Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Clap Hanz
PUBLISHER: Sony
SYSTEM: PS Vita
PRICE: $39.99
ESRB RATING: Everyone
REVIEW RATING: 4.0 stars (out of 5)

I don't play golf in real life, but I love smacking golf balls around in cyberspace. That's why I'm thrilled to play the whimsical "Hot Shots Golf World Invitational" on Sony's impressive new handheld gaming system. It's not surprising that this title doesn't take full advantage of all the features the PS Vita has to offer, but it's still the best game in the series.

I have always preferred the traditional three-point shot system found in this series over the analog swing system found in the Tiger Woods games. Luckily, this system remains intact, but more advanced versions are also available to purchase in the pro shop. With five different swing styles to choose from, players are sure to find one to suit their tastes.

Several different modes, ranging from single-player to online multiplayer, are available to choose from. Challenge mode has the most content to offer and lets players tackle various nine- and 18-hole tournaments with a finale against an A.I. opponent. Once you beat the challenger, it's time to move up the ladder to a more difficult series of tournaments.

Unlockable items have always been a staple of this series, and the latest iteration takes it to the extreme. In addition to the new characters and outfits, this title also lets players unlock balls, clubs, courses, artwork, modes, challenges, videos and much more. Having such a wide variety of content to unlock is a great incentive to keep playing!

Touch controls are a great addition to the series, and they let players navigate screens and even poke animals dashing across the course! It's also possible to hit the ball a bit harder if players tilt the PS Vita backwards when their club hits the ball. Most of the other touch controls are purely aesthetic.

With great online and offline golfing modes, excellent controls and a humorous cast of characters, it's hard not to smile when playing "Hot Shots Golf World Invitational."

'Wipeout 2048'

DEVELOPER: SCEE Liverpool
PUBLISHER: Sony
SYSTEM: PS Vita
PRICE: $39.99
ESRB RATING: E10+
REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

Sony's "Wipeout" series has always been known for its high-tech anti-gravity racing, futuristic soundtrack and slick visuals, and the latest version is no exception! "Wipeout 2048" looks fantastic on the PS Vita and sports intuitive controls, but the low frame rate and excruciatingly long load times will wipe some players out before the game is actually over.

Racing games focus on speed, and this series is known for being punishingly fast.

Fortunately, vehicles only slow down when they hit a wall instead of coming to a complete halt, and various speed pads scattered throughout each level can propel players to maximum speed in seconds. Too bad the low frame rate keeps the sense of speed from coming off the ground.

Campaign mode is the main aspect of "Wipeout 2048," and it features several seasons worth of racing, with multiple paths. This mode offers a wide variety of races, including standard races, time trials, combat racing and a cool new event called Zone. This pedal-to-the-metal race sets the gas to maximum, which means promising racers only have to steer and brake as the race becomes faster and faster. Players can also engage in a deep online racing mode.

Even though this title offers great controls using analog sticks and buttons, the developers also included optional touch controls. Unfortunately, they aren't suited for a game this fast and quickly become a hindrance. For example, using the front screen touch controls to manage items and weapons blocks the high-speed visuals and usually leads to multiple slams against the wall!

"Wipeout" fans will find plenty to like in "Wipeout 2048," but I doubt if it'll draw many new hovercraft racers to the series.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must-Have
4 stars = Very Good
3 stars = Above Average
2 stars = Bargain Bin
1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
E: Everyone
E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)
T: Teen (13 and older)
M: Mature (17 and older)

To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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