Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots Review: A Colorful Return With Wacky Golf And Deep Gameplay

The long-running golf franchise has made its comeback with Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, offering a mix of humor, intuitive gameplay, and lighthearted character storytelling that works across multiple platforms. Known previously as Hot Shots Golf in the West and Everybody’s Golf in Japan, the series has always carried a loyal fanbase, and this new entry sets out to expand its reach further with the largest roster of characters yet, new gameplay options, and cross-platform availability on PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

One of the most notable aspects of Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is its accessibility. Even players who never experienced earlier titles won’t feel left out. The game balances simple mechanics with enough challenge to reward practice. The iconic three-button shot system returns, making it straightforward for newcomers to hit the ball but still tricky to master. Adjusting for wind, terrain, environmental effects like rain or snow, and equipment differences adds layers of depth. Clubs and balls can be purchased with in-game currency, offering slightly different performance and customization to suit personal playstyles.

At launch, players only have access to the characters Aile and Mitzuki, but progression unlocks more. This roster is the most expansive the series has ever offered, and customization options extend well beyond simple cosmetic tweaks. Outfits can be dyed, and golfers can be adjusted to fit a range of styles, giving each player a sense of ownership over their character. While the cartoonish look remains central to the game’s appeal, the graphics have been noticeably enhanced compared to earlier entries.

Here's Everybody’s Golf Steam page.

This release also represents a major shift in development. Unlike earlier titles, which were handled by Clap Hanz and published by Sony, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots was developed by Hyde and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. This change is significant not just for creative direction but also because it makes the game available beyond the PlayStation ecosystem for the first time. The Switch and PC launch broadens the audience considerably, though the absence of crossplay between platforms does limit the potential for a fully unified community.

The game’s charm extends beyond mechanics. Character-driven storylines, found in each golfer’s “World Tour” arc, add more personality than most sports titles attempt. Although the cutscenes default to off, enabling them is recommended, as they provide humor and emotional context to what would otherwise be just another round of golf. Aile’s upbeat storyline stands out for its positivity, contrasting with Mitzuki’s more brooding approach. These narratives prevent the single-player experience from feeling repetitive, giving players an incentive to follow through with each campaign.

Multiplayer, however, is where Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots shines brightest. The game supports both local and online play for up to four players. While standard stroke play exists for those seeking a traditional golfing experience, it is the inclusion of inventive modes like Wacky Golf that makes the package stand out.

Wacky Golf introduces mechanics that would never exist in real-world courses. Players can call down “animal panic” to scatter their opponent’s ball with stampeding creatures, or take advantage of miniature tornadoes near the hole to suck their ball in for an easy score. Boom Golf, another variation, hides explosive landmines throughout the course, detonating when struck and unpredictably sending the ball across the map. These twists keep multiplayer fresh, unpredictable, and highly competitive.

The only omission that fans might notice is the lack of a miniature golf mode. While not always a core feature of the series, mini-golf appeared in certain past installments and was popular among players looking for a change of pace. Its absence here is disappointing, particularly since Wacky Golf already leans into exaggerated course design. Still, the existing modes provide enough variety to keep both casual and competitive players entertained.

Performance on the PlayStation 5 is mostly smooth, although some minor stuttering occurs during gameplay. These moments are rare and not game-breaking, likely to be addressed in future patches. On the audio side, there are a few surprising touches. Some players have noticed occasional curse words from non-playable characters, which might be unexpected given the otherwise lighthearted tone and colorful style. Families with younger players may want to be aware of this detail.

Despite these small drawbacks, the game consistently encourages “just one more round” sessions. Its balance of humor, straightforward mechanics, and optional competitive depth ensures that it can appeal to a wide spectrum of players, from newcomers to long-time fans of the series. Even without aiming for leaderboard dominance in World Tournaments, players can find lasting enjoyment in casual sessions with friends or solo campaigns with unique characters.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots proves that golf games don’t need to be ultra-realistic to be engaging. By leaning into fun, accessible design and creative modes, it creates an experience that is both approachable and rewarding. Whether you’re sinking birdies in traditional matches or laughing as an opponent’s ball gets launched across the course in Wacky Golf, the game delivers entertainment that extends beyond the fairway.

For those looking for a colorful, character-driven alternative to traditional sports simulations, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots provides exactly that. With expanded accessibility, engaging mechanics, and multiplayer options that blend challenge with humor, it earns its place as a standout entry in the franchise. This is a game that will likely keep players coming back long after release, whether for the World Tournament leaderboard grind or simply to enjoy another chaotic round of Boom Golf with friends.