playstation homepage   Playstation > PlayStation Game Cheats > PlayStation Reviews > Staff Review
PlayStation Game and Hardware Reviews

. . .
. . .
.
Everybodies Golf 2
"The graphics are top-notch, the playability is great and the characters keep you entertained"
. . .
. Click Here for game SCREENSHOTS
.
.
. . .
Developer  Sony Game Type  Sport
Distributor  Sony Review Date  Apr 00
. . .
. . .
Playability:
 
      First of all, there are extensive instructions on how to play this game so if you are a "newbe" to golf games don't stress. On the other hand if you've played any golf game before, it is similar and the initial learning curve is short. That doesn't make it easy to win, though. The first thing you notice (besides the gaudy dress of your character) is there is a whole slew of information on the screen. There is the hole #, par and yardage, wind speed and direction, elevation to the hole, yards remaining, club selection and the swing meter. The swing meter is easy to use and to get good at, but hard to really master. The swing meter requires 3 clicks of the "X" button. The first to start the meter, the second to select the power, and the third to hit. Your character will hit the ball following your input, not at the same time. Basically, if you have 100% power and hit the ball correctly, it will go the distance of the club you select. The game will pre-select a club for you for each shot, but you are free to change the club using R1 and R2. The only time I've seen limitations on the choice is when I've gotten in a sand trap, or, of course, on the green.

Once you've mastered the basics of a proper swing and understanding all the other factors such as a head wind reducing your distance, you can add in two more twists like a top spin and back spin. Between the second and third clicks, you press the up arrow or back arrow and it will give your ball top/back spin. The backspin is useful when hitting on the green to keep the ball from rolling off. On each landing, your distance traveled will tally and when the ball stops, the distance from the hole will be displayed along with where you are (rough, fairway, etc.). For those who are savvy to golf terminology, you will notice one poorly descriptive area; when you land on the fringe of the green, the game tells you you're on the fairway.

As in real life, putting is probably the most challenging part of this game. With a little practice, you will get on the green within regulation and with good success, but what will sink you most of the time will be putting. These aren't feeble flat or mildly angled greens. These greens have many peaks and valleys like those in real life. You need to be able to read the green to angle your putt. And don't count on the computer to aim your character right. It points you directly at the pin. So if there is a break from right to left, you need to aim to the right, etc. There is a grid to help you gauge the contours of the green, and there is a side view you can get to help with some of the angles. The swing meter will also change for putting and now only two clicks of the button will be needed. Depending on your distance, you will have 30 or 60 feet of total distance to play within. You need to click on the proper distance to putt and you also need to compensate for up or downhill lies to increase or decrease the distance accordingly. The game also gives you some clues on the grid with colors. I still say the hardest to judge is the left and right breaks. The graphics are excellent, so it isn't too hard to distinguish the break, but how much to move right or left takes some skill. You also have to add in the factor of your character's skills, too.

The game has six playing options. There's a tournament mode, match play, Vs. mode, 9 hole par 3, stroke play, and training mode. For multiple players, stroke play, match play and the 9 hole par 3 are your only options. Vs. mode is the same as match play, except it's you vs. the computer. This is where you unlock additional players and courses. This is much easier said than done though. In the tournament mode you win prizes which include new clubs and balls that should also improve your scores.

One really great feature of this game is the ability to move the camera angles around to help you with your shot selection. Another nice feature is you can zoom forward towards where you aimed to see if there are any hidden traps, trees or other things that could cause trouble. You can also zoom up to see a greater portion of the hole, or you can click the start button to view the entire hole. This helps you out in unfamiliar territory and to make the best decision.
 
Game Options:
 
      One to four players, Memory Card 2-14 blocks, Multi-tap adaptable, Dual Shock analog control
. . .
. .
Related Items   How we score our reviews | Send us YOUR review of this game
. .
. . .
. . .
. .
Staff Opinions
Tom D  "This game's a keeper. Sony's done a great job to take a golf game to a higher level. The graphics are top-notch, the playability is great and the characters keep you entertained. There are so many variations to play and the game is difficult enough to master that it will keep you entertained for hours. If there's anything that could drive you nuts though, it's the background sounds. This is one of those games that you'll keep popping back into the console over and over and realize later that you've just burned a couple of hours. It's just too bad that the miniature golf game didn't make a return visit for Everybodies Golf 2…now that was a great party game!"
Graphics  18/20
Playability  45/50
Sound  7/10
Lastability  18/20
. . .
. 88% .
. . .
. .
. . .
. . .
. .
Related Items   How we score our reviews | Send us YOUR review of this game
. .
. . .


 
please note that this article should not be reproduced in any form without the permission of Absolute Playstation