Standard golf can only be jazzed up so far, but by its very nature, miniature golf is just crying out for enhancement and improvement. In King of Clubs, gamers play on over a dozen different mini golf courses based around six different themes such as prehistoric, medieval, or Egyptian. In addition to standard miniature golf obstacles and hazards, players can use clubs and golf balls with special abilities to make their way around the course. With tournament, career, fast play, and even a speed version of the game, King of Clubs provides a decent option for some fun golf-related Wii entertainment.

The game has a half dozen or so different course settings, with each setting containing two different courses. This gives a nice variety to play through but, unfortunately, the first few settings are somewhat similar so the courses don’t really feel all that different until you are midway through the game. In most solo game modes, you earn cash for good performances which can then be used to buy useful upgrades or to simply add some fun customization to the game. Most of the cosmetic changes available include selecting a ball color, changing the colored “streak” your ball leaves behind while it moves, etc… Thankfully, most of these customization options start out unlocked and are inexpensive to buy, letting new players quickly change a few things around. More significant toys can be unlocked like a more powerful putter or special balls. Special balls and a few other toys are single-use only. So if you want to use the special extra-bouncy ball you’ll have to buy a new one for each stroke you intend to use it. You can even buy Mulligans, which can come in handy when you’re staring down the last tee in an important game and you manage to shank it completely.

The game totes its quirky characters and wild courses, but the characters do not bring all that much to the game. The courses are adequate but not overwhelming (especially in the first few courses when it seems you’re always golfing in the middle of a desert). The gameplay is solid, there aren’t any glaring bugs, but the game is a port from other consoles and it shows in its lack of native Wii support. Rather than use full feedback of the Wiimote, to golf you aim with the arrow keys, press a button and tilt the Wiimote to set a power setting, and press a button again to lock in the power. Swing the Wiimote and your golf swing executes. Unfortunately, the game could care less how fast or accurately you swing the Wiimote, you just have to swing it and the golf shot executes. This makes the game slightly easier on one level, but also makes the game less intuitive and immersive. At this stage of Wii development, it is unfortunate for a game to fail to take full advantage of the Wiimote’s capabilities.

Despite the lack of Wii-specific controls, King of Clubs is still a fine game. The solo game provides a bit of challenge as you progress. Since you can purchase better equipment as you play, there is an incentive to return to older courses with your new gear to get better scores. The party modes are decent and can be played fairly quickly, the speed version is particularly fun. While King of Clubs is not a top-tier Wii release, it is a solid title and worth a look for someone wanting to pick up a slightly silly miniature golf game on their Wii.

 Kid Factor: With its somewhat old-school control scheme the game isn’t quite as pick-up-and-play as games like golf in Wii Sports. On the other hand, once a child has grasped the mechanics of aiming their shot, shots are more precise than a direct feedback control on the Wiimote. As the golf courses are supposed to be renovated “run-down” courses, there is a bit of behind the scenes ironic humor that will go over most kids. (The Elvis impersonator, for instance, is definitely an old-Elvis style not the young Elvis.) While the game isn’t targeted at younger kids, I agree with the ESRB rating of “E” making it appropriate for preteens.
 

Tags: Game Reviews