Among traditional sports golf really seems like a natural fit for videogames. For one thing it is "turn-based", this fact alone makes it much more accessible for players of all ages and skill levels. Yet, there is still a push-your-luck element that lets the players make the game as challenging as they wish to make it. Everybody's Golf embraces these theories and still surprises with a multitude of clever features that we didn't even realize we wanted. Its hard to imagine just what more they could have done to make this game any better. Lets take just a few minutes to break down everything that makes this such a complete package.
Jumping into Everybody's Golf is quite easy thanks to its simple control scheme. In order to hit the ball you simply have to watch your power gauge and hit the X button three times; once to start the swing, again to set the power, and one last time to set the accuracy. Before you swing its easy to pan the camera out to see where you are aiming. From there you can move side to side or change clubs as you see fit. As you play through the career mode you will continuously learn new moves and challenging skill shots to help under different circumstances. These moves add an extra layer or challenge for experienced players without being so overpowered that they'll give a big advantage over newer players.
Starting out in single-player the first thing you get to do is create your own character. It is honestly one of the easiest to use, yet fairly deep, character creation tools I've ever used. After that is done you arrive on an island paradise and meet the charming cast that will be your guide through your golf career. From the home area you jump right into games and you'll always have two choices to pick from. Different variables change whether your playing nine holes or eighteen, if you have large or smaller cups on the green, and which tees your playing from. After playing so many rounds or meeting certain conditions a special challenger will arrive; each offering there own quick story and special conditioners for the match. Beat three challengers and you will move up a rank up to play some slightly tougher matches.
In local multiplayer you are presented with quite a few options. First you can choose to play for score in Stroke Play or compete hole for hole in Match Play. You can also pick which course, how many holes, the wind condition, the size of the holes, and if you with to have any computer players.. Then each player can pick there own clubs, balls, and character levels. Its here that you are able to really address the needs of each player and try to balance all skill levels so that everyone has a chance of winning. You can also choose to just pass around one controller or let everyone have there own. If you do use multiple controllers the other players and press various buttons to cheer or boo the current player before and after their shot.
One feature I love is how the game automatically records clips of any chip-ins that lead to a birdie or better. Eventually, you earn the ability to record video clips anytime to remember so you can relive some of your best shots. I haven't even played the online multiplayer which I'm sure would bring a host of new things to discuss. Also, did I even mention that as you play each individual club will level up stats for power, control, and back-spin capabilities. Or that there are different club sets and balls to pick from that will effect these different stats. We can start to see where the "Everybody" in "Everybody's Golf" really comes into play. There is plenty for hardcore players to sink their teeth into yet the controls are easy enough that anyone can learn. So it shouldn't come as a surprise at this point that I would recommend this game to just about "Everybody".