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.
