Initial release date: July 25, 2024
Genres: Sports video game, Casual game, Indie game, Simulation Game, Sports
Developer:Â Starlight Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Publishers: Starlight Games, Starlight Games Limited
Series:Â House of Golf
My early years were spent playing mini golf. I used to go to a site called Markeaton Park, which was close to my childhood home in Derby, with my parents usually every other week. There, I fell head over heels in love with the insane golf course. Even though I’m terrible at golf, I have some of the most treasured memories of playing at Markeaton. House of Golf 2 allowed me to relive those memories in the comfort of my own house while playing a game that takes place in someone else’s, as opposed to being outside in the great outdoors.
House of Golf 2 appears to be a simple game at first glance. You play golf in various rooms of the house, similar to how Micro Machines had you racing in kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces. Each hole has a certain amount of strokes required to putt the ball in, but the unique and extravagant layouts of each course make for some hilarious results. Although it can be extremely frustrating at times, you will learn the subtleties of the controls and the layouts of each course.
It is simple to learn and play. Select the direction in which you want to hit the ball, then accelerate your shot and finish with the club. The free camera lets you move freely and zoom in and out to check if there are any specific spots where the ball may be played to escape the different traps and obstructions in your path. You can place the ball on the tee at the beginning of each hole. Trick shots, or thinking outside the box to go closer to the hole, are rewarded, and on certain courses, there are numerous ways to putt the ball without using your hands.
The camera moves around the course before each hole to give you an idea of what to expect. Avoiding obstacles such as moving toy trucks, spilt paint and ketchup, snakes with mouths that open and reopen, and whirling saws are essential. At times, timing is crucial, and at other times, you can completely avoid them. On one course, instead of walking around the full course, I teed off facing the exact opposite direction so I could knock the ball past a few pencils and building blocks and deposit it directly on the green.
Half the joy of playing House of Golf 2 is discovering all the secret passageways and hidden routes scattered throughout the area. While playing by yourself might be entertaining, playing with loved ones is considerably more enjoyable. On the other hand, it’s funny to watch other people get just as irritated as you do. However, it also makes for some amazing memories to see their reactions when you make a stunning shot to get an Eagle from what seemed like an impossible course. It’s all about enjoying yourself and not being overloaded with options. Turn it on, get in, and have fun.
There are countless courses in House of Golf 2, from the living room to the garage. You will find a course in every part of the house. In addition to attempting to win a bronze, silver, or gold trophy, there are numerous balls to unlock and gather so you may always be playing with fresh ones. It feels more like a party game than a sports game, and playing by yourself isn’t as enjoyable as playing with a partner. While you may still play alone, having other players to challenge you makes the game more resilient.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 75%
Story – 50%
Aesthetics – 70%
Content – 68%
Accessibility – 85%
Value – 72%
Overall Rating – 70%
Good
Summary: House of Golf 2 is a fantastic option if you’re seeking for a challenging game. It can be annoying, particularly in the beginning when you’re adjusting to the power gauge and learning its limitations. I can’t even begin to count how many balls I hit out of bounds or how many times I tried to climb a ramp or cross a gap, but with practice, you’ll ultimately succeed. Although there isn’t much to do outside of competing in tournaments, the abundance of obstacles and layouts is fantastic, and it’s a fun game to play occasionally with friends.