We got an early look at Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots on the PlayStation 5, and after an hour of teeing off, it’s safe to say this is shaping up to be a charming, chaotic, and highly accessible golf game that leans more toward party fun than hardcore simulation.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or a casual player, the game brings lighthearted mechanics, silly game modes, and customizable characters to create a relaxing experience for solo and multiplayer sessions alike.

Tee Off With Style

Right from the start, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots offers a surprising amount of customization. You can choose your caddie (aka helper), kit your characters out with various outfits, and unlock new gear, all purchasable via in-game currency rather than real-world money.

The shop is brimming with items, including tickets, food buffs, golf balls with special effects, and new equipment. While we didn’t get to fully test the shop’s depth, it adds layers of personalization that will likely appeal to players who enjoy collecting cosmetics and tweaking performance.

Introducing Whacky Mode

Of the several game modes available, Whacky Mode stood out the most. Unlike standard golfing matches, this mode introduces completely unpredictable elements, think a giant monolith dropping from the sky and blocking your shot, or a tornado spawning right at the hole.

These wild moments inject a lot of laughs and chaos into the typical golf experience. It’s a great way to break the ice during local play sessions, especially with family or younger players.

Gameplay Mechanics

Controls feel intuitive once you get the hang of them. You can adjust your shot angle much like a snooker cue, although this rarely comes into play unless you’re in tricky situations like sand bunkers.

You can freely switch between different golf clubs depending on the range, and even use limited special golf balls with unique attributes. There’s also some light strategic play, such as buff items that improve your performance, though don’t expect flashy eating animations or complex mechanics.

The UI provides a lot of helpful data, wind speed and direction, distance to the cup, and recommended power levels via a flag marker on the power bar. However, we found that these recommendations often required manual adjustments, especially for short putts under 10 yards, where you’ll need to swing harder than expected.

Voice Acting and Presentation

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots features both Japanese and English voiceovers. While many characters speak in European-accented English, the Japanese voiceovers generally fit the character models better in terms of tone and charm.

Each character has their own mini-narrative that can be discovered through Story Mode, adding some extra context and replay value beyond just the gameplay itself.

First Impressions

If you’re a total beginner to golf games, there might be a bit of a learning curve due to the sport-specific terminology like “Birdie,” “Par,” or “Bunker.” But once you ease in, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots becomes an easy recommendation for casual fun.

Its emphasis on chaotic party mechanics, easy-to-pick-up controls, and colorful presentation makes it a fantastic introduction to the genre, perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a laid-back gaming experience.

Final Thoughts

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots doesn’t aim to be a hyper-realistic golf simulator, and that’s exactly where it shines. Instead, it offers a highly customizable, silly, and engaging party game that’s beginner-friendly but still rewards skill and familiarity with the sport.

Whether you’re in it for the laughter-filled Whacky Mode or just want a low-stress game to unwind with, this one’s definitely worth keeping on your radar.