Everybody’s Golf has always walked the fine line between being a laid-back party game and a golf title with enough bite to keep fans of the sport engaged. With Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots on PlayStation 5, Bandai Namco and developer HYDE revive the series with its familiar three-click swing system, colorful characters, and cheerful atmosphere. It’s a formula that immediately feels accessible to newcomers while offering just enough precision to reward skilled timing. That combination remains the franchise’s biggest strength, even if this latest entry doesn’t quite modernize every aspect of its design.
The single-player component offers plenty of content, with Challenge mode hosting more than a hundred tournaments to tackle. Being able to tweak the rules – such as changing weather conditions or shifting the time of day – injects a welcome bit of variety into what is otherwise a very traditional progression system. Facing off against themed rivals adds personality, but the repetition of tournament play becomes noticeable after long sessions. While fans of classic golf titles will find comfort in its simplicity, others may feel the structure could use more dynamism to stand alongside today’s sports games.
Where the game shines brightest is in its multiplayer. Local play for up to four people remains a highlight, turning even casual living room sessions into a competitive and fun experience. Online play expands the challenge further, but it isn’t without hiccups. Matchmaking can sometimes feel uneven, and connection issues occasionally undermined the experience. Still, the inclusion of Wacky Golf mode gives players something refreshingly different to enjoy, with creative twists on traditional rules that add unpredictability and laughs – even if not all of its experiments hit the mark.
Control-wise, the game keeps things as simple as possible. The three-press input remains both timeless and approachable, lowering the barrier of entry for players who don’t want to wrestle with complex swing mechanics. At the same time, subtle variations in timing and accuracy make mastering the system rewarding for veterans. Where it falls short is in offering more nuanced control options for those seeking realism, meaning players looking for a deeper golf simulation may find themselves wishing for additional mechanics to master.
Visually, Hot Shots goes for charm rather than realism, with bright colors and cartoonish animations that fit the lighthearted mood. Characters are full of personality, even if their designs won’t wow anyone on a technical level, and the courses – though pleasant to look at – don’t push the PS5 hardware particularly hard. Audio also leans into the playful side, with upbeat background music that keeps matches lively. On the flip side, the sparse commentary and lack of audio depth make the overall presentation feel less polished compared to some of its competitors.
Taken as a whole, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is a faithful continuation of the series rather than a reinvention. Its accessible gameplay, fun local multiplayer, and quirky presentation ensure that it will appeal to fans of arcade-style sports titles. At the same time, its repetitive single-player structure, uneven online play, and dated visuals keep it from being a truly standout entry. For those who want a welcoming, party-friendly golf game, it hits the sweet spot – but for players seeking cutting-edge realism or a bold reimagining of the series, Hot Shots lands more in the “safe” zone than the spectacular one.
Score: 7.1/10
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