HOT SHOTS GOLF - THIS GAME IS A BLAST! 

Ever wanted to play a round of golf without being hassled by simulation aspects such as wind and trajectories? If you answered yes to the above question, then have we got a game for you! Rather than focusing on a learning curve, Hot Shots Golf concentrates on being a fun and enjoyable golfing game that doesn't take itself seriously.

Hot Shots Golf features a variety of gameplay options including Stroke and Match play, Training, Tournament, Versus, Status, Miniature Golf, and a secret Mystery mode that unlocks after certain conditions are met. Anyone familiar with the sport will know Stroke play concentrates on the lowest score while Match play goes by a hole to hole basis, where the idea is to win the most holes.

While not a necessity, Training is great for both new and veteran players. Here you can practice your swing on any of the six courses (the sixth one is hidden), take on the driving range, or build up your putting skills on practice greens. When you feel confident in taking on your friends, challenge them in the Versus mode; using the Multi-Tap or rotating controls, Stroke can be played with up to four players while Match play is for two players only.

But if this is all too serious for you, try a round of Miniature Golf! Featuring a full 18 holes, the course is realistically designed with geometric angles and various hazards. This is great putting practice, although actual course greens won't be confined by walls!

The Tournament is a heated competition between the player and a whole field of computer-controlled opponents. By entering yourself tournaments, your character will gain experience points based on skillful shots and winning. Experience points are essential, as gaining certain amounts unlocks previously unavailable courses and selectable characters.

For example, if you're playing the first course and you come in first place, your character will earn 50 experience points. Players are awarded two points for holing out under par and a whopping eight points for an albatross, or a double eagle. Additionally, the harder courses award more experience points for coming in leading positions. For more information on the distribution of points, the manual covers all facets.

In addition to gameplay options, Hot Shots Golf features ten dynamically different characters ranging from amateurs to professionals. The better the character, the harder it will be to accurately hit the ball. There are also a variety of camera angles and caddy options.

Hot Shots Golf originally debuted in Japan as Minna No Golf meaning Everybody's Golf. The idea behind the project was to create a golfing game that anyone could play and enjoy; the non-fans would get a kick out of it and the seasoned armchair golers would like it for its depth. While it doesn't have many previous inspirations other than golf games of the time, it went on to influence Electronic Arts' Cyber Tiger.