Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots Review

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is the latest chapter in the long-running Everybody’s Golf franchise, known in North America as Hot Shots Golf, developed by Bandai Namco and HYDE. This arcade-style golf title provides a lighthearted, pressure-free experience, allowing players to jump straight into the action and enjoy the game at their own pace.

Players can choose from a diverse roster of golfers, ranging from classic characters to surprise guests, such as Pac-Man. As you progress, you can refine your playstyle, upgrade your gear, and aim for mastery to become the next hot shot.

Can it bring the series back to relevance after years of being off the green?

Watch The Birdie!

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is a refreshing take on the sports genre, offering a casual, arcade-style golf experience that welcomes players of all skill levels. Unlike traditional simulation-heavy titles, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots lets you ease into gameplay at your own pace. Golf game veterans can dive straight into Challenge Mode, while newcomers can start with Golf Lessons or explore the World Tour story mode for a more narrative-driven introduction.

The onboarding experience in Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is designed to be pressure-free and intuitive, whether you’re chasing birdies or just learning the basics. World Tour mode not only teaches core mechanics but also introduces the backstories of each golfer, making it a great entry point for those who enjoy character-driven progression. It’s quite a breath of fresh air compared to other sports games that really get too immersed in their world, which can be intimidating for newcomers.

From the cheerful and self-professed cheerleader Aile to the ambitious and eccentric Mizuki, who believes he harbors a dragon in his right hand, the game’s cast is packed with personality. Each golfer brings unique traits and skills to the course, and as you complete challenges, you’ll earn loyalty points to level them up and unlock new abilities.

Caddies like Hannah play a strategic role, offering advice on club selection and shot approach while cheering on your golfer to boost luck. Leveling up your caddies unlocks items and enhances their support capabilities, adding another layer of depth to your gameplay strategy.

The user interface in Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is clean and beginner-friendly. The core objective, which is basically sinking the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible, is easy to grasp, but mastering it requires precision and timing. Players manage a power gauge to control swing strength, adjust for distance, and account for environmental factors like wind and terrain. Putting introduces slope dynamics, challenging players to read the green and execute with finesse.

Weather conditions and course obstacles add variety and challenge to each round. With multiple modes, unlockable characters, and equipment upgrades, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots offers plenty of replay value whether you’re playing solo or with friends.

Hole In One!

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots offers a deceptively deep golfing experience that rewards patience, practice, and a playful spirit. While the game may appear lighthearted on the surface, mastering the mechanics, especially shot angling and precision putting, can be surprisingly challenging, even on its easiest settings. New players are encouraged to start with Golf Lessons or take on a few practice rounds to build confidence and refine their swing.

The true charm of Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots lies in how it gets better the more time you invest. If the technical aspects of golf feel overwhelming, the game offers alternative modes, such as Wacky Golf, where unpredictable rules and wild power-ups turn each match into a chaotic, laugh-filled showdown. Whether you’re playing against friends or CPU opponents, sneaky tactics and clever use of status effects can turn the tide.

As a party game, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots shines. You don’t need to take every shot seriously, and sometimes the most fun comes from messing up and watching the quirky character reactions unfold. Each golfer has distinct personality traits that add flavor to every round, making multiplayer sessions endlessly entertaining.

Solo players can dive into World Cup mode, leveling up their golfers and unlocking deeper storylines. Coins earned through gameplay can be spent on upgraded equipment and cosmetic customizations, allowing you to tailor your golfer’s look and performance to your liking.

Character customization rewards you for investing the time and effort into mastering your craft. You can start by changing your golf set from the basic loadout to a classic to a more wood or iron focused play. As you earn more coins from all your activities, you can buy cosmetic items such as costumes and improved gear such as clubs and balls as there are so many ways to personalize your favorite golfers to fit the aesthetic or playstyle you have visualized for them.

With 18 holes to explore and a variety of gameplay modes, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots ensures there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re chasing high scores, unlocking new characters, or simply enjoying the laid-back vibe, this title delivers a golf experience that’s both accessible and rewarding.

Verdict: Buy It!

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots delivers fun once you get through the biggest hurdle: the golf itself. While the mechanics may take some getting used to, especially for newcomers, those who invest time in learning the basics will discover a rich and rewarding experience filled with quirky characters, unlockable skills, and engaging gameplay modes. Admittedly, Golf is not a game for everybody, but Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots tries to make it so.

If golf isn’t your thing, this title might not convert you. But if you’re open to giving it a swing, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots stands out as one of the more entertaining and accessible golf games. Whether you’re teeing off solo or diving into chaotic party matches with friends, there’s a wealth of features to explore, such as character progression, equipment upgrades, and unpredictable multiplayer modes.

So grab your club, take a few practice rounds, and let the charm of Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots win you over. You might be glad you did!

*Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots has been reviewed on a PS5 with a review copy from the publisher.