Nina Caldwell
Desert Golfing is a minimalist golf video game developed by Canadian indie studio Blinkbat Games and designed by Justin Smith. It was released on August 6, 2014, for iOS and Android, and on December 19, 2017, for Windows and macOS. The game takes place in an endless side-scrolling desert, where the player can shoot a golf ball using a one-finger swipe to determine direction and power. The goal is to make the golf ball reach each hole in the fewest shots, but when this happens, the game continues with a new, pseudorandomly generated course, meaning the game seemingly never ends. So, how long does it take to beat Desert Golfing? Well, one player claimed to have beaten the game after playing for 300-400 hours over 3 or 4 years, somewhere between hole 21700 and 21800.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Minimalist golf video game |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Release Date | August 6, 2014 (iOS and Android), December 19, 2017 (Windows and macOS) |
| Developer | Blinkbat Games |
| Designer | Justin Smith |
| Gameplay | Player shoots a golf ball with a one-finger swipe to determine direction and power |
| Course | Endless side-scrolling desert made entirely of sand |
| Goal | Reach each hole in the fewest shots |
| Course Generation | Procedurally generated with human-orchestrated constraints |
| Course Features | Environmental features and color palette changes |
| Holes | Over 2000+ holes with varying difficulty |
| Average Strokes per Hole | 2.49 average over the first 1000 holes |
| Achievements | Metaphors for different forms of mortality |
| Sequel | Golf on Mars with additional spin mechanic |
| File Size | 1.1 MB |
| Average Playtime | 300-400 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Procedurally generated holes
Each hole in Desert Golfing is procedurally generated, with human-orchestrated constraints that introduce new gameplay aspects, environmental features, and colour palette changes as the game progresses. This means that the game never truly ends, and the player's score is solely dependent on how long they play.
The procedurally generated nature of the holes in Desert Golfing adds an element of unpredictability and challenge to the game. While the basic mechanics of the game remain consistent, with players using a one-finger swipe to shoot the golf ball and control its direction and power, the layout and obstacles of each hole are unique. This keeps players engaged and challenged as they adapt to the constantly changing course.
The human-orchestrated constraints that shape the procedurally generated holes in Desert Golfing serve to gradually introduce new elements to the gameplay. As players advance through the holes, they encounter new obstacles and environmental features that require them to refine their strategies and techniques. This dynamic nature of the game ensures that players remain engaged and challenged throughout their journey.
The colour palette changes in the later holes of Desert Golfing are particularly notable, with some players speculating that they represent a day-night cycle. This visual shift not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the game but also provides a subtle indication of the player's progress and the evolving nature of the course. The colour changes may also impact the player's perception of the holes, influencing their approach and strategy as they navigate the changing landscape.
The endless nature of the procedurally generated holes in Desert Golfing is a defining characteristic of the game. While there have been updates to include an eventual ending, the core experience is one of continuous play and improvement. Players can always strive to beat their previous scores, refine their techniques, and adapt to the ever-changing course, creating a compelling and addictive gameplay loop.
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No menu or restart button
The mobile golfing game Desert Golfing is set in an endless, side-scrolling desert. The player's goal is to make the golf ball reach each hole in the fewest shots. However, the game has no menu or restart button, and players only have one chance at each hole before they must move on to the next one.
The game continues with a new, pseudorandomly generated course after each hole, making the game seemingly endless. Players can only exit the game and preserve their progress by closing the app and reopening it later. This unique feature adds a layer of challenge and permanence to the gaming experience.
The lack of a restart button encourages players to embrace their mistakes and focus on continuous improvement. Each hole presents a unique set of obstacles, and players must adapt their strategies accordingly. While some holes may be easy, others may require multiple attempts to conquer.
The absence of a menu button also contributes to the minimalistic design philosophy of the game. Desert Golfing prioritizes simplicity and addictive gameplay, offering players a pure and uninterrupted golfing experience. The game's creator, Justin Smith, intended to create a game with an immediate challenge, and the lack of a menu or restart button emphasizes this focus.
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Tricks and techniques
- Accuracy is key: As the course is made entirely of sand, the ball's physics can be unpredictable. Aim slightly into the sand to control the ball better and putt more effectively.
- Manage the sand's friction: The sand in Desert Golfing has a lot of friction, affecting the ball's movement. Learn to manage this friction by adjusting your swipe strength and direction accordingly.
- Avoid hazards: Desert golf courses often have hazards such as water, washes, and sand traps. Always set the line of your swing to avoid these hazards and keep your score low.
- Stay on the grass: While it may be tempting to play your ball out of the desert, it is risky and may damage your club. Stay on the grass, whether it's the fairway or rough, to avoid these potential issues.
- Maximize distance: Most desert golf courses are long, so maximizing distance on your shots is beneficial. However, always balance distance with accuracy to avoid hazards and keep your score low.
- Learn from each hole: Each hole in Desert Golfing presents a unique challenge. Learn from each hole and apply those tricks and strategies to future holes. Remember, progress is always the goal.
- Adapt to new environments: As you progress through the game, new environments will force you to learn new techniques. Pay attention to the physics of the world and adapt your strategy accordingly.
- Manage momentum: On certain holes, you may need to manage the ball's momentum to prevent it from rolling down slopes or off ledges. Learn to stop the ball midway up a slope or bounce it off one flat surface onto another.
- Practice consistency: A few double-digit holes don't define your overall performance. Focus on consistency and aim to improve your average score over time.
- Embrace the journey: Desert Golfing is about the journey across the desert. Embrace the uninterrupted nature of the game and focus on making incremental steps forward.
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Spin-off sequel
- 'Golf on Mars': This spin-off could introduce a new planetary setting, with altered physics and gameplay mechanics. The lower gravity on Mars could be a game-changer, allowing for longer drives and higher jumps. New challenges could include navigating the ball through Mars' unique landscape, featuring craters, dust storms, and rocky terrain. The red hue of the Martian surface could also provide a visually distinct experience.
- 'Desert Golfing: Tournament Edition': This spin-off could introduce a competitive multiplayer element to the game. Players could face off in tournaments, with brackets and elimination rounds, adding a social and interactive dimension to the game. Power-ups and special abilities could be introduced to give players an edge over their opponents.
- 'Desert Golfing: Extreme Edition': While the original Desert Golfing has a minimalist aesthetic, this spin-off could amp up the visuals and introduce extreme environments and obstacles. Imagine golfing in a desert filled with towering sandworms, quicksand pits, or even a desert storm that affects ball trajectory. The game could also introduce power-ups and special balls with unique abilities to enhance gameplay.
- 'Desert Golfing: The Quest': In this spin-off, the player embarks on a quest through the desert, where each hole presents a unique challenge or puzzle. Completing a hole could unlock new areas to explore, with hidden bonuses and secrets to discover. The game could introduce non-playable characters (NPCs) who provide quests, tips, or even compete against the player.
- 'Desert Golfing: Infinite Sands': This spin-off could expand on the endless nature of the original game, introducing new biomes within the desert, such as ancient ruins, oases, and rocky canyons. As players progress, the holes could become increasingly complex and surreal, with shifting sands and optical illusions. The game could also incorporate a dynamic weather system, with sandstorms and gusting winds affecting gameplay.
- 'Desert Golfing: Community Edition': This spin-off could introduce community-created content and user-generated levels. Players could design and share their own holes, creating an infinite variety of challenges. The game could feature a level editor, allowing players to customize terrain, obstacles, and environmental effects. Players could rate and review user-generated levels, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
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Minimalist design
Desert Golfing is a minimalist golf video game developed and published by Canadian indie studio Blinkbat Games. It was designed by Justin Smith and released on August 6, 2014, for iOS and Android, and on December 19, 2017, for Windows and macOS. The game takes place in an endless, side-scrolling desert, where the player can shoot a golf ball using a one-finger swipe to determine direction and power. The "golf course" is made entirely of sand, making the physics of the golf ball more unpredictable and difficult to control, similar to being in a bunker. The objective is to get the golf ball into each hole in as few shots as possible, but when this happens, the game continues with a new, pseudorandomly generated course, giving the impression that the game never ends.
The minimalist design of Desert Golfing is evident in its simple gameplay mechanics and sparse visuals. The game has a straightforward objective: to get the golf ball into the hole in as few shots as possible. This simplicity makes the game accessible and easy to understand for players of all skill levels. The game's controls are also minimalist, requiring only a one-finger swipe to control the direction and power of the golf ball. This swipe-based control scheme is intuitive and allows players to focus on the challenge of mastering the unpredictable ball physics in the sand.
The visual design of Desert Golfing is also minimalist, featuring a simple colour palette and a focus on the essential elements of the game. The game takes place in a desert setting, with a predominantly sand-coloured backdrop and a blue sky. The golf ball and the hole are the only prominent elements on the screen, ensuring that the player's attention is directed towards the task at hand. The sparse visuals create a sense of calm and allow players to focus on the gameplay without distractions.
The minimalist design of Desert Golfing extends beyond its visuals and gameplay to its audio design as well. The game features no music or sound effects, creating a sense of tranquility and allowing players to immerse themselves in the gameplay fully. This absence of audio also contributes to the game's overall minimalist aesthetic, emphasising the simplicity and purity of the golfing experience.
The endless nature of Desert Golfing is another aspect of its minimalist design. The game continues indefinitely, with new holes generated procedurally as the player progresses. This endless gameplay loop encourages a meditative state of mind, as players settle into a relaxing rhythm of tackling one hole after another. The lack of a traditional ending or victory condition reinforces the minimalist philosophy of the game, emphasising the journey and the process of improvement over external rewards.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the player's skill level and the number of holes they aim to complete. Some players have reported taking 300-400 hours to reach holes between 21700 and 21800.
Yes, there are three different "endings" in the game: 2866, 3xxx, and the intentional "fade-out" in the late 3000s. These endings are fascinating metaphors for different forms of mortality.
The goal is to make the golf ball reach each hole in the fewest shots possible. The game continues with a new, pseudorandomly generated course, so it never truly ends.
Desert Golfing was initially released for iOS and Android in 2014, and later for Windows and macOS in 2017.
No, there is no menu or restart button in Desert Golfing. Players must move on to the next hole after completing or failing the current one.
