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Sony Corp.’s Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds is an excellent golf offering for the Playstation 3. The new Advanced Shot System and new online modes offer top golf action for casual and enthusiast players.

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds features several modes, including Single-Play for Challenge, Stroke, and Training Modes; Multi-Play for 1-4 player local matches, Online for online tournaments and games, and Data to review stats, videos and other records.

New to the Hot Shots Golf series is the Advanced Shot System. The new shot system allows players to view visual cues for power indication, followed by an Impact Ring that will indicate a well-timed shot.

When players swing the club will shine at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% power. During a putt the club will shine at 50% and 100% power. After power is set an Impact Ring will close in on the ball. Players want to hit X when the ring is smallest on the ball to indicate a direct hit. Early Impact hits will relay a slice and late hits will produce a hook shot.

For previous fans, the Standard Shot mode is included to play the game in traditional fare.

In either mode, Hot Shots Golf held tight gameplay with excellent on-course physics.

The title’s online mode is a great way to enjoy a game of golf online with up to 50 players. In Online Mode, players create a lobby character, choose a location, and head to the front desk to participate in current and upcoming tournaments, game rooms, or host a game. Players take shots at the same time and can view shadow movements of other players in the game. There is a time limit to complete the course and players who take too long will be penalized.

Online play worked without a hitch and produced fun, fast, relaxing play on a 18-hole course. After each hole, players can easily choose from pre-set phrases to praise other players or complain about their performance.

The graphics engine is solid at 30 frames per second. Developer Clap Handz introduces more wacky characters and phrases in the title to provide a cute, offbeat atmosphere. The music is comprised a soft-beat tracks that compliment the relaxed atmosphere.

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds is another solid installment in the premiere Playstation franchise. The Advanced Shot Mode provides a new layer of depth to gameplay and the Online Mode is fast fun for all ages.