Powerstar Golf

 Xbox One
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. GamesRadar+
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    Powerstar Golf blends time-tested mechanics with a unique style, rewarding your hard work with a pleasant sense of accomplishment. As long as you don't let the microtransactions ruin it for you, you're all but guaranteed to have a good time.
  2. Game Informer
    Nov 18, 2013
    80
    Zoe Mode is new to the golf scene, but Powerstar Golf plays a like a seasoned pro, nailing most of the fundamentals of the sport, and establishing its own identity by applying little magic to a gameplay formula we know well.
  3. Vandal
    Dec 3, 2013
    75
    The lack of EA simulator on next gen consoles cleared the space for this game, somehow closer to Everybody's Golf. For fans of this sport, Powerstar Golf is indeed a very solid experience.
  5. IGN Italia
    Dec 1, 2013
    75
    Engaging and fun to play, Powerstar Golf is a nice sport game for people who are not looking for a rigorous simulation. The value-for-price ratio is quite good.
  6. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Jan 11, 2014
    70
    Definitely fun for the whole family.
  7. Gameplanet
    Jan 7, 2014
    70
    PowerStar Golf doesn’t reinvent the golf-game wheel, but it’s a pleasant, laid-back diversion with a fun design sense and great camera controls that outweigh its relatively inoffensive microtransaction system.
  8. Game Revolution
    Dec 3, 2013
    70
    Powerstar Golf doesn't change much to the formula of pleasant casual golf titles. Though it's more difficult than it needs to be, is slightly short on content, and is focused on randomized upgrades, Powerstar Golf fits well within the genre, doesn't cost much at all, and give even the best pros a run for their money.
  9. Polygon
    Nov 27, 2013
    70
    It builds the type of seamless social experience that I'm hopeful we'll see a lot more of on this generation of consoles. But it also builds in an economic model that favors microtransactions over guaranteed, consistent progression.
  10. Eurogamer Italy
    Nov 26, 2013
    70
    Powerstar Golf is a pretty decent old school arcade golf experience. The lack of a real online multiplayer mode is fairly balanced by an entertaining and challenging Rivals mode.
  11. GameSpot
    Nov 25, 2013
    70
    This game covers well-trodden territory, but the way that it tracks your performance and the performance of your friends makes it a fine fit for the Xbox One's launch lineup, and a pleasant way to spend some time.
  12. Destructoid
    Nov 20, 2013
    70
    Powerstar Golf isn't particularly special, but it'll win over the hearts of golf fans for sure. If all you're looking to do is whack a ball down a course on a next-gen system with the occasional bit of positive reinforcement, Powerstar is your huckleberry.
  13. Eurogamer Spain
    Nov 19, 2013
    70
    Although not brilliant and with a few rough edges, Powerstar Golf is clearly one of the best offerings in Xbox One's launch digital catalog.
  14. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 18, 2013
    70
    It’s neither revolutionary, nor a next-gen leap, but Powerstar Golf is a cheery, entertaining experience regardless. We’ll be coming back to this for weeks.
  15. SpazioGames
    Nov 18, 2013
    70
    A fun golf game with no claims at all but that manages to entertain the entire family. Probably the best digital game from the Xbox One launch lineup.
  16. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Nov 18, 2013
    70
    Played on a gamepad, Powerstar might not have the grandma-pleasing intuitive appeal of a Kinect-powered title, but it's still a sweet and inclusive family game.
  17. IGN
    Nov 18, 2013
    70
    Powerstar Golf manages to successfully marry an old-school arcade golf experience with some decidedly new-school ideas. The lack of proper online multiplayer is a bit of a blow, but the Rivals mode has the potential to provide an ongoing challenge after you’ve scooped up all of the career medals.
  18. COGconnected
    Nov 29, 2013
    69
    Powerstar Golf has a strange addictiveness to it.
  19. games(TM)
    Jan 23, 2014
    60
    Anyone looking for a more substantial or skill-based party game will be better served elsewhere. [Issue#143, p.107]
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  20. Eurogamer
    Nov 28, 2013
    60
    Despite its exaggerated cartoon characters and picturesque sunsets, Powerstar Golf feels surprisingly staid and lacking personality.
  21. Meristation
    Nov 18, 2013
    60
    Play golf using the cloud and customize your characters with perks and accessories by gaining experience. One of the most interesting downloadable games for Xbox One launch window in terms of contents. It's good value for money.
  22. 4P.de
    Dec 4, 2013
    58
    Conceptually an interesting golf game, but it stays too superficial to be either a real challenge or to be more than short term entertainment.
  23. Everyeye.it
    Nov 19, 2013
    55
    PowerStar Golf is a casual game developed without ambition, that just retrieves the model, the color and style of many other colleagues.
  24. Official Xbox Magazine
    Nov 18, 2013
    55
    Powerstar Golf has its enjoyable strokes, whether playing solo, with local buddies, or while challenging an online rival's best score in an asynchronous mode, but truly head-scratching skill and progression choices diminish what's already an uninspiring clone.
  25. NZGamer
    Dec 18, 2013
    50
    If you LOVE golf games, feel free to bump that number up as high as you like, but for me it sits in the middle of our score band, nothing bad about it, but nothing great either.
  26. Post Arcade (National Post)
    Dec 17, 2013
    50
    Serious golf fans looking for a game capable of scratching their itch to hit the links through Canada’s long, cold winters aren’t going to find it here.
  27. Gameblog.fr
    Dec 11, 2013
    50
    Not too good, not too bad, Powerstar Golf is a classic arcade golf game for casual players. It's fun to play but not really precise in terms of gameplay and not deep enough to satisfy hard core golf players.
  28. Games Master UK
    Dec 19, 2013
    40
    Not new-gen material. [Jan 2014, p.63]
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Xbox One Game of 2013
16
#16 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2013
10
#10 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 134 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 134
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 134
  3. Negative: 44 out of 134
  1. starsi360
    Nov 26, 2013
    10
    Love this game. It reminds me and my mate of 'Outlaw Golf' we used to play all the time on the original Xbox, this is a close to a sequel asLove this game. It reminds me and my mate of 'Outlaw Golf' we used to play all the time on the original Xbox, this is a close to a sequel as we're ever likely to get! Graphics are great for an arcade title, full HD and running at what must be 60fps, silky smooth. Not quite as humerous as outlaw golf but the mechanics of the game and the extra powerups/upgrades you can use are fun and really add to the game.… Full Review »
  2. SILIC0NSURFER
    Nov 30, 2013
    8
    Powerstar golf is a game that far exceeded my expectations and here is why. Firstly the foundation for any golf game is the physics engine andPowerstar golf is a game that far exceeded my expectations and here is why. Firstly the foundation for any golf game is the physics engine and I'm glad to say that it feels accurate and true. Graphically it has a charming Pixar style, with a vibrant colourful palette, crisp visuals and good course design. For a game that started development as a 360 game and was bumped up to Xbox One launch title at the 11th hour, it looks pretty good.
    Ultimately though it's all about the gameplay and this game may surprise by it's depth. With RPG elements, unique character abilities, special caddy abilities and equipment/power up reward packs that pay tribute and a nod to Mass Effect 3's multiplayer system of unlocking goodies, there's a lot of value and gameplay here. I must also mention Rivals mode, where you play against one of your friend's rounds saved in the Cloud, played in real time, shot against shot and much like the ghost mode of Forza. While there isn't a online competitive mode, this is a great addition with both players being able to earn in game XP and best each other in a kind of virual time, lapsed way. Local turn based multiplayer is obviously included and is great fun. The courses are well designed with plenty of tactical or go for it moments to be had.
    Unlike EA's Tiger Woods titles that play a straight laced game of Golf (play some rounds, save up for the best clubs, win everything, get bored) this has 'Fun' written all over it. The gameplay is well balanced and your character's special abilities are limited to just the right amount per round ensuring you strategically choose the best moments to use them. The caddies you choose have special abilities too and perks which adds another layer of depth. The equipment packs are bought with in-game xp currency and adds a random chance element to what you're going to get, much like Mass Effect 3's fervour when hunting down the rare equipment, perks and unlocks. Don't be put of by the now all too frequent business of in game purchasing using real money. Here it's by no means necessary as you'll start to unlock some great equipment and perks with a few good rounds play. It's there for the impatient with money to spend and in no way will you have to pay to progress. The challenge of setting and beating friends records which are displayed on each hole and the addictive equipment pack system keeps me coming back for more.
    It would be easy to overlook this digital game when it's up against the 'big guns' however for $20/£16 and with a career mode which alone will last over 40 hours if you try to get all 'Golds' in the challenges shows it offers a deep challenge with real value for money. I'm hoping they've got some DLC planned, but even without it, I'll be playing this longer than the likes of Ryse.    … Full Review »
  3. Raikazu
    Dec 15, 2013
    7
    There's nothing innovative about this title but it's fun, and when it comes down to it isn't that what gaming is all about? A greatThere's nothing innovative about this title but it's fun, and when it comes down to it isn't that what gaming is all about? A great combination of casual play and completionist challenge.… Full Review »
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