Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy
Sept. 8th 2003
Introduction:The Outlaw series is back, and it's bringing outrageous fun onto the golf course with even more attitude then before. The original Outlaw Golf was a surprise hit of 2002, and now Hypnotix is teeing off again with Outlaw Golf 2.
The Game:Outlaw Golf 2 follows up and expands on the foundation of the first Outlaw Golf. Fans of the original bad boy will be happy to hear that Outlaw Golf 2's gameplay hasn't changed. You still get the same great golf action with more of everything along with some extra laughs.
The main changes in Outlaw Golf 2 are the inclusion of Xbox Live, a few new gameplay modes and more zany characters then before. The characters stay on the same social reject variations as the Outlaw series is known for. You have your hillbillies to punks, convicts to strippers, and your rich snobs and their plastic mothers. Outlaw Golf really takes the stereotypes of these personas and puts them to the extreme. The character design is all done humorously so no one should get offended and if you do this isn't the game for you. Depending on your version of 'funny', Outlaw Golf 2's tries really hard to make you laugh and usually succeeds with its campy humor.
The golf in Outlaw Golf 2 will require a steady hand on the controller because to swing the club you have to push back and forward with the controller. Hitting a little white ball with a big club sounds and looks very simple, but if you don't take it easy it can become a nightmare. Like the real sport, you will need patience and skill to persevere. Luckily the control scheme is excellent and it shouldn't take you to long to get the hang of things. Even though this game looks, feels and borders on arcade there is skill involved, go figure!
Outlaw Golf 2's has a decent amount of depth with some challenging moments. Considering the Outlaws overall demeanor this might be a little deceiving, but for the casual gamer it will rank right up with the Tiger Woods experience. The game becomes more of a challenge when you start to get into the wacky courses, keeping your temperament and preplanning is essential to make the cut by par. You will be spending most of your time in the Tournament mode trying to unlock new assists for your golfers, this mode is pretty lengthy, and so make sure you have an hour to set aside for the game.
Graphics & Sound: Graphically, Outlaw Golf 2 is very similar to the first Outlaw Golf game. Outlaw Golf 2 has more animations which are great, as well as some nice characters to gawk at. Each character has there own set of crazy antics run through during the game triggered by how well the do on the course. Besides the animations, the overall quality of the graphics is average. The players look decent, although the observing NPC's could use makeover. The games graphical prowess shines in the creative department where they worked out these personalities and matched then with perfect movements and visuals.
The audio direction of Outlaw Golf 2 is pure cheese. This is cheese in a good way, not in a stinky cheese kind of way. The soundtrack of the game if entertaining with the 80s guitar rock to the dance numbers, it's not the best music but fits in with the atmosphere of the game. The part of the audio that really stands out is the voice over work. Each voice actor plays with the stereotype of the character and it turned out perfectly considering the material. The sarcastic announcing by Dave Attel is also pretty classic even though it can become stale after a while. You'll get a few laughs the first couple of times, which is enough.
Innovation:Outlaw Golf 2 still innovates when it comes to golf games with their brilliant Composure Meter. Monitoring the characters composure is a great feature given the players that are participating. I wouldn't expect a bunch of misfits to remain calm during a slow and tedious game of golf! So when you start to loose your marbles, by missing shots or scoring low you can take out your frustrations on your caddy to regain your composure. Set up as a mini timing game where you hit the button when placed over an icon, Outlaw Golf 2 will go into a cut scene where you're laying the smackdown on your caddy.
Another innovation to Outlaw Golf 2 is the staggering amount of game modes. All the modes are not that interesting, but with 13 to choose from you're bond to find a few you like. I really thought the new Baseball mode was scoring system was pretty interesting by turning the par into hits in baseball is very cleaver. All these extra's don't change the core of the game, but after repeated use it's good to have some variety.
The one part I wasn't too keen on was the new golf cart mode. The golf cart racing feels like a quick attempt to push another new mode into the game. It's a neat idea on the surface, but it really just takes a backseat to the main game of golf. To finish off the game modes on a positive note would be the online play which is allot of fun with friends, especially when you don't have to wait though everyone's strokes and you can just play the game at the same time and compare. The bottom line is that Outlaw Golf 2 is something fresh from everything else except itself; there are plenty of good ideas which will have something for everyone.
Mojo:Outlaw Golf 2 was designed with Mojo on the mind, but best part about Outlaw Golf 2 is the high mojo factor... it's the price. Outlaw Golf 2 is a decent title that is priced as a bargain game! Saving money and getting a great game, well that's cool. Then add the half naked girls, crazy golfing hillbillies and you're in for a great time. Each set of characters are a perfect match for each other and have great chemistry. It doesn't get better then swinging your stick with Summer & Autumn, what a great team! It's cheap and it's hot. it's Outlaw Golf 2..
Lowdown:Outlaw Golf 2 never takes itself too seriously and offers up a great alternative from the rest of the pack. Outlaw Golf 2 is outrageous, sexy, challenging, hilarious and best served up on Xbox live or with friends. Add on the low price of this disc with the amount of fun you will have and there is really no reason NOT to pick this one up.
Gameplay: 7, Graphics/Sound: 7, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 7. Final: 7 |
