Mini golf is something everyone can play. It takes away the commitment, walking, and constant need to hit a ball 300 yards. Now what about mini golf in a video game? The best of convenience. All of the gimmicks, windmills and nearly missed putts you get from actual mini golf, but in the comfort of your own home. With online play being the main focus, you don’t have to make the trip down to the mini golf course with friends. But is it worth the buy?
The gameplay is very very simple, as you would think from an early access mini golf game. Click and drag your mouse to take a shot. Simple. In that sense of the game, it is perfect. But sometimes you just can’t help but feel that the power is a little bit inconsistent. Sometimes 3 bars of power will go far, or not far enough. Although that is only a rarity and 99% of the time the power is spot on, it adds a bit of frustration. The game now comes with 5 holes, with another to be added soon in a free update much like the Haunted and Candyland courses that were added later to join the original 3, forest, oasis and twilight.
Forest is the first hole you will probably play. More of a tutorial hole. Fast, simple and teaches you the mechanics of what’s to come. Oasis, the games desert themed map filled with Spinx’s and pyramid temples offers a little bit more adventure, and Twilight which is set in a slightly more magical forest in the night time, glow in the dark balls and all. The maps are great, every hole offers something different. One hole you’re shooting your ball into a opening and closing Spinx mouth, the next you’re adventuring through waterfalls and mine shafts. With most holes offering a way to get a hole in one, you can definitely play a course more than once.
If the different hole outcomes and paths weren’t enough, you can add multipliers to the game, things like jumping, which offers even more in ones, and changing the shape of the ball. To an egg and a cube, to an acorn and a cone. They even give you the option to make it random per hole. I can go for hours listing all the different multipliers the game offers. Once you have played with everything however it does get a little stale, as does any game, but you really do have to try everything this game has to offer before you can call it done. The game can be difficult to enjoy by yourself, so it is best to find some friends or an open lobby.
The multiplayer is the main focus of the game, as you can probably tell by the title. It is best enjoyed with friends, as mentioned before, or random strangers via the game browser. There is no dedicated matchmaking service however, so it can sometimes be hard to find a good, full game to play. You can play with up to 12 players for a really full game, but it is rare that you will find that many in a game. Sometimes players disconnect, or just leave when their favourite modifier is off. So it is best to gather up some friends and give it a go.
The graphics are pleasant, cheerful and charming. The sound is great, music to fit each course, the forest and twilight courses are up beat and happy, the oasis course has rather intense music, making those battles even more fierce. The game has tonnes of charm, making this a great and fun game to play, especially at the price.
Overall, Golf With Your Friends is a perfect game to play…with your friends. And anyone for that matter. At under £5, you really can’t go wrong with this game. I already have 11 or so hours on it, so it’s more than worth the money. For me, it gets a great 9/10.
PROS:
+Simple mechanics, easy to pick up and play
+So much customization of game types
+ Great multiplayer
+ Maps are very well designed
+ Your ball gets a little floatie ring when it goes in the water!
CONS:
– No dedicated matchmaker
– Hard to play by yourself
Frugal Game Reviews 