When the Wii’s motion technology was unveiled two years ago, the first thought in everyone’s mind was simple: a lightsaber game! Well, after that, it was golf. For one thing, in Wii Sports the golf game was one of the most fun to play – and anyone could play it. Now we’re counting in at nearly two years since Wii Sports and we’ve yet to see a good golf simulator on the Wii. While We Love Golf! isn’t exactly what we’ve been waiting for, it’s good enough to satisfy those hankering for a Wii golf game.
The developers of We Love Golf! had a few games to look at as examples on how to make the motion control work. The Super Swing Golf franchise, while fully fleshed out with modes galore, didn’t really utilize motion sensing very well – in fact, it was nearly broken. And the annual Tiger Woods franchise couldn’t figure the swing mechanics out either. While Wii Sports golf didn’t actually detect left to right spin, it did have solid swing controls that made for a satisfying replacement of button presses. So how does We Love Golf! fare on the fairways?
The controls sadly aren’t 1:1, like everyone is hoping for. And while the motion tracking doesn’t go the simulation route, it still manages to “feel” like you’re playing golf. To hit the ball, players drop their Wii Mote cursor off the screen (activating the shot mode) and either hold the B button for a practice swing, or the A button for the real thing. Actually, one of the best mechanics of this game is the ability to switch from shot mode to aiming mode just by pointing at the screen – it’s controlled just by the Wii Mote and it’s smooth and feels great. If you’re ready for the shot, by holding A, players then make a slow and steady swing that follows the rhythm of an onscreen “club” on your shot meter. While you don’t have to crane your neck to see this club, it is something you’ll have to get a feel for. Audio cues will prompt a down swing.
Sadly, the power or plane of your swing really has no affect on your shot. The only thing that matters is where your club is on the meter (thus measuring your power) and the rhythm of your shot. To hit a draw or a fade, players adjust their club head by twisting the Wii Mote before the shot, and hold the position through the swing. Again, it’s not the same as twisting the club head in your downswing or changing your swing path – but it works. We Love Golf! does not offer the 1:1 golfing simulation we are all hoping for, but the swing mechanic works generally without a hitch and it feels good. The only times I had problems was with short putts – the game had trouble reading my swing. I also don’t like having to crane my neck up to the meter when putting, since it’s almost impossible to “feel” how far back you’re going on the meter. If you’re a real golfer, this game will actually teach you to slow down and smooth out your swing (it helped my game). A true golfing simulation probably won’t arrive on the Wii until better technology arrives, via Nintendo’s Motion Plus add on.
What We Love Golf! really nails down the fairway is replay value. This game has tons of modes and things to do and unlock. On top of driving range mini-games and tournaments, the game offers fully fleshed out online play, complete with leaderboards and the ability to play random people (without pesky friend codes). Players can even unlock Zack and Wiki and Street Fighter masks for their characters and use their Mii’s to play too.
While I don’t really care for the art design (Camelot is the same developer who made Hot Shots golf), the graphics aren’t bad. The music goes from passable to laughable at times (the tense putting music is enough to make someone throw a club), but again, it does its job. This game is an acceptable golfing title for the Wii that most families will probably love. The multiplayer options really are perfect for parties and get-togethers. For the hardcore, you’re going to be disappointed in the swing mechanics.
| Review Scoring Details Final Fantasy IV |
Gameplay: 7.5
Camelot has compromised on the unreachable 1:1 swing mechanics. While what they’ve implemented instead works as a solid replacement, it will surely disappoint the hardcore.
Graphics: 6.0
The art style is extremely generic, but the bright color scheme and Japanese cartoon aesthetic will please this game’s intended audience.
Sound: 6.0
The music goes from appropriate to nerve wracking. The “putting concentration” theme is downright horrible.
Difficulty: Easy
Players will quickly understand the controls and start to birdie holes with no problem. The game can get difficult in later tournament rounds.
Concept: 6.0
This game is pretty much a reskinned version of Camelots other golfing title, Hot Shots Golf.
Multiplayer: 9.0
With a variety of multiplayer modes and Wi-Fi play, We Love Golf! is almost like a real life golf foursome.
Overall: 7.5
While the swing mechanics might not appeal to everyone, the many game modes and online play trumps previous Wii golf outings.
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