Golf 'simulations' like EA Sports' Tiger Woods PGA Tour series has been quite a hit with gamers. Those who prefer a faster and more arcade-style of gameplay often trun their attention to SCEA's Hot Shots Golf franchise. And after the huge success of the Hot Shots Golf 3, we have Maya Rogers, Assistant Producer at SCEA to give insights on their latest creation, Hot Shots Golf FORE! for the PlayStation 2.
Media We have a total of 10 screens for this game.
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Thanks for having us! Gamers can expect the following from Hot Shots Golf FORE!...fast paced arcade style gameplay, an intuitive control system, true-to-life golf physics, extremely detailed graphics, off-the-wall characters, real life golf courses as well as fun, wacky courses and online gaming -- essentially it's virtual golf with a replay value that's as additive as actually being out on a real track.
What are the biggest improvements between this latest installment and its predecessor?
We're extremely proud of the addition of the Online Mode -- it brings a whole dimension to the world of golf, PlayStation and to fans of the Hot Shots Golf franchise around the world. Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) boasts the largest online console gaming community in North America with close to 3 million gamers with online connectivity and we add 100,000 new users each month... to put that in perspective that's like filling up the Rose Bowl every month. By the end of 2004 SCEA will have more than 100 online-enabled titles available for PlayStation 2 which will include Hot Shots Golf FORE!.
Additional improvements include impressively improved graphics, an increase in the number of courses, new added features such as the Easy Mode, the return of Miniature golf, new lighting effects, and new characters including original US and Japanese characters.
How long has Hot Shots Golf FORE! been in the development?
Hot Shots Golf FORE! has been in development now for about three years.
Can you tell us more about the new courses in the game?
There are a total of 15 courses in Hot Shots Golf FORE!, including 8 new original courses, two Miniature Golf courses, and five returning courses from Hot Shots Golf 3. The Miniature Golf is a Mini-golf game with a little twist, a feature that has been brought back by popular demand. The graphics detail on the new courses are so realistic now, that it's like you're at a real golf course.
How is the online play in Hot Shots Golf FORE! setup and what are the different options involved?
Hot Shots Golf FORE! allows you to play online with other players across the country. Make new friends or play with your existing friends, the options are limitless. Usually reserved for your typical muni and public courses, "smack talking" is also available online with the ability to chat.
Choose from the Rival Mode and play head-to-head with another person, or the Tournament Mode in which up to 50 people can play simultaneously. You can create your own tournament or match play, or join any open rooms in the online lobby.
Get a high enough score and your name will get posted in the most current or Weekly Rankings.
What is your favorite part of Hot Shots Golf FORE!?
The fast-pace gameplay and user-friendly interface has always been my favorite feature for the series... It's so addicting that I have a hard time putting the controller down. The addition of online play to Hot Shots Golf FORE! is the coolest thing ever -- now I can meet all the fans and share their experiences.....
Who do you expect the game to appeal to most?
Hot Shots Golf FORE! appeals to people and golfers of all ages and gamers of all types. It's look and friendliness appeals to casual gamers, yet its depth & all the hidden items & character upgrade features appeal to the hard-core gamers. It's not just a game for golf lovers and gamers... it's golf for the people.
Why should our readers go out and purchase Hot Shots Golf FORE! when it’s released?
Quite simply -- the game is just out right fun to play and the replay value is endless... especially online.
That's great. But gamers nowadays often demand great graphics to go with the addictive gameplay. How does FORE!'s visuals compare to its previous installment?
The graphics in Hot Shots Golf 3 were good, but we've made a bunch of improvements for Hot Shots Golf FORE! You can see it in the detailed course graphics. The nature that surrounds the course are utterly amazing -- you can see the trees sway in accordance with the wind, the movement of snowfall, the water graphics in the pond -- the graphics are... well... two words -- "breath taking."
On the aural aspects of the game, what kind of music should we be expecting in Hot Shots Golf FORE!?
The music in Hot Shots Golf FORE! is just one of the many features that Hot Shots fans have come to love -- it really compliments the fun aspect of the game. Think fun, relaxing, and uplifting, think Hot Shots Golf FORE!.
It all sounds great. When should we expect Hot Shots Golf FORE! to hit store shelves?
Hot Shots Golf FORE! will drop in mid to late August.
Lastly, and we had to ask, what was your favorite part of creating Hot Shots Golf FORE!?
We had a blast creating Hot Shots Golf FORE! Everything was my "fav" -- from designing new characters, creating the funny scripts, to seeing how the voice actors would bring their own flavor into the game... but I have to say my favorite part of creating Hot Shots Golf FORE! is seeing people's reactions when they play the game. You can never get enough of that... never.
