“Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots” Review for PlayStation 5
I was honestly surprised when I saw that “Everybody’s Golf” was making a return and even more surprised that Sony had licensed out its long-running golf series to Bandai Namco instead of publishing it themselves. Even though I’ve always leaned more toward the playful, over-the-top antics of games like “Mario Golf,” there’s a particular charm to this franchise that keeps pulling me back. This latest entry stays true to its roots while making a few small adjustments, and the end result is a game that feels both familiar and welcoming, even if it doesn’t fully escape some noticeable shortcomings.
The foundation of “Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots” lies in its tried-and-true three-button swing system, which has been the heartbeat of the series for years. There’s something timeless about lining up a shot, timing each press perfectly, and watching the ball soar exactly as you intended, or slice wildly off into the rough if you mistime it. The simplicity of this mechanic makes it easy for newcomers to pick up, while still demanding enough precision to keep veterans engaged. For me, the best part was how natural it felt after just a few holes, a kind of muscle memory that instantly clicked back into place. Content-wise, the game doesn’t skimp. Over ten courses are available, each with distinct layouts and personality, and there are more than twenty-five golfers to unlock as you play. Each character brings their own flair, and the progression system encourages experimenting with different playstyles. That said, the rate at which new characters and features unlock is painfully slow. I often felt like I was grinding through matches just to make incremental progress, which dulled some of the excitement that comes from expanding the roster. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does add a layer of frustration to what should otherwise be a breezy experience. At times, I was missing the ability to create my own character like in previous titles.
The single-player content offers plenty to do, with Stroke Play and the expansive Challenge mode being the main attractions. Challenge mode, in particular, kept me coming back with its over one hundred tournaments, each with its own set of objectives and difficulty spikes. It’s the kind of structure that rewards persistence and delivers that old-school sense of accomplishment when you finally clear a tough bracket. Customizable rules, such as adjusting weather conditions or the time of day, also add variety and keep rounds from feeling repetitive. The inclusion of dynamic weather, along with day-to-night transitions, gives matches a little extra flair and occasionally forces you to adapt your strategy mid-round. Multiplayer is where “Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots” truly shines. Local play with up to four players on a single controller setup is a fantastic throwback to couch gaming, and online matches provide a more competitive edge. Both options worked well during my brief time trying them out, and the social aspect is a pretty cool way to elevate the experience, at least of the ones that use it. Wacky Golf mode also deserves mention; it introduces quirky hazards like tornadoes and monoliths, giving the gameplay a playful twist that really kept things from being stale. A bit of unpredictability is always appreciated. These moments reminded me why I prefer arcade-style golf over the realistic sims: they don’t take themselves too seriously, and that sense of humor is half the fun.
Visually, the game embraces its bright, colorful art style, which has always been a hallmark of the series. Characters are expressive, environments are vibrant, and the presentation overall feels inviting. However, I did notice that the polish isn’t always consistent. I don’t know if it was some of the AI-generated environment assets they implemented or what, but certain physics interactions felt off, particularly when dealing with ball behavior around tricky terrain, and the graphical fidelity occasionally dipped in a way that broke immersion. On top of that, some technical hiccups, like uneven frame pacing, were distracting enough to interfere with the rhythm of play. These issues don’t ruin the game, but they do make it feel less refined compared to the series’ high points. One thing I appreciate is how “Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots” hasn’t tried too hard to reinvent itself. Rather than chasing trends or abandoning what made the franchise special, Bandai Namco has doubled down on delivering a classic-style golf experience. For longtime fans, this will feel like slipping on a well-worn glove: comfortable, reliable, and still enjoyable after all these years. At the same time, that faithfulness also means the game doesn’t push the series forward in meaningful ways, and newcomers might find it a bit old-fashioned in certain areas.
Ultimately, I had a great time with “Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots,” even if it didn’t completely blow me away. The blend of approachable mechanics, vibrant style, and variety of modes makes it a solid package for casual players and dedicated fans alike. While the slow progression, occasional technical issues, and reliance on familiar systems keep it from standing out as a must-play, it’s still a genuinely fun and relaxing game to sink hours into. For me, it scratched the itch that only arcade golf can, and in that sense, it succeeds where many modern sports games stumble.
7.5/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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