HSG5 PS3 most disappointing game this year

[MrAngryFace]

yuk

[TVC15]

I agree.  I LOVED the 2 PSP games, but the PS3 version was just such a step backwards.  I would have rathered they ported the PSP games to the PS3.  The multiplayer is shockingly embarrassing, too.   

[Akala]

It's alright. The PSP one gets more play, but I'll fire up 5 every now and again. I'd have liked the customization aspects of the PSP game, but what can you do? The series is on cruise control.

[TVC15]

I'd have liked the customization aspects of the PSP game, but what can you do? The series is on cruise control.

If I were Sony, I'd make sure that all the features of the older portable versions were in the marquee console version.  HSG5 is a major embarrassment by any measurement.  The multiplayer is laughable by mid-90s standards.  The new shot system is terrible.  Non-customizable characters takes away much of the single player compulsion.  The game is a disaster.

[pilonv1]

I don't mind the single player that much, but you're right that multiplayer is an abortion.

The new shot system is ok unless you have to make a non 50/100% approach shot. Then it's fucking random.

[TVC15]

I don't mind the single player that much, but you're right that multiplayer is an abortion.

The new shot system is ok unless you have to make a non 50/100% approach shot. Then it's fucking random.

I just hate that they make you use the new, less precise shot system in tournaments.  If it were optional, I'd be cool.

[pilonv1]

Agreed. I don't mind them making you choose different characters or only standard clubs but making you use that shot is annoying.

[MrAngryFace]

required advance shot matches in the early stages = wow buzzkill ultimate

[MrAngryFace]

Good thing MLB 08 The Show is badass

[pilonv1]

I can understand why they did it - they obviously want to make you use it. And you can usually pass (but not clear) each level without doing the Advanced Shot courses.

However when you jump online you're at a huge disadvantage because.

[cool breeze]

I played a lot of the first PSP game before I played HSG5, but I still did enjoy HSG5 for the most part.  I also do like the idea behind the new swing system despite it being less effective than the original method.  I also think that any HSG from here on out for the PS3 should be on PSN and not made into full retail products.

[Rman]

Did they ever add voice chat to this thing?

[TVC15]

I played a lot of the first PSP game before I played HSG5, but I still did enjoy HSG5 for the most part. 

I enjoyed it too, and I put quite a bit of time into it, but ultimately, it was just very disappointing compared to the PSP versions.  Actually, I could have lived with a lot of the flaws had it shipped with competent online.  Or heck,even INCOMPETENT online that fucking supported voice chat.

And to nitpick, I was disappointed in the visuals.  Why was something so simple and clean looking marred by such ugly aliasing? 

[cool breeze]

I enjoyed it too, and I put quite a bit of time into it, but ultimately, it was just very disappointing compared to the PSP versions.  Actually, I could have lived with a lot of the flaws had it shipped with competent online.  Or heck,even INCOMPETENT online that fucking supported voice chat.

And to nitpick, I was disappointed in the visuals.  Why was something so simple and clean looking marred by such ugly aliasing? 

The online is a just a big mess.  I don't think the developers understand how to make a competent online game yet (they had that whole 'tee time' bullshit a while back also).  I think it is the same deal with GT5p in that these devs just don't understand how to make a competent online game at all.  I do somewhat blame Sony for not having an iron fist about the online service like (I assume) Microsoft does.  Also not packing in a headset with the PS3 was a big mistake in general.

and there are a lot of games this gen that have great graphics that are ruined by bad aliasing problems.  I actually would rather developers attempt to eliminate aliasing and frame rate problems than make a game just look really good in screens.

[Van Cruncheon]

i just bought the two extra characters online and WTF I ALSO HAFTA UNLOCK THEM TO USE THEM??

[MCD]

i just bought the two extra characters online and WTF I ALSO HAFTA UNLOCK THEM TO USE THEM??

that's one ripoff.

[pilonv1]

i just bought the two extra characters online and WTF I ALSO HAFTA UNLOCK THEM TO USE THEM??

wat? I was going to buy them, but then since I've not even unlocked any of the expert characters I may skip it

[Van Cruncheon]

you hafta go into online and patch the game, first, THEN they show up

[BlueTsunami]

I really disliked the random "Pick a card for your prize" thing. I would rather they do like they did with 4 and have a store where you can buy specific stuff. I got annoyed playing through an 18 hole tournament and just getting a prize that allows one of the courses I've already played to be mirrored. WOW GOOD STUFF

[pilonv1]

Yeah I would rather a shop as well. I feel like I've actually earned something rather than some shitty club/ball/CADDY that I'll never use.

Who ever uses the bunker ball?

[duckman2000]

How much can be done with this genre at this point? I'm not a golfer so I don't know how much farther it can and should be taken or in which direction it should be taken, but to me as a casual golf video game, uh, gamer, I don't see much room for improvement.

Well, aside from visuals. And on that topic, can some tech-minded person explain to me why these games, with their limited environments and even more limited NPC count, don't wipe the floor with everything else in terms of incredibly lifelike (or a stylistic equivalent) graphics? The demo I played of this was even littered with jaggies, and looking at the game I'm grasping for reasons as to why that would be the case.

[CHOW CHOW]

It's the same HSG except in HD.  I was expecting some big improvements and additions... like the return of mini-golf or something awesome like that.  Instead we get:

- 6 courses
- dreadful online play
- jaggies up the ass
- shitty new swing system

[CHOW CHOW]

And on that topic, can some tech-minded person explain to me why these games, with their limited environments and even more limited NPC count, don't wipe the floor with everything else in terms of incredibly lifelike (or a stylistic equivalent) graphics?

You don't have to be tech savvy to know why.  It's just a matter of dev costs.  They're not gonna spend a lot of money to make a niche golf game look insane.  They're gonna want to keep costs and time to develop as low as possible while retaining 'acceptable' visuals.

[Van Cruncheon]

hot shots golf open tee 2 is out soon and it is the fuckin' big jigga what

[bork]

but yeah, the genre doesn't have much places left to go.

Except for new control types, and for once, it's the Wii with the win.  We Love Golf

[duckman2000]

True story from the family gathering today: HSG 5 demo lasted 10 minutes before the crowd of both casuals and real life golfers unanimously decided to turn it off and play golf in Wii Sports instead. I think I hate this stupid system, but I can see their point.

[cool breeze]

but yeah, the genre doesn't have much places left to go.

I think there has yet to be great mini golf game/mode.  Just make the core putting gameplay great and allow custom stages to be made using a simple process along the lines of LittleBigPlanet or something like that that could also be shared online.

[duckman2000]

Would people really buy a mini-golf game though? I can see golf games selling, due to associated cost and time necessary to actually play golf in real life, but who doesn't have a mini-golf course over yonder?

[CHOW CHOW]

A course editor + ability to upload courses for everyone to download would be an amazing feature.  Of course, Japanese devs have no idea how to do this type of stuff.

[Eel O'Brian]

I want mutant league golf where you use the limbs ripped from your opponents for clubs

[cool breeze]

Would people really buy a mini-golf game though? I can see golf games selling, due to associated cost and time necessary to actually play golf in real life, but who doesn't have a mini-golf course over yonder?

As a PSN/XBLA game or even mode in the next HSG could work.  It is different than going to a regular mini golf course because you could have outlandish locations and even make courses yourself to share with others.  A lot of it would have the same appeal as a puzzle.

and I forgot about Kirby's Dream Course.  That was a fun mini golf game despite not being exactly mini golf.

[duckman2000]

I want mutant league golf where you use the limbs ripped from your opponents for clubs

Such a game with a Gears theme, as a pre-order bonus or something, that'd kick ass. I've always wondered why this hasn't taken off, smaller games with familiar themes as bonuses or even stand-alone XBLA/PSN games. Halo Checkers, anyone?

[Eel O'Brian]

EA should really consider resurrecting the Mutant League franchise.  I'd probably at least try every one of them.

[pilonv1]

once they buy take two they should set up Visual Concepts with the Mutant League licence.

[BlueTsunami]

EA should really consider resurrecting the Mutant League franchise.  I'd probably at least try every one of them.

They'll probably just reskin Madden %Insert Year% with new art assets ;_;

But honestly, I would like to see a Mutant League franchise that uses the gameplay of the NFL Street games.

[Cravis]

EA should really consider resurrecting the Mutant League franchise.  I'd probably at least try every one of them.

They'll probably just reskin Madden %Insert Year% with new art assets ;_;

But honestly, I would like to see a Mutant League franchise that uses the gameplay of the NFL Street games.

I'd give my left nut for that.

[Brehvolution]

Personally, I loved HSG5 and am a big fan of the whole series. I had a lot of fun in the gaf saturday tournaments even though I never finished well. I played it pretty solid up until GTA came out, have not touched it since.

[hyp]

definitely a HUGE disappointment. 

i'm actually considering jumping on the WII LOVE GOLF! bandwagon now because of how crappy mingol 5 turned out.  i'd play the handheld version, but i'd rather be sitting on a couch with my 50 inch plasma blasting my face.

[duckman2000]

My brother-in-law dogging on this game while talking up Wii Sports Golf was pretty telling, I think. He plays a lot of golf in real life, so I had almost assumed that he would prefer the added options and depth of HSG5. But according to him, he preferred the simplicity of having just two clubs, because that let him focus on just the wind, and getting the swing right, a luxury he doesn't have when playing real golf.

[hyp]

wii love golf is going to be a failure with the casuals then.  the amount of options in the game eclipses HSG5's.  tell him to stick with wii golf -- my dad loves the game also. 

[Brehvolution]

I found wii golf to be the worst controlling of the wii sports series. A few of us tried to play and it was decided that we stop and do something else before we even finished the second hole. I got so frustrated with it I sat on the couch and just flicked my wrist on my shot. Sadly, my shots were more accurate this way.

[Van Cruncheon]

yeah, wii sports golf is really awful. the only good game of the lot is bowling, which rocks.

[MCD]

yeah, wii sports is really awful.

filtered for your own protection.

[duckman2000]

yeah, wii sports golf is really awful. the only good game of the lot is bowling, which rocks.

Too easy

[Van Cruncheon]

well, bowling really only works with company, unless like the rest of the games, which work for no-one

[Smooth Groove]

Mondain is biased?

[MrAngryFace]

More like stick with HSG PSP games