There is the kind of drama that has distressing plot reveals and twists. Then thereâs Golf Storyâs brand of raw dramaâdelivered through hysterical dialogue, rap battles, and geese.
In 2017, who knew an indie title about an underdogâs rise in a pro golf circuit could be so compelling? Golf Story, the Nintendo eShop sports game with RPG elements, is full of heart. It isnât simply a sports story, however. Among other things, it also manages to pack in an occult subplot, disc-throwing jerks, sausage rolls, and a series of funny and dramatic events. The odd combination to all its parts makes Golf Story a game thatâs charming and extraordinarily unique.
Itâs also a game that hasnât made me feel this sorry for a protagonist in a really long time.
Golf Story succeeds as an in-depth golf game. It is serious about the sport as seen through the golfing terms and moves crammed into its lexicon and gameplay. Slopes, wind speeds, golf club types, deep roughâthe list goes on. As a non-golfing aficionado, the game can make your head spin. Thankfully, itâs also accessible and fun, even if challenging in parts.
Where Golf Story truly shines for me, however, is in its very witty writing. This game really sells just how down-and-out your character is.
Take a look at the bullying he endures:
Not too bad, right? Well, it is actually. These disc-throwing characters are incredibly rude, all the time.
Then thereâs the rap battle your guy gets dragged into, which was way too fierce:
No one deserves to be embroiled in a fight of such magnitude.
The touching beginning to the game makes the harsh comedic tongue-lashings and treatment of the protagonist all the more painful. In its first moments, which also acts as the gameâs tutorial, Golf Story shows a past memory of our young character learning and enjoying golf with his dad. As with almost every other moment in this golf game, humor interrupts the quiet scene when angry geese flock to the golf course in a sausage roll debacle. They act as obstacles which gives Golf Story a clever, comical way to teach the gameâs mechanics.
The story of the boy and his father playing golf together is the driving force behind our protagonistâs every action. Itâs a simple set up to be sure, but one that allows players to root for him, especially as so many NPCs rag on his skills as the game progresses.
But if youâre unconvinced that our golfing hero does not deserve your sympathy, check out the drama which unfolds involving his estranged wife:
Golf Story is extremely ridiculous. Itâs also incredibly dramatic, even if overly so. Although delivered with comedy and played for laughs, the drama is real.
Alright, not really. Not all the time. But itâs a surprising indie game that did wonders to blend its bizarre and amusing moments with some real heartfelt ones that made its protagonist so relatable and pathetic.
Okay...heâs not always a saint but hey, let he who is, cast slice the first fiery golf ball.
