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To sequel to 2005’s Open Tee makes its debut. Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee was one of the best received games of the PSP launch window and surprisingly Sony CEA hasn’t released a sequel until now. Thankfully it waited because Open Tee 2 improves upon its already great prequel and ends up being the most entertaining golf game on the PSP.
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 includes 12 courses and 24 customizable characters (12 new and 12 from the prequel), with plenty of different hairstyle and clothing options. The game’s main singleplayer mode is the Challenge Mode, which offers nine levels where you’ll unlock new courses, characters and accessories for your characters. You initially begin with just two courses and two characters. The game begins with the easiest to use characters and the simplest courses, allowing you to get involved with the game. The learning curve has traditionally been one of the series’ high points, something true here too. In addition to Challenge Mode, you’ll be able to play a quick round in Stroke Play, play some minigames, or practice in the game’s training mode.
The game doesn’t mess with its winning formula. The main swinging mechanic is the expected swinging where you tap to start, to determine strength, and to determine accuracy. However, you do have some options like switching clubs, adjusting your character’s position or using one of your power shots. The combination makes the gameplay more in-depth than the usual double-tap system while keeping the game accessible for new gamers.
If you’re interested in stat tracking, you’ll be glad to learn that Open Tee 2 keeps track of everything from online performance, to best drives, best scores, etc. You can even save videos of particularly great shots on the PSP memory stick.
Open Tee 2 includes online multiplayer support for up to 16 players and local support for up to 8 players. You can engage in a one-on-one competition with another player or play with more people in a tournament set-up. The online gameplay works fine and you can pick the course, etc. In an interesting twist, you can even use the skills you’ve unlocked in the single-player game. The game works without lag and it’s fairly easy to find a match.
Visually, the game looks like previous games in the entry. The series’ signature cartoony, cute art style is fully present in the game. There’s a bit more detail found in the character models and courses compared to the prequel, too. It’s a good looking, charming game that doesn’t really tax the hardware but isn’t any worse off for it. The audio is pretty good too, featuring some nice environmental sounds and phrases, but nothing overly exciting.
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 is definitely an evolutionary sequel. It doesn’t do anything too differently than its prequel, but that’s okay since the first game was good and three years have elapsed in between the games. If you’re interested in golf games on the PSP, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 is definitely the game to get. -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- May 29, 2008
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