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Super Swing Golf: Season 2 Review for the Nintendo Wii

Super Swing Golf: Season 2 Review for the Nintendo Wii

Anyone up for a game of Pangya?

Almost exactly a year to the day has passed since the last installment in the Super Swing Golf series. Season 2, which released on the 11th of December, is very similar to the original with expanded content and refined play. The signature motion controls and fun anime style are back and in full effect. A new single-player Tour mode has been added that provides a lot of depth to the series. There are also a few more mini-games to accentuate the party feel and atmosphere of the title. The graphics are nice and far improved, the music is also quite good, and the gameplay, though too simple for mature gamers, is full of fun things to do for youngsters. If you’re a gamer looking for an alternative to Tiger Woods, you’re in the wrong place. If you want a fun party title for your kids that’s based on golf, look no further.

Super Swing Golf: Season 2 screenshot

Super Swing Golf: Season 2 is a whimsical, magic-filled, fantasy golf title that combines quirky gameplay with a cool anime style. The title takes full advantage of the Wii’s motion controls by having the player actually swing the Wii remote like they would a real club. Unfortunately, this can be difficult and very slow. This is especially so for children. For example, you have to hold the A button while setting a rather complicated power gauge on the back swing and follow through correctly in order to hit a straight shot without a fade or draw. Fortunately, the game can be played with simple button controls selected from the options menu. This really speeds up the pacing and allows lazy gamers like myself to sit back on the couch. The downside to the button controls is that they are too simplistic and it defeats the purpose of the game. Why else would you play the game if not for the realistic feel of swinging the club? If you play with the buttons, you’ll breeze through the Tour and mini-games without the slightest bit of challenge. I suggest having patience, using the Practice mode, and having some fun.

For those of you who have not played the original, Pangya is a golf game developed on the island of Pangya after the island’s residents were able to destroy the energy shield that was sapping the life force from the inhabitants. The game of Pangya is symbolic of the method used in the shield’s destruction, namely putting the Phoenix Ball into the weak points of the force field with the Air Lance. None of this really matters, just know that you’re playing a game that is a fantasy variation on the classic pastime developed on the Scottish links.

Super Swing Golf: Season 2 screenshot

Gameplay is centered on the Tour mode. You will tour the cute island of Pangya on a branching game board in search of Pangya glory. Along the way you will play interesting mini-games and standard golf competitions on varied courses in mixed conditions. As you advance through the Tour, you will duel ever more difficult competitors. These challenges are set up more like boss battles rather than simply more skilled professionals. As a result, the game really feels like an adventure. Additionally, you’ll unlock a multitude of costumes and courses. Costumes and gear can then be purchased in the clubhouse with credits you have accumulated from great shots and good play.

The graphics are really nice, crisp, and clean. The presentation in general has been vastly improved from the original title. The anime characters and the fantasy courses are all really well done. Everything looks bright and vibrant, as if you were dropped off in the middle of a cartoon. This style will really appeal to kids. The only problem is that some of the female characters dress a bit risqué. There has definitely been a nod to Tecmo’s infamous Dead or Alive girls. However, the vast majority of adults won’t have a problem with their children playing the game. Overall, I would say the visuals are basically wholesome.

Super Swing Golf: Season 2 screenshot

The music is surprisingly great. The fun little tunes will have you tapping your toes and humming away long after your gaming session is over. The character comments are very repetitive, however. If you choose the boy character, Scout, you’re going to get frustrated with his “Ok, let’s do this!” and “Oh…man!” comments. All in all, the sounds in the game are quite good and are keenly outputted in Dolby Pro Logic II.

Super Swing Golf: Season 2 screenshot

You can also hone your skills by simply challenging the computer outside of the Tour or heading to the Practice range. These are secondary game modes though; the Tour is where all the single player magic truly is. Multiplayer is also quite fun and distinct. Of course, you’ll be able to challenge friends rather than the computer characters. You’ll also be able to take on the expanded mini-games. Mini-games include Golf Darts, Longest Drive, and Balloon Pop. These three mini-games are fun skills challenges that do a good job of increasing the amount of quality content. Golf Darts, as you might imagine, puts an emphasis on accuracy as you try to accumulate points by hitting specific target areas. The Longest Drive competition gives you three opportunities to rack up total yardage. It sounds straight forward, but your skills will be tested by a series of portals that will increase you driving distance. If you are skilled enough to knock the ball through the first ring, it will magically boost your ball to the second, and the third. The Balloon Pop game tests both your accuracy and power. You have to hit the ball at the balloons with precision aiming as well as hitting the ball hard enough to pop them.

Super Swing Golf: Season 2 is a significant improvement over the first installment. The visuals, sounds, and gameplay are all well done. The controls are decent, but they may be too frustrating to many gamers. This is especially so for youngsters. That’s unfortunate because the game’s whimsical feel is best suited for children. Adult and mature gamers will probably find this title to be a bit of a yawner. However, if you like anime or if you have a good deal of patience, Super Swing Golf: Season 2 has a lot to offer.

Features:

  • Play golf like you’ve never played it before with highly expressive characters that display the joy of victory and the agony of defeat.
  • All-new unlockable courses and costumes including some classic Tecmo character costumes!
  • Fun Courses – Choose from newly added courses to keep your golf experience fresh and exciting!
  • New Tour Mode – Compete with rivals and progress through the game as you conquer all the island of Pangya!.
  • Party Mode – Play new party games including “Darts” and “Driving Contest”!

    RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.9 Graphics
    Very crisp and clean with a fun anime style. 2.7 Control
    A mixed bag. The motion controls are painfully slow and inaccurate, while the button controls are easy to use, but they’re straight out of PGA Tour ’94. 4.2 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
    The musical score is great. The fun little tunes will have you tapping your toes and humming along after your gaming session. 3.3

    Play Value
    Pretty boring for the majority of gamers, especially mature consumers. However, the game is well crafted and surprisingly deep for a rated “E” title.

    3.5 Overall Rating – Good
    Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

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