Video game review by ERIK LEIJON

Now almost a decade removed from the god-awful PGA Tour video games of the 16-bit era, the golf genre of video games is in a period of renaissance. For the longest time it seemed that the original ’80s Game Boy title Golf (Nintendo) would constitute the apex, but Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee (PSP/SCEA, Clap Hanz) is part of a new breed of fun, yet serious, golf games.

Don’t scoff at the game’s cutesy approach, including the bigheaded Japanese characters with humongous eyeballs—there is a deep golf sim behind the anime exterior. True, those looking for real courses and real PGA pros will have to settle for hundreds of unlockable clothes, backpacks and hats you can dress your golfer with. But the correlation with Barbie dolls ends there, as all the necessary skills any golfer would need are included in this game. Especially impressive is the ability to alter your striking point, thus permitting all sorts of trick shots.

A huge caveat with Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee is the actual time needed to unlock new courses, characters and equipment; you’ll have to play the first course a dozen times before unlocking the second. And those looking for heated competition might also be disappointed, since the AI is not very competent.

Still, this game is one that demands repeat plays, and any true blue golfer is likely an anal perfectionist as well. Despite the initial dissatisfaction of having to play the first course ad nauseum, you will eventually find yourself going back to the previous courses, especially when you get better clubs and your abilities improve. If you happen to know any other PSP owners, you can hit the links with up to eight players wirelessly.

In terms of gameplay, it plays essentially the same as the previous Hot Shots Golf games and most golf games in general. The greens are quite varied and extremely difficult to read, so early on it’s not uncommon to miss a few “gimmes.” Included in the game is a putting challenge mode, which is a must-play for those who want to improve their short game.

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee is the ideal type of game for the PSP, or any portable for that matter. It’s best to play the game in small doses, playing one or two tournaments at a time.

Huge ball

Now that the dust has settled on E3 2005, some games have emerged from the cavalcade of hype that truly demand interest. Specifically, Yoot Saito’s Odama (GC/Nintendo, Vivarium) has to be one of the most unique gaming experiences ever conceived.

For those who don’t remember the name Yoot Saito, his previous titles include Seaman (Sega), an old Dreamcast oddity where gamers could take care of small fish-like creatures with the heads of Japanese people (and even have conversations with them using the microphone peripheral). His new project can best be described as a pinball military simulation.

Using the Odama, a mythical ancient ball, you must destroy as many enemy troops and structures as possible while sending in waves of your own troops. The challenge is to avoid accidentally killing your own men, but using the GameCube’s microphone you can order your troops around to theoretically avoid the Odama. Saito compared it to a football quarterback calling plays.

While GameCube owners may be obsessing over Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo) this November, consider giving this wacky pinball real-time strategy game a try.

Now playing: Ape Escape: On the Loose (PSP), Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee (PSP) Wishlist: Still Life (Xbox)