King Of Clubs (PS2)

King Of Clubs is the latest game to bring Crazy Golf to the PS2 format, as you battle it out with friends or computerised opponents over a number of wacky courses. So, it is any good?

Well, first up, let’s take a look at the game-play. KOC follows the rules of most golfing games. Using a third person perspective, your character can swivel the screen left or right, using a horizontal power bar at the bottom – hit the ‘X’ button twice (first to start the shot – second to stop it) in order to determine how much power goes into a shot. Although the element of skill is necessary to golf games, this seems to rely heavily on either trial and error or just plain guesswork, as there is no assistance in judging the power you wish to put into shot. This means the simplest straight shot can be easily knocked well past the hole, causing you to lose that vital point.

The courses also let the side down, being completely uninspiring both graphically and in design. Sure, you have your bumps, ramps, platforms and moving blocks through the number of themed courses - however, despite this, the courses are neither inventive, nor particularly interactive, making for a very linear gameplay experience indeed. It is possible to take alternative routes round the course, but quite often the simplest option is glaringly obvious, meaning the level of difficulty is particularly uneven - not least in later courses, which can often be surprisingly easy to complete, after frustrating earlier ones.

A cursory glance through the (terribly written) manual also reveals the unfortunate lack of extras available. You have tournament options, or can play against friends, as well as pick up extras such as new clubs and balls (like the rubber ball). Sadly these don’t add much to the experience overall. One of the biggest crimes, however, is the unforgivably long loading times - something that will prove frustrating to the calmest of players, as you’re once again left staring at the loading screen, while trying to replay that difficult level.

With almost a 100 courses to play, as well as its multi-player options, King Of Clubs may be a game you pick up once or twice, but its flaws will likely cause most players to look to other options for their golfing thrills.

Released on 26th October 2007 by Oxygen Interactive.

Written by Chris Costa.