Outlaw Golf Preview

We've recently had the chance to spend some time with a demo version of Outlaw Golf, a lighthearted new golfing game for the Xbox from Simon & Schuster. The premise behind Outlaw Golf is similar to that which made the Hot Shots series so popular: Combine wacky, tongue-in-cheek character designs and personalities with a solid golfing simulation using realistic physics and challenging, otherworldly courses. As soon as we cranked up Outlaw Golf and took a look at the screaming, pierced, and unshaven golf ball that serves as its logo, we were convinced that as far as golfing games go, this one would be all about fun over simulation. However, the more we played, the more it seemed like despite its colorful cast of characters, Outlaw Golf may be as pure a golfing simulation as any of the competition.

As in most golfing games, the game mechanics used in Outlaw Golf are based predominantly on the proper gauging of distance, wind, and shot trajectory, although a few noticeable changes separate this game from the pack. The button layout is very easy to become familiar with but allows for a surprisingly deep level of control over your golfer's actions and shots. The right and left analog triggers control camera zoom, while face buttons are mapped to shot selection, approach vs. full power, and a camera switch that places you at the predicted lie (where the ball lands after a swing). Before a shot is confirmed, the right and left sticks precisely control direction and trajectory and are used to line up your shot. While most golf games use a swinging shot power meter that must be stopped precisely, Outlaw Golf's shot power meter is instead mapped to the incredibly sensitive right analog stick. To generate power for the backswing, hold down the stick, and then flick it upward to complete the stroke. The shot power meter gradually fills when held down, but if it reaches the upper portion without a stroke being made, it will decrease, simulating fatigue or improper form. Smoothly raising the shot power gauge with a good backswing then flicking the stick upward when the meter is full will produce a sweet swing, with the explosive results you would expect. Putting is controlled through the use of a targeting reticle, which can be swept along the ground, and it reveals a line showing where a ball rolled across the green in that direction will lie. To properly control the ball in situations where accuracy is paramount (that is to say, every situation), a percentage of required power is indicated in the shot power gauge to help you decide just how much oomph to put behind your swing. The entire control system conveys a sense of fine precision and can be extremely challenging when used to its fullest extent.

Outlaw Golf brings its solid golfing game to light through an impressive showcase of graphical power. The Xbox seems to be a system that thrives on this type of game, as can be noted from the nicely detailed golfer and audience character models and the incredibly attractive courses. Each of the selectable characters is a large, unique model composed of many polygons and rendered in a style that blends realism of human form with cartoonlike exaggeration and color. The spectators on the course will sway slightly from side to side as they watch and will even move away from your shot if you aim in their direction. To match this level of detail, the courses have been rendered in stunning, full 3D, including highly detailed foliage and a wide variety of textures that lend the settings a level of detail that stands up to the closest camera-zoomed inspection. Sending a shot under the overpass at the Turnpike Valley Country Club will let you take a good look at the 747s soaring by, the trucks speeding along, the realistic concrete texture, and even the colorful graffiti. It's perpetually autumn at the Crusty Leaf Country Club, and wilted leaves will often flit by, sometimes into the lake that surrounds an old barn with an over-the-water catwalk, which can be played through. The water itself looks very nice, rendered using reflection mapping and a shifting, rippling effect.

Characters

What perhaps separates Outlaw Golf most noticeably from its competition is its collection of over-the-top characters. Each character fits into a readily distinguishable stereotype, although quite a bit of creativity has gone into making them funny, including some enjoyable voice work throughout the game and in the character selection screens.

Harley and Snake: Harley is your typical hard-edged biker femme, resplendent in her cut-offs, combat boots, and anarchy sign t-shirt. Snake, her shady looking bearded caddy seems intimidated by her.
Harley: "Lock and load, let's rock!"

Ice Trey and Fresh Fruit: Ice Trey is an O.G., or at least that's what he wants you to believe. He's got dropped pants, and always rocks a backwards cap. His main man, Fresh Fruit is always listening to his headphones, and can't be stopped from swinging his gold chains back and forth as he feels the beat.
Fresh Fruit: <beatbox noises> "Boom-boom-cha-boom-boom-cha"
Ice Trey: "Shut up!"

Trixie Monroe and Sugar Daddy: Trixie is well aware that men fawn over her curves, and she can't get enough. Each of her outfits is made to tantalize, as you'll find no shortage of midriff here.
Sugar Daddy: "I'd like to hit onto her fairway!"

El Suave and El Ramone: El Suave is as passionate about his flamenco as he is about his golf (and golfers). It's not quite clear what the relationship is between the "Antonio Banderas-impression on SNL"-inspired El Suave, and his caddy, the short, greasy looking pompadoured El Ramone.
El Suave: "Are you man enough for El Suave?"

Doctor Diggler and Toast: The Doc is always in a hurry, having just raced out of surgery for a few rounds. When not in surgery, the old stand-by sports some smooth Hawaiian prints, and can be found doing the cabbage patch to some disco tunes.
Doctor Diggler: "Alright, let's play golf."

Scrummy O'Duel and Tommy Rotten: Scrummy is a typical Irish lad, in that he loves his football (that's soccer to us), as well as his drunken brawls. His headbanging compatriot makes sure his shots are in order, and his shinguards aren't too caked with blood.
Scrummy O'Duel: "Do it, do it, do it, let's have the ball!"

Mistress Suki and Puddin': The mistress is a vicious Asian dominatrix, who plays in what else, but her leather bondage gear. Puddin' is her slave as well as caddy, and is set in line after a few lashes of Suki's riding crop.
Mistress Suki: "Alright, let's play... lick my boot!"

C.C. and Heavy G: C.C. looks like she could have been a member of TLC in another life, and enjoys her music as much as giving out a sizable helping of her attitude. Heavy G is the chunky bebopper who's got her back.
Heavy G: <C.C. dances> "Go sister, go sister, go sister!"

Summer and Autumn: Summer is a tall, attractive blonde that must have confused the golf course with her favorite dance floor. She's decked out in skin-tight, shiny clubbing gear, more suitable for flashing lights and smoke projectors than an afternoon on the range. Autumn is her girlfriend, who shares a love of house music and spanking.
Summer: <after receiving a spank from Autumn> "Alright, let's spank that ball!"

Killer Miller and A. Landchaser: Killer appears to be a military vet, although he now enjoys driving the ball rather than a tank. He's heavily tattooed, wears military-issue shorts on the green, and can always be seen sporting a beret. His mysterious benefactor seems to be his conscience as well as advisor.
A. Landchaser: "Wise decision."

Conclusion

To further present golf in a manner all its own, Outlaw Golf also makes use of a certain number of gameplay tweaks and rules, which nicely fit as a diverse complement to the game modes available. More casual golfers may be pleased that you're always able to take a Mulligan after a poorly made shot, which is essentially a "do-over." Repetitively missed shots, or poor lies in bunkers or water hazards will decrease your golfer's composure rating, however, which will not only affect their future performance, but also initiate comical scenes of frustration. Venues for practicing this particular brand of golf aren't hard to come by--there are many different game modes available, in addition to the tour mode. All the traditional modes are presented for up to four players, including stroke, match, and skins play, as well as a few new games for players to jump into. There's best ball, where players are challenged to beat their own score per hole; scramble, where teammates choose where to spot the ball; my one and only, where an entire course is played with only one club; casino, which combines golf with gambling; and time attack, where every shot is a race against the clock. Doing well on the range at the putting, driving, and accuracy tests will earn your chosen character points which can then be allocated to the distance, accuracy, composure, and control statistics.

Outlaw Golf brings its humorous package of golf together with color commentary that seems solely composed of one-liners and sexual innuendo. One particular introduction to a match begins with "there's not a cloud in the sky and the air is still and my toupee is grateful! All of the players are here with their clubs in hand *ahem*." The voices and dialogue are quite amusing at times, and nicely complement the hilarity of the context. There's a definite infusion of comic intent throughout the game, including the option to play with "Suave's" brand balls, and the club descriptions, which read like so:

A driver with sniper-scope accuracy, a bodacious launch angle for nose-bleeding loft, but wimpy distance. Whippy shaft and bitchin spin combine for orgasmic golf shots.

Outlaw Golf doesn't look, play, or feel quite like any other golf game we've ever played, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. We were impressed with both the solid mechanics, and the sheerly enjoyable comic aspects of this upcoming golf game. Outlaw Golf is still currently in development, but in the meantime, check out our screens and movies, and we'll bring you more coverage as the game nears completion.