1-8 Players Memory Stick Duo (736 KB) Wi-fi Compatible (Ad Hoc) When Hot Shots made its debut on the PSone it was a game that really caught my attention. With quirky characters, simple gameplay and a golf engine that really was amazing for its time, it was no wonder that I couldn't stop playing. As time has progressed the inevitable sequels were released, the game got a new developer and a new console even came out (PS2) which also received its own version of this franchise. As everyone now knows Sony has released its next attack for videogame dominance, the PSP. Luckily Sony made the decision to release a portable version of its long running golf game and after countless hours of gameplay I am happy to say that this was a really good, if not great, idea indeed. Graphics Anyone who owns a PSP knows what a great LCD screen the machine has. I have to admit that Hot Shots looks very sharp and bright on this screen. The colors are so vibrant that the game really shows some oomph. I may sound like a broken record when talking about the next-generation portable machines, but how can I not when games look this colourful on TFT LCD screens. The look of the game is very Japanese inspired as the characters have a strong anime look to them. This has to do with the fact that this game was released in Japan during the PSP's launch over there. I have to applaud Sony as they did not change much in terms of the characters when the game was finally released on our shores, and this is something that you don't see too often as Japanese games are usually Americanized when ported over here. The six courses that are available are also very nice looking. Sure, this game isn't a high polygon filled game that is made to test the power of the PSP, but its golf for goodness sake and the courses are fantasy. Each course is very distinct in flavour (e.g. Mountain Alps or Japanese Gardens) and they are full of life. There are large mountains, blowing leaves, water and sand hazards and even running streams. Each course looks as colourful as one would hope and Clap Hanz definitely has shown they took the effort to make sure the courses were as entertaining as the characters. Sound The Music and the sound effects in this game match the on-screen action perfectly. When making a really good shot, saving par, or going way over the recommended score, the voice action that follows the characters on-screen celebration/tantrum is bang on. The sound effects also sound great. Everything from hitting the ball off the tee to striking it out of the sand is quite realistic for a cartoonish game. Of course there are the over emphasized sounds that match the atmosphere of the game too, like the "KPLUNK" as the ball hits the hole when it goes in. As for the music, it seems quite natural, even though it is not supposed to be a major part of a golf game. Some may classify this music as cheesy, and in some ways they may be right, but it is not a bad cheesy and anyone who picks up this game will not find themselves turning it off due to being annoyed. All the sounds manage to compliment the overall feel of this game. Gameplay Hitting the ball in Hot Shots has not evolved since its inception. As most golf games on the bigger consoles now utilize an analog swing, Hot Shots continues to utilize the three tap method of hitting X to start the swing, hit X again to set the power and finally hit X for a third time to finish the swing. Many people believe that this method is archaic and behind the times, and in someway they are right. However, it is this reviewer's opinion that even with Sony's analog nub, the button method is the right way to go for this game on this platform. I appreciate that Sony did include analog control on the PSP but the nub, as opposed to an actual stick, is still not that accurate to be effective in a golf game. At least when using the button press method one has the ability for some precision when they hit the ball. There are three basic game modes in the portable version of Hot Shots Golf. There is Training, Single Player and Multiplayer. During single player there is stroke play, putting challenge and challenge mode. Stroke play allows the gamer to hit the links on any course that has been unlocked. Putting Challenge puts the gamer on greens of each course to compete in various distances of putts. Challenge Mode is the meat and potatoes of this game. There are a huge number of tournaments and versus modes against computer players. Beating these challenges opens up more characters and various special items that allow customization of one's character. These items include the usual things like golf clubs and balls but there are also different hairstyles, outfits and other accessories. The amount of customization is pretty cool and adds to the fun factor of this game. Many people would expect a game that looks this cute to be a push over in terms of the skill needed. Well let me warn you that looks can be very deceiving. This game simulates a tough round on the links, but it is not something that can't be tamed with practice. Everything that affects a game of golf in real life does so here on the PSP. Wind, rain and even terrain have some sort of effect on how this game is played. On top of this is a realistic putting game. One has to take the time to ‘read the green' in an effort to find that perfect line to the hole. This game has it all and I couldn't help but smile quite a few times as I hit an amazing shot. For those who are wondering I have been close but I am still in the hunt for that elusive hole-in-one. This game also supports multiplayer via the PSP's wi-fi, but this can only be done PSP to PSP and not online. Up to eight players can battle it out. What really makes the multiplayer fun is the ability to press various buttons on one's own PSP in an effort to heckle and distract their opponent. It is real neat to hear the various comments come out and know that this is being done by a real-life opponent. If there is any negative to be found in this game it is the amount of gametime that one has to log to open everything up. I am all for longevity in a game, however Hot Shots can be a little ‘long winded'. The game starts out with very little courses and characters open. As one plays through the various challenges they force the gamer to compete for sunglasses or hats right off the bat and slowly introduce the challenges that open more courses and more characters. As well courses repeat numerous times until new ones are opened. It is this tedious play that does have a negative impact on the game; however if one perseveres and opens everything this game offers it really does hold its own. Conclusion Sony has made sure to take a franchise title and port it over to the PSP with pizzazz and style that is to be complemented. The game's visuals jump off the screen with incredible colour and the anime inspired characters seem at home on Sony's handheld. The tried and tested three press golf swing still manages to shine and anyone who says that Analog Control is the only way to go needs to play this game. Multiplayer is also a plus in this game as up to eight players can hit the links together. The only negative is that one has to play a real long time to open up everything, including more courses, and some may get tired of playing over and over again. Regardless if you are looking for a real good game where practice makes it even better, Hot Shots on the PSP is the way to go.