Usually, I’m very competitive. A bad loser, in other words. However, golf is the sport I’m worst at but am still able to enjoy it greatly.
It’s a ton of fun. Just standing in front of the TV and swinging your butt with the WiiMote in hand, like the real professionals do.
Of course, like with most sports, there are plenty of games to go around. Unfortunately, few of them are free and of really good quality.
OGPlanet‘s Albatross 18 was one of the more popular and most fun golfing games available. Sadly, due to circumstances, it was forced offline. However, the project has been picked back up by Ntreev and has made a big comeback under the name of PangYa.
PangYa
With its kiddie anime graphics and playful atmosphere, one shouldn’t expect a serious game of golfing from PangYa. Instead, the game aims for the online multiplayer market with a more casual approach. Anyone can enjoy this game, without being limited by age or experience.
It’s a crazy world out there, with fantastic vulcanic landscapes and physically impossible golfing shots, and everyone can have a go.
Those of you that played Albatros 18, the American part of what is now called Pangya, can transfer over their accounts to Ntreev here.
Gameplay
PangYa uses the same basic gameplay system like most other (mini) golf or pool games: aim, power and accuracy. Instead, the real originality lies in the incredible surroundings and impossible challenges.
Versus Mode is like most golf games. The objective of this turn-based mode is to get the ball into the cup in as few swings as possible. Challenge your friends and play a game of 3, 6, 9 or 18 holes.
Family Mode is essentially the same as the versus mode, only it lets you play with up to four different characters on a single user name. This is a great way to play against family or friends without them needing to sign up.
Tournament Mode puts thirty people in one game. Instead of the turn-based gameplay in the Versus Mode, everybody gets to play at the same time. You must complete all 9 or 18 holes (depending on the game) within the time limit.
Pang Battle Mode is stroke play with a betting system. You can wager Pang on each hole, and the winner takes all. This gets even more exciting when nobody manages to claim a win, and the wages are pushed to the pot in the next hole.
Approach Shot Mode challenges you to get your ball as close to the cup as possible, without claiming it. It’s like boules with golf balls and a cup in your playground.
Often with these games, the initial gameplay is free, although some of the additional items – like extra clothes and new equipment – cost a little bit of money. However, to avoid favouratism of the money users, the impact of these extra items is kept as low as possible by Ntreev. An alternative currency, Pang, can be earned while playing the game, which can also be used to upgrade characters or purchase special items.
Minimum System Requirements
OS: Windows 98 / 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP
CPU: Pentium III 800Mhz or higher
Memory: 256 MB or higher
Video Card: Geforce 2 MX or higher
Direct X version 8.1 or higher
Tagged: golf • multiplayer games • online games • sports
