Original Release:
Japan: ???
North America: 2000
Europe: ???
Game Details:
1-4 Players
VMU enabled
Standard Controller
VGA Box (Original Release must be tricked)
Gameplay
Unknown to me until RDC’s release (thanks guys btw), Tee Off
is an English localized port by Acclaim Entertainment of a Japanese release on
a golf game known as “Golf Shiyouyo” by developer Bottom Up. The gameplay
provided here is low on sim but establishes fun and easy to grasp game
mechanics that can appeal to players of all ages as well as fans and non fans
of the sport alike. Game modes available for play revolve around a “World Tour”
mode which is the games single player quest mode to attempt at becoming the
world’s greatest golfer, a “Free Round” encompassing both “Point Tourney” and “Stroke”
rules of play. Rounding out available game modes are “Match play” and “G-ball”,
the latter being a pretty addicting croquet style game. The game provides 11
golf personalities to choose from, each with their own attributes providing a
diverse cast to the sport. Less then half are available from the get go while the rest of the cast must be unlocked.
Story
Since golf tournaments are held in all corners of the globe,
each region lays claim to the “Best Golfer” title. However, there has never
been a unification of golf organizations with the goal of discovering a Master
Golfer… until now.
And the plot thickens!
Graphics
Considering the games production originally hails from Nihon-koku,
the game presentation is very light hearted and charismatic. From the games
mushy but catchy intro sequence right down to the cast of characters themselves
interpreted in a cutesy anime chibi like design. The games visuals may or may
not cater to players depending on their taste. All in all though, while the
games visuals aren't that impressive, it’s more than adequate
and nicely done for what they are.
Sound
The game's audio would be near perfect but unfortunately
misses its mark as a result of the English localization. The game's music is
excellent, with some very catchy tunes heard regardless of what country you
golf in. I found the music very uplifting and beneficial to the stale sport of
golf. The minuses in this category come from the English dub which is SO stale
and lifeless as well as sounding way too loud (be prepared to lower the “voice volume”
on the game option mode to avoid teeth grinding).
Conclusion
Tee Off was a welcoming surprise, especially to this old
Dreamcast junkie who is always under the impression that just about all the
best games on the library have already been experienced. If you crave some
Dreamcast 4 player fun in a sport outside of some Virtua Tennis, give Tee Off a
shot. It may just be right up your alley.
6/10
