THE GOLF CLUB 2
A swinging success
With this sequel, HB Studios has made a conscious effort to appeal to a wider audience, yet still keep the original game’s focus on accuracy and skill. Initially even learning how to make a solid swing takes patience in The Golf Club 2. There are no meters here; instead, your swing relies on carefully guiding the thumbstick to get the right tempo on the backswing and downswing. 1
There’s a hefty amount of detail and nuance. For the perfect shot, you’ll have to take into consideration things like wind and the lie of the ball, as well as adjust your loft, fade, and draw, to get the angle and direction just right. But by combining flexibility with basic guidance, the developer has effectively bridged that perilous gap between complexity and accessibility.
No matter how authentic the experience, eventually getting those balls in those holes can get a bit samey. Thankfully there’s a robust social element to keep things from getting stale. Online and local play lets you unleash your competitive side against others, in real-time or using ghost play. This community aspect is further bolstered by the introduction of Societies, allowing you to utilise your golfing talents collectively to amass funds and build your clubhouse into a virtual golfer’s plaid-wearing paradise. 2
Adding to the 20 developer-created maps is the fantastically detailed course creation feature. You can also test your skills on other players’ creations – granting some serious miles to the game’s longevity. Ultimately The Golf Club 2 may land in the rough more than the green, but it has enough about its controls and modes to take a swing at. Anne Marie-Coyle