Hot Shots Golf Fore! Hands-On

The Hot Shots Golf series, known as Everybody's Golf in Japan, has always been about bringing a straightforward, very playable game of golf to the table. It contains likable, cartoonish characters, basic-but-rewarding gameplay, and a decent level of control that doesn't go overboard into simulation territory. This year, the series adds online play to the mix.

Hot Shots Golf Fore! doesn't change all that much. Graphically, it still sports the same clean and colorful look. The gameplay still uses a timing-based swing meter that rewards you with nice shot bonuses for timing shots just right. And the putting still brings up a grid to help you read the break of the green. Online play is the big new feature. You'll be able to go online and play golf against other players, using the keyboard or the USB headset to communicate. The game will have a handful of modes, from championship play down to minigolf.

As far as the numbers game goes, Hot Shots will contain 12 different full-sized courses. The game will have a varied collection of playable characters to unlock, and each character will have eight different outfits to choose from. You'll also have some form of control over your caddy selection. The caddy we saw in action was quite chatty, cheering us on as we played.

Hot Shots Golf Fore! is currently scheduled to hit stores during the third quarter of 2004.