Friday, September 11, 2009

Fantasy Golf: PangYa - Ntreev/TOMY - PSP
I had been eyeballing this game for a good while before I decided what the heck, I'll pick it up and see what it was about. I was nervous. There have been several games that had very pretty anime style art on the front that have drawn me in only to be crappy. Not to mention this one had "golf" in the title, and anyone that knows me knows I do not take to sports games lightly. However, I ended up being suckered into the artwork, and purchased it. Overall? It makes me happy that I own a PSP.

From the opening video to the gameplay itself, the visuals and sound ensnare you. The movie is very well rendered, and all of the menus are bright and cute to match the game. The music is extremely fitting, especially at the courses themselves. Being that the visuals and audio were above and beyond what I was expecting, I was drawn in further.

The minute you look at the main menu, you can immediately see there is a lot to do in this game. Replayability = plus in my book, so needless to say I was content in that field. There are two characters open from the start: Scout and Hana, and I believe 10 spaces for more characters. Seems like there will be someone for everyone.

There are two main modes: story mode, which you unlock characters and get background stories as to why they've been invited to play PangYa, and tournament mode, where you earn the brunt of your currency (called Pang) as well as items and such. The storyline is filled with cheezy goodness, but honestly, it isn't horrible. I even find myself chuckling at some of the statements.

The game has may different settings to increase or decrease difficulty. You can even double the size of the hole if you want or need to. I play this game like I play any game: on the hardest difficulty setting. So far, I've run into a few challenges, but nothing that's been frustrating. This is exactly how a game should be on hard.

As with any game of golf, your objective is to get your ball (called an Aztec in this game) into the hole. The story goes on to tell you this is how the world was saved a long time ago. Anyways, the concept is easy: check for wind and obstacles in your way, adjust your aim, x to start the power slider, and x to stop it with the right accuracy. That's it. Anyone can pick this game up and understand how to play it within 10 minutes.

The hardest part is trying to get the accuracy properly. There are three things that can happen. If you wait too long, or press too early, you'll miss/hit the ball for five or so yards. If you get it in the pink, you'll hit it, but it might curve to the left or right, respectively. Hitting the ball in the white area causes you to get a PangYa shot. This is the most accurate and strongest hit. This is hard in the beginning of the game, because all these good areas are small. You can also get items to affect your shot for one turn, such as add more strength for one shot, etc.

The character customization is also a bit of fun. Although you only dress the characters up with clothing and equipment, all of it affects your stats. Then finally, there is also a multiplayer, but I don't have anyone to play with. Unfortunately there is no wifi. I'm sure it would be a ton of fun.

If you have a PSP, and don't mind giving golf a go, you won't be disappointed.

Rating; 8.5 / 10
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