Who doesn't love Hot Shots Golf? The answer is: nobody. While we're not enthusiastic fans of the sport on television, we do love picking up the virtual golf club and playing a few rounds of Hot Shots Golf with a few friends. Today's amazon.com Deal of the Day is all about Sony's famed golf franchise.
The PS3 version of the franchise, Out of Bounds can be picked up for only $26 -- that's more than half off! The latest PSP game, Open Tee 2 can be picked up for $20. Both feature robust online multiplayer, and a plethora of content that'll have you swinging for hours. Either way, you win.
Hey, Hot Shots Golf fans! Siliconera told us about a great promotion they're doing, and we couldn't help but join them! Pick up a copy of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 and you'll not only be eligible for some prizes, but you'll be helping a good cause too. There's a lot at stake: signed copies of the game from Clap Hanz and other swag provided from Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Are you ready? Setting up an online Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 tournament is a bit tricky so please read the rules carefully.
It's not easy reviewing Hot Shots Golf. Why? It's not because it's particularly bad -- no, in fact, the game is quite good. The franchise has a long legacy of high quality titles that date back to the PS1 era. However, how does one explain the merits of a game that has so subtly changed? Each iteration adds a bit more functionality, and refines the gameplay. However, the core mechanics have remained largely unchanged for a decade.
Open Tee 2 expands upon the original Open Tee game by adding more courses, more customization options and the biggest selling factor, online Infrastructure gameplay. For those that are familiar with the franchise, these additions may be enough to warrant another purchase. However, those that want more than the series' traditional 3-click swing mechanic have no reason to upgrade from the already-excellent original Open Tee.
If you absolutely must have the latest PSP firmware, you may want to pick up Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2. The UMD comes packaged with firmware 3.96, although the contents of said firmware are unknown at this time. Considering the small numerical leap from the previous official release (3.95), we're assuming that the new firmware adds no significant new functionality.
Here's a pretty video clip showcasing some of that online gameplay from Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2. There is a robust 16-player online mode for gamers to take part in, and there's also an 8-player ad hoc mode. Of course, if you're planning on not doing any of those things, then there's still the single player game -- it's not going to just get up and run out on you. Open Tee 2 comes out this June 3, so it won't be long before you start hitting the course again on your PSP ... or have the urge to buy yourself some plaid pants.
With a US release coming up soon, there's definitely an influx of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 media coming in. Have you noticed? Anyway, these two gameplay vids we have right here show off some of the game's cast of quirky characters pulling off snazzy, yet unrealistic, special moves. Take the blond guy's par at ten seconds into the clip for example; that move is so explicitly cheap we have to shake our heads in disapproval. Of course, when we get to pull that move off for ourselves, trailing behind a few holes, then it doesn't seem so bad to use that ace up the sleeve.
Check out the second clip after the break. What's in it? Watch a poor old lady fail to clear the sand trap. Sad.
Here's a look at the North American box cover for Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2. Isn't she a beauty? The boy in the red sweater does seem familiar though ... where have we seen him before? Oh! That's right, he looks like the kid version of the sleazy guy on the Out of Bounds box for the PS3. Son, what have you become. Anyway, the other characters are an interesting and eclectic bunch; there's a samurai character and a granny, too. You can see them all in these ten new screenshots from our gallery below. Enjoy.
When you want to take a break from golf, you can always ... well, play more golf. The mini-games of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 don't appear to stray far from the formula. At least, not according to this GameTrailers montage. Watch as this player shows us the many ways to avoid successfully sinking a golf ball.
PSP Fanboy has just received their preview code of the game, and will be providing you impressions shortly.
It's been a long time coming, if you ask us. Hot Shots Golf is coming back to the PSP, sure, but until now we've never been able to pin down a date for the game. A three year hiatus between portable titles is enough! We have to alter our schedule to get a round of golf in, you know? Well, Open Tee 2 is coming to America on June 3rd, sporting some full-fledged online play and further character customization than its predecessor. We're glad to finally have a date and one so soon, too.
Golf is the kind of sport that transcends languages, right? Regardless, SCEA has just released new screenshots of the upcoming Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2. This PSP-exclusive follow-up to Open Tee features the classic Hot Shots gameplay we've all grown to love, but adds a key feature: Infrastructure multiplayer, so you can take your shots online.
If the anime-inspired hijinks of the recently released Hot Shots Golf game on PS3 couldn't satiate your appetite for the sport, have no fear. SCEA is bringing over a new Hot Shots Golf game to the PSP, unsurprisingly named Open Tee 2. The franchise has been known for its easy, accessible gameplay, and we don't expect that to change in this iteration. It looks to retain all the wackiness the franchise is known for. Just look at that awesome penguin suit for proof!
Famitsu is the leading voice in Japanese gaming. So when they say something is good, we listen. According to their reviews, the best PSP game of last year is a title that hasn't made it outside of Japan ... yet. Minna no Golf Portable 2 (aka Hot Shots Golf) took the prize as the best PSP game of last year. Scoring 37/40, it beat out other contenders like Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida (36/40) and Ratchet & Clank (35/40).
We're pretty sure Minna no Golf will find its way stateside in due time. But, how long will it take? It look Sony about half a year to bring the PS3 Minna no Golf 5 over to the US. We're probably going to have to wait just as long for the localized PSP game. Now, will they bring Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida over? We're not going to hold our breath.
Two demos! For the price of ... well, none. Get some portable golf in these two new Japanese Minna no Golf Portable 2 demos.
Demo 1 (Beginner)
1. Download the demo zip file.
2. Extract the contents of the zip file.
3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.
5. Copy NPJG90016 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder.
Demo 2 (Intermediate)
1. Download the demo zip file.
2. Extract the contents of the zip file.
3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.
5. Copy NPJG90017 folder into the GAME directory. Make sure there are no sub-directories in this folder.
Korean gaming site Ruliweb.com has more than a small handful of new screenshots and videos of the upcoming golf game, Minna no Golf Portable 2. While pictures are telling, it's the videos that say the most -- and the site offers a MP4 file that's compatible with your PSP. Neat! Check out all the pictures and videos here.
The Magic Box has found new images of Claphanz's next PSP outing, Minna no Golf Portable 2 (also known as Hot Shots Golf in the US). This Infrastructure-enabled sequel is hitting Japan later this week, and we can't be more excited. There's something truly charming about the series' art style and accessible gameplay, and we're certain that this will be able to move a few more PSP units into the loving hands of Japanese gamers everywhere.
