The Hot Shots series of golf games has always been the most accessible to all types of gamers. The third game in the series, first on the PS2, continues this trend while surpassing its predecessor as the best in the series and easily the best golf game on the PS2.

Hot Shots trademark has always been its zany characters coupled with realistic courses and true-to-life golf physics. Hot Shots Golf 3 is no different, with 15 characters and 6 courses. Personally though, I dont really like the character designs. I much preferred the Japanese versions characters. Mind you there are a few decent looking characters but for the most part the majority was very uninspiring. Ive always loved Hot Shots play as crazy people who wouldnt normally golf feel. Nothing and I mean nothing beats playing as a trailer trash hick from South Carolina! On the bright side though are the courses, easily the best designed for the series and arguably for any golf game. Perfect placement of bunkers and hazards and beautiful scenery makes these courses enjoyable on your 83rd go around. The courses also dont play the same either, with each one offering its own unique strategy. The difficulty curve also gradually ascends from course 1 to course 5, with more challenging greens highlighting the changes. The sixth course is a short course consisting of nine par-3 holes, perfect for a short game before work.

The graphics in Hot Shots wont make your PS2 sweat, but it does make for one beautiful looking golf game. Excellent hi-res textures, smooth golfer animations and a draw distance you wont believe with your eyes!!! However does the frame rate keep up! I know, its a golf game and graphics mean zip, but the little things did impress me with this game. Leaves drift by from the wind realistically and sand blasts out of the traps from your swing. But it was the water that I loved. You just have to see it to believe. It glistens, reacts to the wind, has ducks and reflects the sun. Tell me any game has better-looking water and I say phooey to you! Another great aspect is that any of the six courses can be played in any of the four seasons, adding even more replay value to this fantastic game.

The sound department is Hot Shots poorest showing. The menu music is average elevator tunes and the sound effects are all spot on, but its the voice acting that burns. The characters voices in Versus mode are repetitive enough, but its the caddies that make you want to cry literally break down in tears I know its sad. They constantly repeat the same three lines making you want to scream bloody he-! Ill be okay. Sadly, they cant be turned off either.

Replay value is where this game becomes your new daddy. Numerous modes abound include Tournament which consists of twenty (wait for it) tournaments! Then theres Versus mode, where you get to battle the hidden characters in hopes of unlocking them for later use. Lets not forget your usual Stroke play, Match play, Multiplayer options (up to four) with the only thing missing in action (again) is the mini-golf. There is also a brand new tournament mode called National Tournament where you get a password online, input it into the game and play your round A new password is then given to which you input back into the net to compete against real people across the States. Its cool trust me. But the award for best new addition has to go to the new Item Shop. You collect points after every round which can be used to buy tons of items ranging from useless (new caddy clothes) to useful (better clubs) This game will last till next year.

Frankly why you're still reading this review boggles my mind. You should be buying this game, even if you dont like golf, youll love this. Hot Shots eats Swing Away for breakfast, has a side order of Tiger Woods for lunch, then a midday snack of Mario Golf, before preparing to devour YOU for dinner! (Was that lame? It sounded lame). This is the golf game to get for the PS2. Clap Hanz has done it again.