the four golfer’s stats, skillfully coercing players to continue playing.

Players hoping to enjoy this PSP Mini on their Playstation 3 consoles may be disappointed. A recent firmware update allowed these abbreviated amusements to be played on their home consoles. Yet, at the time of this writing Let’s Golf is unrecognized as a playable game on the system. Hopefully, this will be rectified in the immediate future.

Visually, Let’s Golf doesn’t exhibit the framerate fluidity shown by full-priced fare such as the Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee series or Pangya: Fantasy Golf. While the game runs at a consistent 30 frames per second, players pampered by the buttery-smooth refresh rate of other titles will discern the graphical degradation. Considering Let’s Golf’s diminutive 45 megabyte footprint, the game’s amount of visual variety is pleasing; well-rendered castles, palm trees, and mountains flank each course. Each golfer is drawn in a distinctive ‘Chibi’-style, which exudes charm.  The title’s one misstep is the six second load times between holes, which can slow the momentum of a match.