Everybody's Golf PSP

Minna no Golf is practically a household name in Japan, where the golf title has been pretty successful on Sony's PS2. It never seems to make it over here though, which is a shame, as it is rather good. That's all set to change come September 2005 though, as the golfing title stands proudly in the launch line-up of the long-awaited Sony PSP. Titled Everybody's Golf, the game spurns the new-fangled analogue swing control stylings of Tiger Woods and Golden Tee. Everybody's Golf uses the time-honoured, old school method of controlling your swing - using judicious presses of the buttons to stop a slider on a meter. In this case, it's three taps that are required - one to start the meter, one to choose your power, and a third to determine the accuracy with which you strike the ball. The game really comes into its own when putting, and this important skill is given a far less perfunctory and far more dramatic treatment than you'll find in other golfing games. Indeed, there's even a 'putting only' championship to enter if you find this aspect of things to your liking. You may have noticed that our Japanese friends go bonkers for RPG elements in their games, and Everybody's Golf is no exception. As your character plays their way round the courses, they'll receive experience points which will improve their game in certain areas. And another bonus of the game's Japanese heritage is the attractive, cartoony, large-headed graphical style, and not a moustachioed plumber in sight! Everybody's Golf has six courses, and more are unlockable as you progress. It also fully supports the PSP's WiFi function, and you can challenge your friends when you feel you've honed your skills sufficiently. A smart, fun and challenging purchase for proud new owners of shiny PSPs.