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Hot Shots Golf 5 comes to North America

9:03 AM on 12.12.2007, Dale North 20 comments

Hot Shots Golf 5 comes to North America photo
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At Sony's Tokyo Game Show press cocktail party, I remember being ridiculed by Cheapy D and Nick Chester for being immediately drawn into a Hot Shots Golf 5 kiosk. Forget the free cocktails and food -- HSG5 is all I wanted.

Like a moth to a flame, yours truly is drawn to golf videogames. I still haven't figured out why (I'm not a fan of any organized sport), but I could play only golf games and die happy. I realize that the majority of gamers won't "get it," but other golf game addicts will tell you that the Hot Shots series are among the best.

I'm sure they'll join me in celebrating Sony's announcement of a March 2008 release date for Hot Shots Golf 5 for the PS3. This title features a new shot system that focuses on the swing, more courses and characters, downloadable content, and online tournaments that support up to 50 players at once.

The new swinging and putting system are great improvements, but seasoned Hot Shots players can opt to use the classic systems instead. 

HSG5 has been out in Japan for some time, but smart fans knew to wait for US online features rather than importing. It's been a long wait, but it will finally be over for North Americans on March 5th, 2008.

Hit the jump for the full release. 

Developed by Clap Hanz, in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment America's Santa Monica Studios, Hot Shots Golf® 5 brings a brand new chapter of the beloved Hot Shots franchise onto PLAYSTATION®3 for the first time.  Showcasing high definition graphics along with new, more accurate golf physics, Hot Shots Golf 5 offers up a new level of immersion to the franchise's signature over-the-top visuals and pick up and play action.  Hot Shots Golf 5 brings an entirely new element of gameplay control by introducing a shot system that focuses on the player's swing instead of a power meter.  Featuring more than 15 zany golfers and caddies, Hot Shots Golf 5 adds six new courses to the overall challenge, ranging from pitch-and-putt par three layouts to challenging 18-hole configurations.  In addition, players will have unprecedented online access with the ability to create tournaments of up to 50 participants, and even access unique downloadable content.  With vibrantly detailed courses, wacky new characters, and a wealth of online features, Hot Shots Golf 5 promises to enter the next generation strokes ahead of the competition.


KEY FEATURES
New Shot System – Focus on the swing and not a power meter.  Players will closely monitor takeaway and impact zone, taking into account distance, club selection, and weather.  Of course, players may still opt for the traditional shot meter if desired.
Online Action – Customize a tournament and square off with up to 50 others, or create a match with up to eight players and follow the action of each player.  Enter the online lobby and customize your character with more than 300 options including hair, masks, clothing, and numerous other entertaining options while sending messages and setting up matches.
Larger Courses & Environments – Strategically play your next shot while taking into account the entire course.  Larger playable environments let you play your errant tee shot from a neighboring hole, or take aim at a different fairway and use it as a shortcut to better align the next shot.

- more -
SCEA – Hot Shots Golf 5 Fact Sheet
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Six Immaculate New Courses – Adding to the wide variety of existing courses,
Hot Shots Golf 5 introduces a set of new courses that bring players to unique and dramatic locations including links along the coast, in the desert, among the mountains, and in the woods.
Refined Putting Stroke – A new putting stroke is in place to take player emphasis off the power meter and focus on the beautiful environments that Hot Shots Golf 5 and the PS3 deliver.  The traditional putting stroke is still a selectable option.
Crazy Characters & Caddies – Choose from 15 different playable characters and six different caddies, each with their own distinct look and characteristics that embody the fun and spirit of the Hot Shots franchise.  Customize characters in a variety of clothing options, and monitor character attributes including power, control, and accuracy.
Downloadable Content – In between rounds, head to the PlayStation Store to download exciting content including playable characters, new courses, clubs, and clothing.
A Variety of Golf Outings – Multiple single-player and multi-player modes of play including VS Mode, Training Mode, Tournament Mode, Stroke Mode, Match Play Mode, and other challenging modes offer a diverse golfing experience for everyone.
Extensive Stat Tracking – Hot Shots Golf 5 offers a wide range of statistical information that allows players to measure themselves versus the competition.  Track game data through each round to compare skills in categories like best average score, driving distance, driving accuracy (fairways hit), greens in regulations, par pace percentage, putting accuracy, average putt length, holes-in-one, and many other stat options. 


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Schway's Avatar
Schway at 12/12/2007 09:15
Oh man, I can't wait for this. I too felt like others never understood my addiction to the PSX iterations of HSG when I was a kid.

Being in Europe I'll probably have to import a US copy of this though, god knows how long until it makes it to the UK, if ever.
Holyetheline's Avatar
Holyetheline at 12/12/2007 09:21
No freakin way! That's pretty cool.
Rucksack's Avatar
Rucksack at 12/12/2007 09:26
My knee-jerk reaction to this was a pass, but I think I'll give it at least a rent.

Though I have to say real world Golf still seems pretty lame-Mini Golf with Dinosaurs for the win!
ShadowXOR's Avatar
ShadowXOR at 12/12/2007 09:42
Personally I love this series (my favorite golf series) but I won't be getting this one since it isn't even close to enough convincing for me to buy a PS3.
Ratcliff's Avatar
Ratcliff at 12/12/2007 09:49
just out of curiosity, does anyone really play this game? It seems like playing videogame golf would be as fun as playing videogame fishing
Variable Gear's Avatar
Variable Gear at 12/12/2007 09:54
When do the upskirt clips start flowing?
ShadowXOR's Avatar
ShadowXOR at 12/12/2007 10:17
@Ratcliff:

I've always enjoyed golf games. I do not like fishing games (besides the Ocarina of Time fishing mini-game).
king3vbo's Avatar
king3vbo at 12/12/2007 10:38
I love playing golf, and I also love golf games.

If it plays well, then Im all for it
MusashiX2's Avatar
MusashiX2 at 12/12/2007 10:56
50 player online tournaments... WOW. that's epic-ly awesome.
hoydensnare's Avatar
hoydensnare at 12/12/2007 11:52
Hi-def upskirts aplenty!
mrberns's Avatar
mrberns at 12/12/2007 12:27
I can't belive this isn't out here yet. I bought this in Tokyo a couple months ago. How long does it take to re-record ten quick lines of dialoge, and retype the menus? It is very good though, and I suggest it to the golf game lovers out there.
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 12/12/2007 12:41
Looks pretty.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 12/12/2007 19:19
I never liked golf games. Even the whimsical trappings of Mario Golf failed to entice me.
Variable Gear's Avatar
Variable Gear at 12/12/2007 19:54
I just now noticed that both of the clips I linked to were removed for a TOS violation. EPIC PHAIL!

So, check yout videos before you link them. That should make phail harder to find on Destructoid. Thanks for reading, and good night!

P.S.: I can't type worth shit.
Dizzy's Avatar
Dizzy at 12/13/2007 18:35
I played the JP demo a while back. This game is going to be great.
Fading Star's Avatar
Fading Star at 12/14/2007 00:33
Does it have Mario in it? No? Thanks anyway.
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