There’s something special about going back to the greens — even virtual ones like Everybodys Golf Hot Shots. My last serious tee-off in gaming was back in the Tiger Woods Golf days, when realism ruled and every swing felt like a test of patience and skill. These days, though, golf games have gone through a bit of a personality shift. And with my 6-year-old son obsessed with Mario Golf, I decided to see what would happen if we tried Everybodys Golf Hot Shots on PlayStation 5 together.
His first reaction? “Where’s Mario?”
That question hit me right in the dad feels. For him, golf means bright mushrooms, fireballs, and plumbers shouting “Fore!” For me, it used to mean tense putts, tricky winds, and the satisfaction of nailing a perfect shot. So, could Everybodys Golf Hot Shots — without any familiar faces — bridge the gap between generations?
A Clean Tee-Off
Everybodys Golf Hot Shots carries that same approachable DNA the series is known for — simple controls, cheerful presentation, and a welcoming vibe that invites anyone to pick up a club and play. On PS5, it looks crisp, colourful, and smoother than ever. The courses are vibrant and full of life, while loading times are basically a non-issue thanks to the SSD. It’s all very easy on the eyes and perfectly tuned for family play.
The game sticks to the classic three-click system: one tap for power, one for accuracy, one for timing. It’s old-school but timeless — and within minutes, my son was belting shots down the fairway like a tiny pro. Sure, some went into bunkers, others straight into the water (which got him giggling every time), but the fact that he was learning and laughing made it all worth it.
Mario’s Shadow and Finding the Fun
I’ll be honest — the lack of recognisable characters hit him hard at first. He kept asking where Mario, Bowser, and Peach were hiding. But then, something clicked. Once he realised he could create his own golfer, everything changed. He went wild with the customisation options — red outfit, blue cap, and called his character “Mini Mario.” Suddenly, this was his golf game.
You don’t get a full custom character sculpting suite — you pick from a big roster — but the game gives you plenty to play with: outfits, accessories, different looks and equipment, plus unlockable alternate styles that let kids (and dads) make their own little stars. For kids, it’s a small thing that goes a long way. For adults, it gives a nice personal touch. And as soon as we started playing together, the missing mascots didn’t matter anymore. What replaced them were laughter, cheering, and a surprising amount of friendly trash talk from my six-year-old.
Gameplay That Balances Fun and Focus
Everybodys Golf Hot Shots nails what I’d call “relaxed challenge.” It’s easy enough for newcomers but still offers that sweet satisfaction of a perfect shot when your timing is spot on. It’s not hyper-realistic like the PGA Tour, but it never tries to be. It’s all about flow, rhythm, and joy. Every course offers its own charm, from bright parkland fairways to trickier setups with bunkers and slopes that can test your nerves.
The PS5 version runs beautifully, with smooth animations and crisp textures. The DualSense controller even adds a bit of subtle feedback — a little vibration as you make contact, a gentle rumble as the ball rolls toward the cup. It’s small, but it makes every shot feel just a little more tactile and immersive.
Multiplayer Memories
For me, though, the highlight wasn’t the graphics or the mechanics — it was the local multiplayer. Sitting side by side with my son, passing the controller back and forth, became our new evening ritual. He’d shout “Beat that, Dad!” after every long putt. And even when he lost, he still laughed. There’s something incredibly wholesome about that kind of connection. In a world filled with online play and microtransactions, Everybodys Golf Hot Shots reminded me of how good it feels to just share a screen and some laughs.
Content and Progression
Progression is steady, though it can feel a bit slow for younger players. Unlocking new clubs, outfits, and golfers take time. It’s not as instant as Mario’s wild mini-games, but the sense of reward is there if you stick with it. There’s also a good mix of modes — traditional 18-hole rounds, challenge tournaments, and even a few quirky twists that add some variety.
The online modes are solid, too, but honestly, nothing beats sitting next to your kid and watching them hit their first birdie. That pure moment of excitement — that’s something no online lobby can replicate.
Dad’s Perspective
What struck me most about Everybodys Golf Hot Shots wasn’t how it played — it was how it made us feel. My son might have missed Mario and Luigi, but what he got instead was time with his dad, cheering each other on. For me, it was a reminder that games don’t always need to be loud, epic, or filled with famous faces to be special. Sometimes, a quiet game of golf with your kid can mean more than any boss battle ever could.
It’s funny how something as simple as hitting a virtual ball across a field can create moments that stick. And as we wrapped up each round, he’d say, “Let’s do one more, Dad.” That’s when I knew this game had done something right.
Final Thoughts
Everybodys Golf Hot Shots still holds its charm, even after all these years. It’s not about flashy characters or over-the-top gimmicks — it’s about the simple joy of hitting that perfect shot, celebrating a birdie, and sharing a laugh when the ball bounces the wrong way.
For my son, who’s grown up on Mario Golf, the lack of familiar faces was a little disappointing at first. But what made it special was something Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom can’t quite replicate — the bond between a dad and his kid, both trying to out-drive each other and laughing the whole time. It’s pure, uncomplicated fun.
Sure, it doesn’t reach the creative highs or charm of Mario Golf, and visually it’s starting to show its age. But the swing mechanics, course design, and easy pick-up-and-play style make it a great game for both casual players and families looking for something wholesome.
Everybodys Golf Hot Shots Trailer
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The Product was provided to us for the express purpose of reviewing.
As always, I reviewed the game, and I had my partner help me with a written version.
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