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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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!
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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

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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.
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  3. games(TM)
    Dec 3, 2017
    80
    Classic golfing with a fun story, and few flaws. [Issue#194, p.83]
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