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. ReinaldoElisei
    Sep 28, 2017
    10
    I've never been into sports games (or even sports), so at first Golf Story didn't catch my eye. However, when people started telling me it was an RPG, I started paying more attention to it. Watching the game's first 30 minutes was all I needed to decide to buy it, and after playing it myself I was hooked! This has got to be one of the funniest, goofiest, most enjoyable and charming gamesI've never been into sports games (or even sports), so at first Golf Story didn't catch my eye. However, when people started telling me it was an RPG, I started paying more attention to it. Watching the game's first 30 minutes was all I needed to decide to buy it, and after playing it myself I was hooked! This has got to be one of the funniest, goofiest, most enjoyable and charming games I've played in a while. The game has a lot to offer under its colorful graphics and it's much more than meets the eye. It's relaxing, unexpected and fun!… Expand
  2. ryanthelou
    Sep 28, 2017
    9
    I saw the teaser trailer for this game last week and it looked like a lot of fun. I downloaded it earlier today and when my daughter came home from school, we started playing it. Such a fun, charming game. It's surprising how much variation and depth there is so far. I'm loving it and my daughter is as well!
  3. GoldBeard
    Sep 28, 2017
    9
    as someone who loves rpgs.. i didn't think twice about getting this game.
    the idea of combining a sport with rpg gameplay is just amazing...
    gameplay wise ( golf part ) is pretty simple but at the same time really satisfying. u walk around in this city doing like this side quests to collect money... with the money u can upgrade your kit and stuff. ( you also need the money for some    as someone who loves rpgs.. i didn't think twice about getting this game.
    the idea of combining a sport with rpg gameplay is just amazing...
    gameplay wise ( golf part ) is pretty simple but at the same time really satisfying.
    u walk around in this city doing like this side quests to collect money... with the money u can upgrade your kit and stuff. ( you also need the money for some story missions ) and of course you also level up and upgrade your stats like any other rpg. the music is really nice and subtle.
    the absolute best thing about this game IMO is the Dialogue.. i actually laughed out laud at some part. it's full of these puns and cheesy jokes. it's great xP
    yea if you have a Switch and you're looking for a fun and simple and very relaxing rpg to play... GET IT!    … Expand
  4. ericiidx
    Sep 29, 2017
    9
    Love it -- simple, witty, and charming. I don't even particularly care for golf! Golf Story combines light RPG elements reminiscent of 90's JRPGs with a constant focus on golf... if the world of golf were run by 8-year-olds. The golfing gameplay is well-executed, much like the mechanics found in Mario Golf games; not too in-depth, and not too simple. Your quest will take you to variousLove it -- simple, witty, and charming. I don't even particularly care for golf! Golf Story combines light RPG elements reminiscent of 90's JRPGs with a constant focus on golf... if the world of golf were run by 8-year-olds. The golfing gameplay is well-executed, much like the mechanics found in Mario Golf games; not too in-depth, and not too simple. Your quest will take you to various golf courses that are just outlandish in design; driving balls through forests, deserts, snowscapes, off the backs of turtles, through the peering eyes of ball-thieving gophers. The sidequests are ideal, in that they don't lead you on hour-long treks out of your way. Rather, they're all quick endeavors that reward you with money, experience points, and often a good laugh.

    Of particular note is the dialogue and its implementation. Writing in games is always a focal point to me, and it satisfies. Everyone is loaded with personality and regular humor, and gentle effects are added via speech bubble animations, variations in font size/hardness, and some solid HD Rumble utilization. You can practically hear your Joy-Con sigh when a person admits defeat, feel your hands kick back when you rifle off a perfect shot, and the never-gets-old clink-clink-clunk of sinking your ball in the hole.

    Once you've finished the main story, which at my estimate will likely be around 15-20 hours thanks to a deceptive difficulty curve, you're left with a Quick Play mode which will be great to come back to anytime you feel like playing some zany courses. Great value in this game.

    I've only got a few minor complaints. The main one being, a little more polish could've benefitted. Transitions between many scenes is a little jarring, with the screen not fading out/in and music cutting away from one track to the next. There's also a rare camera bug that fails to re-focus onto the player, which is remedied by exiting the area (or entering a building.) I also would've appreciated a little more in-game instruction -- you can push Select ("Minus") to show the controls, but it doesn't cover all of them (such as, clicking the right analog stick toggles the camera zoom) and there's no explanation of topspin and backspin. That's about it.

    Highly recommended for (Mario) golf fans, generally recommended for absolutely everyone else.    … Expand
  5. Footballpires
    Sep 30, 2017
    10
    This little game has me very pleasantly surprised. There is a lot of content packed here for the price you're paying and it's all really fun and just works really nicely. At first I just couldn't make any sense of a "golf rpg" but essentially it's just an RPG except that instead of combat, you play golf. Really solid game, haven't finished it yet but have played around two hours and I amThis little game has me very pleasantly surprised. There is a lot of content packed here for the price you're paying and it's all really fun and just works really nicely. At first I just couldn't make any sense of a "golf rpg" but essentially it's just an RPG except that instead of combat, you play golf. Really solid game, haven't finished it yet but have played around two hours and I am deeply into it. 10/10.… Expand
  6. projectxero
    Sep 29, 2017
    8
    Honestly when I saw this game being hyped, I was confused why a golf game was so cool. Well.. It's more than that. I caved and bought it out of curiosity. This game is really fun. Almost addictive. The main gameplay is.. golf. But it's like a throwback to classic golf games. The simplicity of it makes it all the more playable- while also having complex mechanics. The RPG aspect reallyHonestly when I saw this game being hyped, I was confused why a golf game was so cool. Well.. It's more than that. I caved and bought it out of curiosity. This game is really fun. Almost addictive. The main gameplay is.. golf. But it's like a throwback to classic golf games. The simplicity of it makes it all the more playable- while also having complex mechanics. The RPG aspect really surprised me the most. I didn't think I would get super excited to go on an adventure to become a golfer, but that's exactly what happened after I got sucked in. The modern pixel graphics are beautiful. Each area has it's own flavor and pulls you in. The soundtrack fits very well.

    If you're looking for a new game to buy, definitely give this a chance.    … Expand
  7. TheSeahorse
    Oct 1, 2017
    9
    Who would have thought that a retro golf game could be so fun?
    I had a blast playing this non-stop for three days. It took me 13 hours to beat but I bet you could get 20 hours out of it doing all of the side quests. Not to mention the re playability of just playing some golf.
    There are many glitches (most get solved by restarting the game) but I've heard that the devs are working on    Who would have thought that a retro golf game could be so fun?
    I had a blast playing this non-stop for three days. It took me 13 hours to beat but I bet you could get 20 hours out of it doing all of the side quests. Not to mention the re playability of just playing some golf.

    There are many glitches (most get solved by restarting the game) but I've heard that the devs are working on it as soon as possible.

    The story is funny, you will chuckle a lot, and uses the rumble feature the best out of any game on the switch so far.

    The golfing is not super hard for someone used to these types of games but it's still really good and satisfying because it's fair. If you hit it in the water it's because you're bad, you can't blame it on anything else. The skill system can be a bit hard to understand if you're not into golf though so make sure to google it so you understand how it works.

    This game would've probably been a 8/10 for me but the thing that puts it into the 9/10 spot is the price tag. There are so many games on the switch that takes advantage of the fact that there are few games by raising the prices but this is not one of them. For 15$ this is a must have for any RPG or Golf fan.    … Expand
  8. RedRoc
    Sep 28, 2017
    9
    I'm a big fan of Mario Golf for GBC and Advance Tour for GBA, and unfortunately it's been quite a while since Nintendo has released a Mario Golf (or Tennis for that matter) game in that vein. Fortunately, Sidebar Games picked up the slack. This game scratches that same itch on so many levels and it's so clear where they received a lot of inspiration. It may not be quite as polished andI'm a big fan of Mario Golf for GBC and Advance Tour for GBA, and unfortunately it's been quite a while since Nintendo has released a Mario Golf (or Tennis for that matter) game in that vein. Fortunately, Sidebar Games picked up the slack. This game scratches that same itch on so many levels and it's so clear where they received a lot of inspiration. It may not be quite as polished and fully featured as the games I mentioned, but it's damn close. For $15, it's a game you shouldn't ignore.… Expand
  9. Postmab
    Sep 28, 2017
    10
    This is one of my most looked forward to Switch games since I saw the first trailer and I am happy to say it exceeded my expectations. I was a little nervous about the amount of content for the $14.99 price but after playing all day and putting in roughly 7-8 hours there's no end in sight. The RPG mechanics are basic with gaining points to spend after leveling up on stats such as accuracyThis is one of my most looked forward to Switch games since I saw the first trailer and I am happy to say it exceeded my expectations. I was a little nervous about the amount of content for the $14.99 price but after playing all day and putting in roughly 7-8 hours there's no end in sight. The RPG mechanics are basic with gaining points to spend after leveling up on stats such as accuracy and power but it still scratches that RPG itch. The golf mechanics are what really shines and what I was most unsure about before release. A simple bar at the bottom of the screen that fills up and decides the power and accuracy of the shot is quite satisfying. The cool thing is that golf isn't the only sport in this title. The mini golfing, disc golfing and also drones are all quite fun as well. I found myself smiling and chuckling at the story with some of the dialogue and at the same time awing at how fun and pretty the world is. I dabbled a little in the two player and the only thing I was wishing was for quick play to have a way to record a high score and stats like longest drive or seeing how many total birdies and pars and what not that have been achieved thus far but that can always be added later if this is supported post launch. I can't recommend Golf Story enough for anyone looking for a light RPG out of the traditional fighting kind of games with a lighthearted story that doesn't take itself too serious. Its beautiful courses and mechanics along with a charming story will have anyone hooked for hours.… Expand
  10. Historik
    Sep 29, 2017
    10
    Brings me back to the days of Mario Golf on GBA. Graphics and music are outstanding. Dialogues are funny to read. For 15 euro, this is a game you surely can't miss on your Switch. Highly recommended.
  11. Tila90
    Sep 28, 2017
    9
    Do you have 15 bucks to spare? There has never been a game more worthy of your money than Golf Story.
    The game charming and addictive mechanics, and the very classic art style blend together perfectly in a game that came out of no where and surprised everyone. If you enjoyed the old school Mario RPG sport style games, you are in for a treat here.
  12. riverkev95
    Sep 28, 2017
    10
    Un RPG hermoso, es increíble lo que han logrado hacer con este juego, para ser de un deporte para nada popular como el golf, este juego rebosa calidad y es un toque interesante de buen aire retro.
  13. Slipurson
    Sep 30, 2017
    9
    As others have said, this takes you back to the times of Mario Golf, but with a bit more precision perhaps.

    There are many things to do except for just playing golf, as the name tells us, this is a STORY and you progress and level up by playing golf and finishing side quests that are available in each new area you unlock.

    This game is highly recommended with its low price tag of 15€/$
  14. bluebomber242
    Oct 2, 2017
    9
    A charming rpg with interesting golf mechanics. A very enjoyable experience for a very good price. There is also replayability and multiplayer as you can play the courses separately from the story once you unlock them. A top game to consider for Switch owners.
  15. riskman64
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    This game has all of the charm of Stardew Valley or Earthbound and the fun RPG and golf mechanics of Mario Golf or Mario Tennis. It's a must play on the Switch, and I really hope the developer makes a tennis version of this game. I'd buy that or Golf Story 2 on day one.
  16. Rbar
    Oct 4, 2017
    10
    Wonderful game! RPG of old reinvented. What a novel idea! This type of game is the reason I bought the system. Need more quality games like this on Switch.
  17. JRiv10
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    Definitely 15 dollars well spent. I often prefer cartoon golf games to realistic ones and this is no different. The game provides a fun story and a quick game mode if you just want to fire it up with some friends. This is definitely one of the best indies on Switch yet.
  18. Kenmei
    Oct 19, 2017
    8
    A very good sports RPG and the best golf RPG since the old Mario Golf for the original Game Boy. The game just oozes charm as the characters really carry the game to probably greater heights then what even the developers expected. It's a shame that the golfing mechanics are so very truly simple but also kinda cheap at times. When the wind is going even just 3 mph or less and it causes suchA very good sports RPG and the best golf RPG since the old Mario Golf for the original Game Boy. The game just oozes charm as the characters really carry the game to probably greater heights then what even the developers expected. It's a shame that the golfing mechanics are so very truly simple but also kinda cheap at times. When the wind is going even just 3 mph or less and it causes such a difference, there needs to be a change to some of the mechanics. Even still, this is an amazing indie game for the Switch and, for only 15 bucks, it's a no brainer for anyone who just generally wants to have a good time.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. tech101
    Sep 28, 2017
    9
    This game oozes with charm. Great story telling and a wonderful set up with rpg elements to leveling up as well as a point distribution system. Graphics are pretty basic but bright and colorful.

    While the golf is simple there still is a certain challenge there for all to enjoy.
  21. mac1275
    Mar 22, 2018
    8
    The writing feels a little off at points and a lot of the supposed charm from the dialogue falls a little flat for me. That said though, the RPG elements feel like a natural fit for this golfing game and create a very enjoyable and unique experience for the golf game genre. I was enjoying myself so much that I stopped noticing the dialogue in many spots and found myself just enjoying theThe writing feels a little off at points and a lot of the supposed charm from the dialogue falls a little flat for me. That said though, the RPG elements feel like a natural fit for this golfing game and create a very enjoyable and unique experience for the golf game genre. I was enjoying myself so much that I stopped noticing the dialogue in many spots and found myself just enjoying the fun story and gameplay.… Expand
  22. 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.
  23. Elias_Schmitz
    Oct 15, 2017
    8
    The game is absolutely amazing, the music, the gameplay, the characters and the story!!! My only one complain is that most of time it feels too easy for people that know how to play a golf game.
  24. 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
  25. TheGeekLantern
    Nov 30, 2017
    8
    El tema es simple: Si tuviste la suerte de disfrutar de los Mario Golf para GB y GBA te va a encantar este juego. Una experiencia para relajarse y disfrutar de un RPG fuera de lo convencional.
  26. Vile-Okami
    Oct 3, 2017
    8
    Fun game, though a patch to fix some of the more annoying problems like not being able to reset challenges could make it a high 8. Worth taking a look at.
  27. Popplagid
    Sep 30, 2017
    10
    This game is gorgeous. It's everything I hoped for. The atmosphere, the gameplay and the story are really good. Golf Story is addicting and just pure fun. A modern classic.
  28. thaesino
    Nov 18, 2017
    9
    A lot of ratings these days are based on comparison to the past, whether consciously or subconsciously. How did we talk of Mario Odyssey? Mario 64. How did we refer to Breath of the Wild's map? "Bigger than Skyrim's." How did Battlefield 1 sell so well? "CoD won't do boots on the ground" Etc etc etc

    So how do you compare Golf Story to another RPG? You don't.... Golf Story, like other    A lot of ratings these days are based on comparison to the past, whether consciously or subconsciously. How did we talk of Mario Odyssey? Mario 64. How did we refer to Breath of the Wild's map? "Bigger than Skyrim's." How did Battlefield 1 sell so well? "CoD won't do boots on the ground" Etc etc etc

    So how do you compare Golf Story to another RPG? You don't.... Golf Story, like other strange "one-of-a-kind" games of the past, cannot really be compared to another RPG. This game, had it been released on the SNES, would've given rise to another sort of "Harvest Moon" franchise, because it is a game that takes a real-life thing - a non-fantasy element - and places it in a realm we are used to looking at as "fantasy;" this is the RPG realm.

    And it does it well, very well. The music is wonderful. The dialogue is great, and funny, and doesn't try too hard to poke at little things here and there we already think about the world and people around us. The 8-bit style, as well as the music, are reminiscent, as many of these games are, of the SNES era; more specifically, 1994/95 in the SNES era., which is when games like Chrono Trigger, Tales of Phantasia, and Final Fantasy 3 (VI) were released.. these are all games with a similar style of both art and music, and a similar style of "hands-off" storytelling, in which the game slowly lets you in on the whole picture, through the characters.

    Why is this last bit important? Because, much like you don't need to enjoy farming to like Harvest Moon (or Stardew Valley), you don't need to know the slightest bit about golf to enjoy "Golf Story." You just have to be human... that's the only prerequisite, I guess. And open-minded to a different kind of RPG.. one that is neither "Western," nor "JRPG," and one that, because of this, can't really be compared to any other game, in the same way no one could compare something like Pikmin to whatever may have come before, even if there were similar elements as in other "creature command" games. Now, this is no Pikmin - neither is it Pokemon or Harvest Moon - but it is damn fun, and I really wish people would be willing to drop $15 on this instead of $40-60 on something they've already owned and thoroughly played before.    … Expand
  29. blawren4
    Oct 20, 2017
    8
    I was playing Splatoon 2 single player with just the final boss remaining, paused to play and finish Golf Story. The writing is great and I never wanted to skip the dialogue. the actual golf is surprisingly deep for how the game looks. The courses are interesting, though a little on the easy side for me, but not really a negative for me either. No other golf game will you get theI was playing Splatoon 2 single player with just the final boss remaining, paused to play and finish Golf Story. The writing is great and I never wanted to skip the dialogue. the actual golf is surprisingly deep for how the game looks. The courses are interesting, though a little on the easy side for me, but not really a negative for me either. No other golf game will you get the crazy courses. The only negative is the lame disc golf and mini golf sections. as a disc golfer myself, the writing around disc golf was perfect and very funny, but the disc golf gameplay parts could have been omitted. The mini golf sections were OK, but not meant for anything other than advancing the story. Anyone excited for the inclusion of mini golf and/or disc golf will be disappointed in those parts.… Expand
  30. karowhat
    Oct 6, 2017
    8
    If you're looking for a "take along" game for the switch golf story is perfect. You can jump in and out of it doing a couple little things at a time. A decent SNES style RPG, this game has a golf system that is a lot closer to Tiger Woods PGA tour than it is to old school golf. (while still remaining easy to learn and relatively basic) Along with a pretty funny main quest is a reasonablyIf you're looking for a "take along" game for the switch golf story is perfect. You can jump in and out of it doing a couple little things at a time. A decent SNES style RPG, this game has a golf system that is a lot closer to Tiger Woods PGA tour than it is to old school golf. (while still remaining easy to learn and relatively basic) Along with a pretty funny main quest is a reasonably deep golf engine that gives you far more control than a typical "drive/approach/putt" golf game. Totally worth the price as well. The only reason I didn't give it a 9 or a 10 was due to a little glitching that caused me to hard restart a few times (nothing major) and the lack of a long course or two. Save often!!… Expand
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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 »