While Hot Shots 3 doesn’t revolutionize the series by any stretch of the imagination, it delivers sweet PS2 graphics and loads of slick refinements that make it another must-play game. Like the previous versions, Hot Shots 3 lets up to four players talk smack while smacking golf balls, and that spirit of “friendly” competition, along with the game’s smooth playability, is a huge part of what makes playing the game so good. The strong one-player side offers a Vs. mode where you unlock 15 characters, a deep Tournament mode where you climb the rankings and unlock five courses, and a nine-hole par-3 course. Hot Shots 3 also awards points for your accomplishments, which you can cash in for better clubs, balls, power-ups, and other goodies. The most intriguing addition, though, is the National Tournament mode. Although Sony’s long-delayed online-gaming plans haven’t yet seen the light of day, this mode enables you to compete nationwide. By logging on to a Web site, you can get a password that unlocks a tournament in your game. After playing, you report your score to the Web site with a code the game generates. While it’s hardly true online gaming, it’s a cool idea, and Sony plans to offer prizes and new tournaments every month. When the scorecards are turned in, there’s no doubt about it. Hot Shots 3 is both the PS2’s best golf game and a fine party game to boot.
