Golf Story

 Switch
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 346 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 346
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 346
  3. Negative: 24 out of 346
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  1. DigitalRain420
    Dec 27, 2022
    9
    Since I created an account solely for crapping all over its sequel, it's only fair that I lavish praise on one of my favourite games of all times. I like 2D golf games. I like JRPG mechanics and narratives. This game offers both of those things along with heaps of character, solid gameplay, a generous helping of secrets and side hustles, and incredible music and sound design.

    I'll deduct    Since I created an account solely for crapping all over its sequel, it's only fair that I lavish praise on one of my favourite games of all times. I like 2D golf games. I like JRPG mechanics and narratives. This game offers both of those things along with heaps of character, solid gameplay, a generous helping of secrets and side hustles, and incredible music and sound design.

    I'll deduct one point because it was apparently very buggy upon release (I first played it in late 2018 and didn't suffer through it) and because the game forces you to finish tournaments and challenges without an option to quit even when you've screwed up so badly that as to put yourself in an unwinnable position.

    I'm not a fan of disc golf, but I'm not going to punish the game because I struggle with it.

    Overall, this game is to Sonic 3 and Knuckles while its sequel is to Sonic the Hedgehog 4 mixed with the disastrous GBA port of Sonic 1.    … Expand
  2. Charsquatch
    Dec 25, 2022
    10
    Excellent game for golf fans with the best music in vidio games in the past 20 years.
  3. Method__Man
    Jul 10, 2022
    9
    I rarely find games funny, but this one really had me cracking up. It’s a subtle, non-cheesy humour. Story is fun, gameplay is tight.

    Basically it’s Mario golf for the GBC or GBA but more story, cleaner and more expanded gameplay, and loads of humour. For what its supposed to be, easily a 10/10 IF it didn’t have DISC golf. That dropped a full point for me. Otherwise Not sure how you could    I rarely find games funny, but this one really had me cracking up. It’s a subtle, non-cheesy humour. Story is fun, gameplay is tight.

    Basically it’s Mario golf for the GBC or GBA but more story, cleaner and more expanded gameplay, and loads of humour. For what its supposed to be, easily a 10/10 IF it didn’t have DISC golf. That dropped a full point for me. Otherwise Not sure how you could remotely improve this formula. Well done    … Expand
  4. Wrecktangled
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    I dont like Golf, but I quite like Golf Story. Just enough RPG elements to keep you invested. Yet the little story is compelling as well to keep you wanting to come back. And the little golfing game isnt too bad either!
  5. Parkerx87
    Oct 13, 2021
    8
    Fun and challenging game. Even if you don't like golf you will have a lot of fun with it.
  6. Skurttish
    Aug 31, 2021
    8
    A fun RPG with a good premise, plot, and execution. It’s especially impressive given that it was developed by such a small team. The levels are extremely varied, and that helps keep things interesting, although it was a bit too long (it took me 16 hours, and it could have been more like 10-12 given that the basic golf gameplay doesn’t change much).

    I took two points off. The first was    A fun RPG with a good premise, plot, and execution. It’s especially impressive given that it was developed by such a small team. The levels are extremely varied, and that helps keep things interesting, although it was a bit too long (it took me 16 hours, and it could have been more like 10-12 given that the basic golf gameplay doesn’t change much).

    I took two points off. The first was because it’s difficult to judge the slope of the land you’re on when putting; just having an arrow labeled ‘slope’ isn’t detailed enough to give you a sense of how great the slope is. The second was because the game was too easy, in my opinion. I felt like I was able to beat almost everything on my first attempt, until I made it to the last level—and even then, it was only two tries.

    Still, a good game, and an easy recommendation.    … Expand
  7. Rumblejack
    Jun 28, 2021
    8
    This is my first sport game i played. Sadly i never mastered the last golf course. But i loved the 20 hours i played this game. The art style, characters, story, music. I really liked it!
  8. Carlosware15
    Jun 27, 2021
    9
    Great game, charming story, the golf mechanics are really fun to learn and play. Only bad thing is the ocasional glitch.
  9. L00zakPanCake
    May 26, 2021
    9
    Really fantastic game! It's easy to learn but pretty hard to master. The story is really nice and engaging. It's a 9/10 from me.
  10. KattEliz
    Apr 15, 2021
    8
    Golf Story is a super charming game that combines easy-going, nostalgic visuals with simple game mechanics, that while very easy to pick up, still leave plenty of room for error and improvement as you progress. Each new stage provides different environmental challenges and quests so your list of tasks never feels too repetitive despite you know, the entire game being just about golf.Golf Story is a super charming game that combines easy-going, nostalgic visuals with simple game mechanics, that while very easy to pick up, still leave plenty of room for error and improvement as you progress. Each new stage provides different environmental challenges and quests so your list of tasks never feels too repetitive despite you know, the entire game being just about golf. Definitely worth picking up, and has a 2-player mode to add some replay-ability long after you've completed the game. The only complaint I have is that the golf frisbee mini games easily have the most difficult learning curve/controls, and can sometimes tread into frustration rather than rewarding challenges.… Expand
  11. Gontrand00
    Dec 7, 2020
    9
    This feels like a really nice forgotten SNES game.

    A nice and smooth RPG, with some challenge but not too frustrating or stressing. It's the kind of game you play to have fun and relax. Even if I am not fond of golf, I am fond of that game. It's well written and has some good jokes. You feel like you are following an anime or something. It of course has some flaws, but they are minor    This feels like a really nice forgotten SNES game.

    A nice and smooth RPG, with some challenge but not too frustrating or stressing. It's the kind of game you play to have fun and relax. Even if I am not fond of golf, I am fond of that game. It's well written and has some good jokes. You feel like you are following an anime or something.

    It of course has some flaws, but they are minor and are more about the ''polish'' aspect of the game more than anything. Probably not for everyone, but if you like relaxing game with RPG mechanics and are nostalgic of SNES games, this is clearly for you !    … Expand
  12. AsrielD31
    Oct 28, 2020
    8
    Сюжет средний; геймплей хороший; саундтрек неплох; управление неплохое, но не всегда отзывчивое; сложность средняя(под конец выше среднего); длительность средняя, но под конец игра кажется чуток затянутой;
    Сюжет в целом стандартный, но я повёлся на него, ведь обзорщики восхлавляли его, но он оказался полным клише и вообще не цепляющим.
    Игра плохо обучает играть сама в себя(в начале все    Сюжет средний; геймплей хороший; саундтрек неплох; управление неплохое, но не всегда отзывчивое; сложность средняя(под конец выше среднего); длительность средняя, но под конец игра кажется чуток затянутой;
    Сюжет в целом стандартный, но я повёлся на него, ведь обзорщики восхлавляли его, но он оказался полным клише и вообще не цепляющим.
    Игра плохо обучает играть сама в себя(в начале все более менее нормально, но про некоторые механики ты узнаешь в серединеконце).
    Побочные квесты сделаны ужасно, ведь нет самой обычной кнопки рестарта, и вместо того чтобы начать заново уже всратую попытку ты должен ждать окончания, и только потом начинать заново.
    Геймплей - одна из сильнейших сторон игры, но в нем есть один минус - механика ветра
    Он полностью рандомный, и иногда просто не работает, что может всё испортить в самый ответственный момент.
    Саундтрек хороший, но я бы не добавил его в свой плейлист.
    Игре очень нужна руссификация, т. к. вместо нормального английского используются малоизвестные слова.
    Игра неплохая, и главным её плюсом есть геймплей, а не история.
    Надеюсь, в продолжении(Sport Story) все ошибки будут учтены, и выйдет прекрасная игра    … Expand
  13. EmCza
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    Great game. One of the best RPG on Switch (it’s in my top 5 switch rpgs) and one of the best indie pixel art games ever made.
  14. flibikazoah
    Aug 14, 2020
    10
    Manages to be a charming, funny RPG, while also being an accessible, challenging golf game with lots of replayability. Loved every minute.
  15. Simoss13
    Jul 16, 2020
    9
    I am not one for sport games, but seeing it was a Switch exclusive and an RPG, it got me intrigued and bought it.
    Boy, I am glad I did.
    It was one of the most charming games I have ever played. The story is fairly basic but the characters were quirky to keep the plot interesting. The controls are super tight which is important in this type of game. I wasn't fond of the disc golf, I    I am not one for sport games, but seeing it was a Switch exclusive and an RPG, it got me intrigued and bought it.
    Boy, I am glad I did.
    It was one of the most charming games I have ever played. The story is fairly basic but the characters were quirky to keep the plot interesting.
    The controls are super tight which is important in this type of game.
    I wasn't fond of the disc golf, I found the control and momentum kinda odd.
    The courses were diverse and difficulty was steadily increased.
    The over-world ending was a very nice surprise in the end and made me smile.
    Comes highly recommended as something different to RPG players    … Expand
  16. mudRucker
    May 7, 2020
    9
    This game is a blast. I wasn't expecting much, but people kept talking about it, so I gave it a chance. And wow!--what a charming, hilarious, fun game! The golf aspect of the game is great, but the story and RPG elements may be even better. This is a fantastic game that I recommend to anyone. Looking forward to the sequel!
  17. FiftyWords
    Apr 27, 2020
    8
    A good throwback to the GBC and GBA Mario Golf games. The mechanics are considerably easier and more forgiving than other golf games but the overall lack of challenge is more than compensated for by the game’s brisk momentum, charming characters and sense of humour. A pleasant twenty hour romp.
  18. Coldfusion
    Apr 19, 2020
    10
    This is one of the must play games of this gen along with CupHead, BotW, and a few others. It’s a great pick up and play game that lends itself to short play sessions here and there. The story and jokes are clever. The sprites are pretty for what they are, but this game would be equally at home on an original Game Boy. There are so many little details and jokes in the game, and that reallyThis is one of the must play games of this gen along with CupHead, BotW, and a few others. It’s a great pick up and play game that lends itself to short play sessions here and there. The story and jokes are clever. The sprites are pretty for what they are, but this game would be equally at home on an original Game Boy. There are so many little details and jokes in the game, and that really contributes to the overall experience. It’s not groundbreaking in terms of mechanics, but you’ll want to play it, and it sticks with you after you finish it. Highly recommended.… Expand
  19. dabooker
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    A solid mix of timing based golfing, cute pixel graphics and catchy soundtrack. Great pickup with solid replayability - I played the sh*t out of Mario Golf and Hot Shots Golf and this added RPG elements in a nice way. The game gets excellent use out of a variety of courses and has challenges/sidequests you can waste hours on. Played it through at release and again a month ago. HighlyA solid mix of timing based golfing, cute pixel graphics and catchy soundtrack. Great pickup with solid replayability - I played the sh*t out of Mario Golf and Hot Shots Golf and this added RPG elements in a nice way. The game gets excellent use out of a variety of courses and has challenges/sidequests you can waste hours on. Played it through at release and again a month ago. Highly recommend as an easy pick-up-put-down title or long sessions.… Expand
  20. Davewedge
    Dec 18, 2019
    9
    This was so addictive. I really enjoyed it and was great value for money. The humour was spot on, the golfing element was surprisingly well designed and this combined, with an intriguing in storyline, made for a fun fun fun experience. Sad it's over to be honest....sequel please!!
  21. chr1so
    Oct 21, 2019
    9
    Simple in looks but actually a brilliant, fun game. Half rpg story and half golf game whereby the golf side of things is rock solid. The story's fine as well, and minigames are good. Didn't want to put it down.
  22. Kacek1996
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    Unexpected, out of nowhere, great RPG game and pixel graphics. At the start I hoped that it's a short game, but after some time it bought me. Gameplay gave me pleasure, it's nice and deep, deeper that in the most 2D golf games. I did max it out (it's not that hard). Also, local multiplayer is fantastic (I played it with my sister). This game is easy to play and it's fulfilling if it'sUnexpected, out of nowhere, great RPG game and pixel graphics. At the start I hoped that it's a short game, but after some time it bought me. Gameplay gave me pleasure, it's nice and deep, deeper that in the most 2D golf games. I did max it out (it's not that hard). Also, local multiplayer is fantastic (I played it with my sister). This game is easy to play and it's fulfilling if it's played well. It's cheap and good, so get it!… Expand
  23. DVitreous
    Sep 3, 2019
    8
    Un gran juego de golf si no haz jugado alguno nunca. Hay un gran RPG que hace recordar al gran Mario Golf y Mario Tennis, tiene pequeños detalles en su trama que no me terminaron de convencer, pero el gameplay es muy divertido, algunas conversaciones son muy divertidas y un tanto irreverentes.
  24. Zelda1979
    Jun 24, 2019
    8
    Great little game. Golf parts are surprisingly well done and rpg bits are funny and quite in depth. Superb title that you'd never expect.
  25. bobbykjack
    May 13, 2019
    8
    As an RPG, there are tones of Link to the Past — and countless other top-down, 2d adventure games — in style. It’s another pixely homage to the 16-bit era, which is very well suited to both golf and RPG, in my book; give me a sports game that looks like Sensible Soccer or an RPG imitating LttP, and you’re halfway to a sale already. The characters are well animated, and combined with theAs an RPG, there are tones of Link to the Past — and countless other top-down, 2d adventure games — in style. It’s another pixely homage to the 16-bit era, which is very well suited to both golf and RPG, in my book; give me a sports game that looks like Sensible Soccer or an RPG imitating LttP, and you’re halfway to a sale already. The characters are well animated, and combined with the humorous dialogue, do a great job of adding personality to the game.

    On occasion, though, I found the typical side-quests lacking. Golf Story finds a way to shoehorn a great number of diversions into the main golfing theme — digging up treasure with your golf club, for example — but when these are repeated several times, they can verge on feeling like a bit of a chore. Admittedly, I did go out of my way to finish many of these optional tasks, so I clearly didn’t find them too much of a drag.

    The golf game works in a classic ‘arcade’-style: easy controls which adopt the almost universal ‘power and accuracy’ bar which starts on your first press, gets more powerful the longer you wait for the second press, then gives you a small duration in which to press one final time, to set accuracy. It’s an interface that works absolutely as expected, and can be understood pretty much straight away.

    The golf playing was fun but I liked it most when playing for longer sessions. Anything under an hour, and I felt I was just relearning some of the techniques I’d learnt previously, only to then stop. Longer sessions enabled me to hone those skills and actually improve. And I wish there was a way to cancel a shot — every now and then, I’d accidentally start my swing when setting it up, and have no option but to play out a terrible shot.

    But Golf Story is, at its heart, a silly, challenging, novel experience, one which I would highly recommend to any Switch owner, especially those with an affinity for retro gaming. At its price-point, it represents excellent value for money.    … Expand
  26. JJTX
    Apr 10, 2019
    9
    Golf Story is an absolute delight, and it had me smiling from beginning to end. The writing is easily the funniest I've ever encountered in a game, with several genuine laugh-out-loud scenes. The soundtrack is superb and the visuals are loaded with charm. It's also easy to pick up and play, with lots to do and a few tricky puzzles. Just don't expect a steep challenge -- this ain't SekiroGolf Story is an absolute delight, and it had me smiling from beginning to end. The writing is easily the funniest I've ever encountered in a game, with several genuine laugh-out-loud scenes. The soundtrack is superb and the visuals are loaded with charm. It's also easy to pick up and play, with lots to do and a few tricky puzzles. Just don't expect a steep challenge -- this ain't Sekiro -- but it's a relaxing little romp that's sure to please fans of classic Nintendo RPGs like its chief inspirations, Mario Golf and EarthBound.… Expand
  27. Jorchking
    Dec 21, 2018
    8
    Golf Story es un gran videojuego donde parece que se enfoca decididamente en los terrenos de jugar Golf y nada más, pero no es así. Es un juego de rol muy bien hecho y que engancha hasta el más anti golf:
    + Gran jugabilidad para ser un juego indie enfocado en los píxeles (muy adictivo para ser sincero).
    + Muy buen modo historia, donde realmente cada vez que lo jugamos aumenta el nivel.    Golf Story es un gran videojuego donde parece que se enfoca decididamente en los terrenos de jugar Golf y nada más, pero no es así. Es un juego de rol muy bien hecho y que engancha hasta el más anti golf:
    + Gran jugabilidad para ser un juego indie enfocado en los píxeles (muy adictivo para ser sincero).
    + Muy buen modo historia, donde realmente cada vez que lo jugamos aumenta el nivel. Tendrás unas 25 horas en promedio.
    + Gran banda sonora. En mi opinión ya es nostálgica.
    + Humor tontín pero simpático.
    + Tiene un muy buen precio de base.
    - Los personajes no me terminaron de cerrar, la "rival" termina pasando muy desapercibida en el tramo final del juego.
    - No tiene subtítulos en español, algo muy malo si no tenemos un buen inglés y queremos entender la "historia" del juego.
    - Multijugador insuficiente: Muy pocas opciones, ya sea de modos o personalización.

    Nota del juego: 8/10.    … Expand
  28. FelMaloney
    Aug 1, 2018
    9
    Although I've never been interested in golf or sports games in general, I really connected with the playability of Golf Story. The plot and gameplay are simple and very well paced, the humour is brilliant and it's just a fun and relaxing game to play. Exciting when entering competitions, and casual when trying challenges out. It's also perfect for the Switch, as you can pick up at anyAlthough I've never been interested in golf or sports games in general, I really connected with the playability of Golf Story. The plot and gameplay are simple and very well paced, the humour is brilliant and it's just a fun and relaxing game to play. Exciting when entering competitions, and casual when trying challenges out. It's also perfect for the Switch, as you can pick up at any time. Really great surprise.… Expand
  29. AKthaBeast
    Jul 16, 2018
    9
    A great game that mixes retro elements of gameplay with modern day story telling. First time a golf game was compelling story wise to finish as well.
  30. Easyman13
    Jun 23, 2018
    9
    I am not in to golf but this game made me love golf its fun and clever game i recmonded this game to non golf fan
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Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Switch Game of 2017
15
#15 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
22
#22 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 10, 2018
    85
    Golf Story came out of nowhere and stole my heart with its original sense of humor, use of HD Rumble, cute visuals and multitude of ideas for using golf in most unconventional ways. Don’t get discouraged by the whole golf thing though, as Sidebar’s game is actually a really good RPG that happens to borrow it’s mechanics from golf titles. [13/2017, p.50]
  2. Hardcore Gamer
    Jan 4, 2018
    80
    While a story or intriguing use of narrative might have only gone so far, though, Golf Story’s easy-to-grasp; hard-to-master core gameplay — that still manages to pace its teaching players the smaller details — is what will keep players coming back for more. Having them hunt down even the additional side-quests on top, no matter how zany or surreal the premise might be. It’s this unorthodox approach ultimately that gives Golf Story its unique identity and undeniable appeal as both a sports title and an independent release. While the influences are clear to see and the source material might not be entirely original, this game is wonderfully, weirdly different, but engaging all the same.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Dec 3, 2017
    80
    Classic golfing with a fun story, and few flaws. [Issue#194, p.83]
See all critic reviews »