Teeing off with Let's Golf (Gameloft)

My opinion piece, iPhone 3.0, Beating the PSP and DS at their Own Game had barely hit our iPhone World Blog last week when I spotted Let's Golf in the App Store. Any reservations about the quality of games that will populate the iPhone platform will immediately be removed when you begin playing with Gameloft's latest title. Let's Golf brings a superior, arcadesque console golfing experience to the iPhone that is enjoyable and addictive.

Upon launch, the cinematic trailer at the beginning, prepares you for a game that is filled with amazingly polished and sophisticated graphics. However you still can't help but be surprised when you see the detailed 3D terrain, ambient lighting and the well rendered animated characters. Playing is smooth, playing is so smooth. I must stress the fact that gameplay has a genuine console feel to it that is absent from most other titles we have seen on the iPhone. Gameloft's titles really seem to get better with each release!

Let's Golf allows you to play 63 holes in 4 locations around the world - Fiji Beach, English Countryside, Scottish Lochs (locked) and the American Mountains (locked). There are 4 different playing modes to suit your fancy: Instant Play, Multiplayer, Tournament and Free hole. In addition to the expected multiplayer over wifi, Gameloft has included an additional Hotseat option, where you play against yourself. With so many different modes of gameplay, Let's Golf has a really high replay value and you will truly enjoying pitting your skills against the game's AI. 

There are four customizable characters with stats showing off their individual strengths and weaknesses. Initially, you will have access to Vincent and Elena, while Chris and Jack are unlocked as you advance further in the game. You can unlock more customization options and courses. It would be really great if the characters' stats were not fixed, but could improve with practice or by winning tournaments. 

Navigation and control are two of the most important feature of any game on the iPhone platform. With all their previous titles, Gameloft has demonstrated a mastery of this and it is evident in Let's Golf's easy to use and effective implementation. Firstly, there are two different methods of control, Classic and advanced. Classic uses the standard power and accuracy (P&A) gauge to make a swing while advanced uses a backward and forward swipe gesture with the P&A meter as a guide.

What we would love to see

- The ability to cancel a swing when using classic controls. (I can see however, how making it a one time ordeal only fair)

- The spin really doesn't seem to affect the ball that much. Also it would be great to be able to make more precise spins.

-More courses

Hint: Shake your iPhone, while playing to hear your character whistle. So now that you know what a great game this is, what are you waiting for? Let's Golf! Grab copy from the App Store for $5.99. Check out our gallery for more screenies.