The multiplayer would be a great diversion from the single player game if it wasn't hell bent wasting as much of your time as possible. First, finding someone else to play against over WiFi requires multiple attempts, and good luck getting in on a match play game (ad hoc play is available provided you have someone else in the room with a PSP and a copy of the game). Tournaments can field up to 16 players, but you'll usually end up with about four or five. Once the match starts you'll be able to make your shots without having to wait for your opponents, and you'll be able to see where their shots are flying as you play, a nice touch—however completing a hole kicks you out to the scoreboard screen where you'll spend way too much time waiting for the next hole to start, even when every player has finished. Luckily you can spend this time choosing from stock phrases such as "I love you, Grandpa!" to display to your opponents so it's not a total loss. I'm sure they're very happy to know how much you love your Grandpa. It's a shame that the momentum of the online matches is ruined by having to wait before each hole because the challenge of playing against real live humans isn't well replicated by the single player campaign. Many times you can win by five or six shots simply by shooting par.

Even with all of these complaints, you'll still find a fun and engaging game of golf. Exactly how fun and engaging will be directly tied to how much Hot Shots golf you've played in the past. If you've never played the Clap Hanz version of a good walk spoiled, or if your collector's heart burns to find yet another track suit for Luke the Large Headed Wonder Duffer, then you'll no doubt have a good time.

Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you .