Late last month we previewed Gameloft’s Let’s Golf and were impressed with what we saw. This afternoon, this highly anticipated golfing game was released in the App Store [link].
Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of playing through a few rounds of both single player and multiplayer. As a huge fan of the Hot Shots Golf series, I’m overjoyed to be able to say that the gameplay of Let’s Golf is remarkably similar, the controls are awesome, and from a graphical standpoint, Let’s Golf gives the Sony PSP’s Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee a run for its money.
Available play modes are Instant Play, which throws you into a random series of three holes, Tournament, which allows you to compete for unlockable additions to your character such as different clothes and golf balls, and Free Hole, which allows you to practice a course by yourself. In addition to the three single player modes, both WiFi and single-device multiplayer allow you to challenge friends to golf battles regardless of whether or not they have an iPhone or own the game!
Controls are similar to the rest of the golfing genre–Let’s Golf features the standard single-button power and accuracy swing method as well as an “advanced" mode, where you drag your finger on screen to swing your club. Standard controls provide guidance, based on where you aim your shot on the map. In advanced mode, you’re on your own. Spin can be put on the ball by dragging the on-screen ball in whatever direction you want it to spin after the shot is in the air–not highly realistic, but with the limited input methods, an understandable compromise.
Early gameplay video:
My first impressions of Let’s Golf’s performance are been positive. Frame rates are solid with only minor drops when the camera zooms out. Multiplayer works flawlessly, and the WiFi mode even includes a lobby system to organize local games. So far, I’m impressed with Gameloft’s efforts in producing a golf game that effectively duplicates everything I love about Hot Shots Golf. Needless to say, fans of the series will feel right at home.
Keep an eye out for our in-depth review of Let’s Golf.
App Store Link: Let’s Golf, $5.99
This first impressions article was written by Eli Hodapp, a guest contributor at Touch Arcade.
I kinda agree with Big Albie's post linked in the article. The 3D scroller graphics is a nice touch, but I don't get how the controls really affect the gameplay. I mean, to speed up, all you need to do is keep the gas down. There is really no significant strategy with the brakes either.
Checking iTunes, downloading MTN, synching iphone. Ive been waiting for this more than two weeks . Checking their web site every day!!!!
I checked iTunes, downloaded MTN, synched iphone. Played this piece of SHIT AND I AM DISAPPOINTED SO MUUUUUCH!!!!!!!!!
Quick Review : Game Camera is somehow wierd, its tilting along with the truck which makes me wanna puke! Graphics? Hmmm acceptable. I dont know whether its only me but the whole gameplay just doesnt not feel smooth enough which makes me wanna puke again!
The funniest parts are "races" because it seems like you finish a few seconds after you start...
To me this has been a great pick. once you get the feel of the tilting, in all its simplicity, it works excellently. it seems like once you start to get into the game, you don't need to use the break anymore, just put the cruise control on and its full gas. that's when i started to see the sophistication of the tilting. i thought i had just done the best time i could, but there always seems to be a way to improve: by landing in right angle, balancing exactly the right way in jumps, etc etc. and i always think the best sign of a good game is that after a break from it, i'll start having a growing urge to get back to the game asap. which i will do.
tiltboy: seems like RedLynx employee giving good comments.... nice try
Tiltboy, how do you you actually speed up? Even if I make my tilts perfect, I still land short on the ramps.
I think the game is quite good too. The graphics are awesome and the controls are good, but the game is too short. When Redlynx add's extra levels the game is perfect.
I like this one - didn't take me more than a day of short gameplay sessions to win Gold on all of the Tracks, but I enjoyed my time with the game & hope for additional Tracks and Trucks to show up in the future. Deffinite quality, bit short on quantity. Fun - money well spent.