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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. crazymurdock
    Feb 11, 2018
    10
    I'm playing an 8 bit golf RPG, and loving every second. This is very unexpected. This game just has so much charm. Its constantly hilarious. This is definitely in my top 3 Switch games.
  4. LiTeRaLyShAkInG
    Oct 8, 2017
    10
    Golf Story certainly came as a surprise. I'd call the game a sports RPG, which yes, needs to become a genre. Much of the game plays like an RPG, but instead of random battles you play the golf. A lot of this is doing simple challenges people ask you to do, but some of them are just crazy, like using golf balls to stop an undead army. After a golf game you gain experience which you canGolf Story certainly came as a surprise. I'd call the game a sports RPG, which yes, needs to become a genre. Much of the game plays like an RPG, but instead of random battles you play the golf. A lot of this is doing simple challenges people ask you to do, but some of them are just crazy, like using golf balls to stop an undead army. After a golf game you gain experience which you can use to level up and improve your golfing skills. When you're not golfing, the game plays like a typical RPG where you'll run around doing "quests" for people. Thanks to the creative characters and humorous dialogue this remains interesting.

    Sometimes you'll have to do full 9-course games. There are some twists to courses, like turtles you can bounce the ball off of, jack-o-lanterns that send your ball off flying into the distance, birds and moles which grab your ball and drop it into an undesirable place, and many other things. Obviously, the game is very tongue-and-cheek. Writing is very important in an RPG, and fortunately the writing is excellent. The story keeps you interested, and the game is full of charm and humor.

    Apparently this game plays like the Mario Golf games, but I haven't played those, so I can't comment. The golfing aspect of the game works perfectly. It's challenging enough to not be easy, but not enough to where you'll get frustrated. Even if you don't like sports games, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try. It's only $15 and there are few better ways to spend $15. The game clocks in at about 30 hours.

    Frankly, I want to see more sports RPGs. There is so much you could do with this genre. For example, you could do an RPG about boxer where the gameplay is like Mike Tyson's Punch-Out. Also, it doesn't have to be funny, it could serious or tragic. Or you could do a game that makes you laugh and then cry. There is so much potential here. I hope the guys who made this make another sports RPG, although I could understand if they want to do something else. Golf Story is a Switch exclusive, and frankly, Nintendo should hire these people and give them a real budget.

    The only real problem with the game(here it comes) are the glitches. I had one major glitch that was fixed by restarting the game, but some people are running into game-breaking glitches. These will hopefully be patched, but unfortunately, in the meantime we're kind of beta-testing. Still, the odds that you'll run into a glitch that will prevent you from finishing the game is unlikely. I was constantly worried, though, when I couldn't figure out what to do next. I did have to resort to Google a couple of times to figure out what to do next, but that's normal for me.

    So bottom line, get this game. I want to see more games like this. Don't worry if you don't like sports games. I hate sports games, too, but I loved this game. It's an RPG where the random battles are replaced with golfing, and it works flawlessly. You owe it to yourself to check it out. Also, ignore the critics who gave this game a low rating. Look at all these indie games with critic scores in the high 80s and user scores in the mid-70s. It's a crime that a game with a user score this high gets a critic score of 81(as of writing this). Pay attention to the positive response from gamers instead.    … Expand
  5. Bandwagon
    Oct 4, 2017
    10
    good game very nice thank would like more very good nice thank i like the game really nice good yeah like it good buy it with your money and play it on switch
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Bargros12
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    While this may seem odd for a Nintendo gamer, I actually do enjoy golf quite a bit. That, mixed with the amazing RPG elements it offers, have me hooked to it. It has an amazing atmosphere, great music, and an impressive story and cast as well. A definite must-own for switch users.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Charsquatch
    Dec 25, 2022
    10
    Excellent game for golf fans with the best music in vidio games in the past 20 years.
  19. 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
  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. 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. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. mrswitch2687
    Nov 12, 2017
    9
    This game is linear. A to B complete the quests. Game Over. But, you will have damn good fun going from A to B. The game-play is fun and they have found various, interesting diverse ways to make golf- a notoriously dull sport- into something engaging and entertaining. The story is funny and actually left me wanting a sequel. You never know, crazier things have happened. Also, this game isThis game is linear. A to B complete the quests. Game Over. But, you will have damn good fun going from A to B. The game-play is fun and they have found various, interesting diverse ways to make golf- a notoriously dull sport- into something engaging and entertaining. The story is funny and actually left me wanting a sequel. You never know, crazier things have happened. Also, this game is cheap- under half the price a full retail game costs. Even if you are not a sports fan, this game is worth a try; it kept me locked on my switch for hours and when I finished- part of me wanted to live through it all over again. The only drawback is the odd miss when it comes to mini games, the final course takes a fairly steep difficulty leap and that maybe, it ended slightly too abruptly. But that is all I have got.
    In short, buy it!    … Expand
  29. Rikze
    Sep 30, 2017
    9
    Ive never expected to like a golf game, but this game is really good and fun to play! It has a few bugs, so i will only give it 9/10, but i hope to see more games from this company!
  30. 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
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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 »