Harper Lin
The Golf Review Game Informer is a comprehensive and insightful resource for golf enthusiasts and gamers alike, offering detailed analyses, reviews, and updates on golf-related video games. From realistic simulations like *The Golf Club* and *PGA Tour 2K* series to arcade-style titles such as *Everybody’s Golf*, the platform evaluates gameplay mechanics, graphics, and overall immersion. It also highlights features like course design, multiplayer options, and career modes, helping players decide which titles best suit their preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual gamer, The Golf Review Game Informer provides expert opinions and comparisons to enhance your virtual golfing experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game Title | What The Golf? |
| Platform(s) | PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android |
| Developer | Triband |
| Publisher | Triband |
| Release Date | May 21, 2019 (PC), October 2019 (iOS/Android), May 2020 (Consoles) |
| Genre | Sports, Puzzle, Comedy |
| Game Informer Review Score | 8.75/10 |
| Reviewer | Andrew Reiner |
| Review Date | May 2020 (Console Release) |
| Key Praise | - Innovative and absurd take on golf - Hilarious level design and humor - Addictive gameplay with surprising depth - Excellent replay value |
| Criticisms | - Some levels can feel overly gimmicky - Limited traditional golf mechanics |
| Notable Features | - Over 100 levels with unique themes - Mini-golf, puzzle, and action-packed stages - Physics-based gameplay with creative obstacles - Local multiplayer mode |
| Price at Review | $12.99 (PC), $14.99 (Consoles), $4.99 (Mobile) |
| ESRB Rating | E for Everyone |
| Review Summary | A refreshingly funny and inventive game that redefines what a golf game can be. |
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What You'll Learn
- Gameplay Mechanics: Unique, physics-based golf with creative, unconventional levels
- Level Design: Varied, quirky, and increasingly challenging stages
- Graphics & Art: Minimalistic, stylish, and visually appealing aesthetics
- Replay Value: High due to humor, surprises, and unlockable content
- Controls & Accessibility: Simple, intuitive, and easy to pick up
Gameplay Mechanics: Unique, physics-based golf with creative, unconventional levels
Imagine sinking a putt by ricocheting your ball off a speeding truck, or using a houseplant as a makeshift club. *What The Golf?* shatters the staid traditions of golf, replacing them with a physics-based playground where creativity reigns supreme. Forget meticulously manicured greens and pars; here, levels are surrealist puzzles demanding lateral thinking and a healthy dose of absurdity.
One level might task you with launching a ball through a giant pinball machine, while another challenges you to navigate a course made entirely of household objects. The game's physics engine is both forgiving and delightfully unpredictable, allowing for moments of sheer brilliance and hilarious failure.
This isn't your grandfather's golf game. *What The Golf?* ditches realism for pure, unadulterated fun. Instead of perfecting your swing, you'll be experimenting with angles, exploiting glitches, and embracing the chaos. Each level feels like a miniature sandbox, inviting you to discover multiple solutions and unexpected outcomes.
The game's brilliance lies in its ability to constantly surprise. Just when you think you've seen it all, a new level introduces a fresh mechanic or a mind-bending twist. It's a testament to the developers' ingenuity that even after hours of play, you'll still be encountering moments of "Wait, you can do that?"
While the core gameplay is undeniably entertaining, it's the game's commitment to variety that keeps you hooked. Levels are short and sweet, perfect for quick bursts of play, but the sheer number of them ensures a lengthy and engaging experience. The difficulty curve is well-balanced, gradually introducing new concepts while keeping the challenge accessible.
What The Golf? is more than just a game; it's a celebration of creativity and the joy of experimentation. It's a reminder that games don't need to be realistic to be engaging, and that sometimes, the most fun comes from breaking the rules. So, ditch your expectations, embrace the absurd, and get ready to experience golf like you've never seen it before.
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Level Design: Varied, quirky, and increasingly challenging stages
The level design in *What The Golf?* is a masterclass in creativity, offering players a wildly unpredictable journey through over 100 stages that defy traditional golf mechanics. Each hole introduces a new twist—whether it’s golfing a house into a mailbox, navigating a ball through a pinball machine, or launching a cat into space. This variety ensures that no two levels feel alike, keeping the experience fresh and engaging from start to finish.
To appreciate the brilliance of this design, consider the progression: early stages ease players in with simple, physics-based puzzles, while later levels demand precision, timing, and out-of-the-box thinking. For instance, one stage tasks you with golfing a car through a traffic jam, requiring you to use the environment to your advantage. This escalation in complexity is seamless, never feeling unfair but always pushing you to adapt.
A key takeaway is how the game balances absurdity with accessibility. Despite the quirky themes, each level is designed with clear objectives and intuitive mechanics. Players of all ages and skill levels can pick it up, yet the increasing difficulty ensures even seasoned gamers are challenged. For parents or educators, this makes it an excellent choice for casual play or even as a tool to teach problem-solving in a fun, non-traditional way.
Practical tip: Don’t rush through levels. Take time to experiment with the physics and explore the environment. Many stages have hidden solutions or alternate approaches that reward curiosity. For example, in the "Golf in Space" level, understanding zero gravity mechanics can unlock a faster, more efficient solution.
In comparison to other physics-based games, *What The Golf?* stands out by avoiding repetition. While games like *Mini Metro* or *Human: Fall Flat* rely on a core mechanic with incremental changes, *What The Golf?* reinvents itself constantly. This approach not only keeps the gameplay dynamic but also ensures that players remain invested, eager to see what bizarre challenge comes next.
Ultimately, the level design in *What The Golf?* is a testament to the power of innovation in game development. By combining varied, quirky, and increasingly challenging stages, it transforms a simple concept into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual player, this design philosophy ensures there’s always something new to discover and master.
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Graphics & Art: Minimalistic, stylish, and visually appealing aesthetics
Observation: *What the Golf?* defies traditional sports game aesthetics, opting instead for a bold, minimalist art style that transforms each level into a visually striking puzzle. Its graphics are not about photorealism but about clarity and creativity, ensuring players focus on the absurd, physics-defying challenges rather than visual clutter.
Analysis: The game’s visual appeal lies in its simplicity. Clean lines, flat colors, and geometric shapes dominate the design, creating a cohesive look that feels both modern and timeless. This approach isn’t just artistic—it’s functional. By stripping away unnecessary details, the developers ensure that every element on screen serves a purpose, whether it’s guiding the player’s eye or emphasizing the absurdity of the scenario. For instance, a level set in space uses stark contrasts between dark backgrounds and bright, neon-colored objects to highlight the trajectory of the “ball,” making gameplay intuitive despite the chaos.
Comparative Insight: Unlike hyper-realistic golf simulators, *What the Golf?* borrows from the visual language of indie darlings like *Monument Valley* and *Human: Fall Flat*, where minimalism enhances gameplay rather than detracts from it. This stylistic choice also allows for seamless transitions between wildly different level themes—from a kitchen table to a medieval castle—without jarring the player. The result is a game that feels like a curated art gallery, where each level is a unique exhibit.
Practical Takeaway: For developers and designers, *What the Golf?* is a masterclass in doing more with less. Its art style proves that visual appeal doesn’t require complex textures or high polygon counts. Instead, focus on consistency, purposeful color palettes, and geometric precision. Players, meanwhile, can appreciate how the game’s aesthetics enhance its core experience: a hilarious, physics-based puzzle that never takes itself too seriously.
Final Thought: Minimalism in *What the Golf?* isn’t just a design choice—it’s a philosophy. By embracing simplicity, the game elevates its quirky gameplay, proving that sometimes, less really is more. Whether you’re a developer seeking inspiration or a player craving something fresh, its visuals are a testament to the power of restraint in design.
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Replay Value: High due to humor, surprises, and unlockable content
Analytical Insight:
The replay value of *What The Golf?* isn’t just a byproduct of its design—it’s the core of its appeal. Unlike traditional sports games, where mastery of mechanics drives repeat play, this title leverages absurdity as its currency. Each level introduces a new twist, from golf balls morphing into housecats to physics-defying environments. This unpredictability creates a dopamine loop: players return not to perfect their swing, but to uncover the next bizarre scenario. Humor acts as the glue, with visual gags and fourth-wall-breaking moments ensuring that even failed attempts feel rewarding. The game’s brevity (levels last seconds) compounds this, making “just one more” a habit rather than a commitment.
Instructive Breakdown:
To maximize replayability, focus on three layers: humor, surprises, and unlockables. First, treat humor as a discovery tool. Levels like “The Floor is Lava” or “Golf in Space” aren’t just funny—they’re invitations to experiment. Second, surprises aren’t random; they’re structured. The game’s progression feels like a curated comedy show, with each act escalating in absurdity. For example, a level where the ball becomes a car isn’t just a one-off joke—it’s a setup for later stages where vehicles become the norm. Lastly, unlockable content (new levels, modes, and cosmetics) serves as a tangible reward system. Completing the “Story Mode” unlocks a harder “Party Mode,” while hidden challenges reveal secret levels. Pro tip: revisit early levels after unlocking upgrades to see how mechanics evolve.
Persuasive Argument:
Critics often dismiss humor in games as a fleeting gimmick, but *What The Golf?* proves it’s a sustainable strategy. The game’s surprises aren’t just laugh-out-loud moments—they’re memory hooks. Players recall specific levels (“The one with the sheep!” “That level where you’re a toilet!”) long after finishing the game. Unlockable content amplifies this by creating a sense of progression. For instance, unlocking the “Infinite Mode” turns the game into a chaotic endurance test, appealing to both completionists and casual players. This trifecta of humor, surprises, and rewards ensures the game stays installed on your device, not as a forgotten purchase, but as a go-to for quick, unpredictable fun.
Comparative Perspective:
Compared to peers like *Super Stickman Golf* or *Golf With Your Friends*, *What The Golf?*’s replay value stems from its rejection of traditional golf mechanics. While those titles rely on precision and competition, this game thrives on chaos. Humor here isn’t a side dish—it’s the main course. Surprises aren’t easter eggs; they’re the foundation. Unlockables aren’t cosmetic fluff; they’re narrative extensions. For example, where *Golf With Your Friends* offers new courses, *What The Golf?* offers new realities (golf as a horror game, golf as a dating sim). This radical approach ensures players return not to improve, but to experience the next absurdity.
Descriptive Vignette:
Imagine this: You’re on Level 72, where the “golf ball” is a screaming goat, and the goal is to launch it into a blender. The physics are deliberately wonky, the background music is a kazoo solo, and the success screen congratulates you with a meme. Now, you unlock a new mode where every shot triggers a fireworks display. This isn’t just a game—it’s a cabinet of curiosities. Each session feels like opening a new drawer, revealing something stranger than the last. The humor is slapstick, the surprises are relentless, and the unlockables are trophies of your journey through this surreal world. It’s not about winning; it’s about witnessing what the developers dreamed up next.
Practical Takeaway:
To fully exploit the replay value, approach *What The Golf?* as a snack, not a meal. Play in 10-minute bursts to keep the humor fresh and the surprises impactful. Prioritize unlocking “Secret Levels” first, as they contain the most outlandish concepts. Share the game with friends—the absurdity is contagious, and co-op modes amplify the chaos. Finally, don’t rush. Let the humor land, savor the surprises, and appreciate the unlockables as milestones in a journey through one of gaming’s most inventive minds. This isn’t a game you beat—it’s a game you revisit, laugh with, and marvel at.
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Controls & Accessibility: Simple, intuitive, and easy to pick up
One of the most striking aspects of *What The Golf?* is its ability to distill the essence of golf—and gaming itself—into a control scheme so simple, a toddler could grasp it. The game operates on a single, intuitive mechanic: click and drag to aim, release to swing. This stripped-down approach eliminates the barrier to entry that often plagues sports games, making it instantly accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. For instance, a 5-year-old can pick up the game and start hitting balls within seconds, while a seasoned gamer will appreciate the precision required in later levels. The brilliance lies in how this simplicity never feels simplistic; it’s a masterclass in minimalism that serves both the game’s humor and its challenge.
However, simplicity doesn’t mean a lack of depth. *What The Golf?* subtly introduces variations on its core mechanic to keep players engaged. For example, some levels require you to drag in specific patterns or time your release to navigate obstacles. These additions feel like natural extensions of the base controls rather than arbitrary complications. This gradual layering of complexity ensures that players never feel overwhelmed, even as the game’s absurdity escalates. It’s a design philosophy that prioritizes clarity and fun, proving that accessibility doesn’t require sacrificing creativity.
From an accessibility standpoint, the game’s controls are a triumph. There are no convoluted button combinations, no need for quick reflexes, and no reliance on fine motor skills beyond basic mouse or touch movement. This makes it an ideal choice for players with physical disabilities or those who find traditional gaming controls intimidating. Additionally, the game’s short, bite-sized levels allow for frequent breaks, reducing the risk of fatigue. A practical tip for parents or educators: use *What The Golf?* as a tool to introduce young children or non-gamers to the medium, as its controls require no prior gaming knowledge.
Comparatively, other sports games often bury players under layers of tutorials and button prompts, creating a steep learning curve that can alienate newcomers. *What The Golf?* flips this script by embracing radical simplicity, proving that a game can be both accessible and endlessly entertaining. Its controls are so intuitive that they become invisible, allowing players to focus on the game’s humor and creativity. This is particularly evident in levels where the “golf” part is entirely abstract—launching a car, hitting a house, or even playing as a chicken. The controls remain consistent, grounding the player even as the game’s logic spirals into delightful chaos.
In conclusion, *What The Golf?*’s controls are a testament to the power of thoughtful design. By stripping away complexity and focusing on what truly matters—fun—the game achieves a level of accessibility that few others can match. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more. Whether you’re a gaming veteran or a complete novice, the controls invite you to dive in, experiment, and laugh along the way. This isn’t just a game about golf; it’s a game about the joy of play itself, and its controls are the perfect gateway to that experience.
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Frequently asked questions
'What The Golf' is a comedic mini-golf game that parodies traditional golf mechanics, offering absurd levels and unconventional gameplay. Game Informer praised its creativity and humor.
Game Informer highlighted the game's unique and chaotic gameplay, noting its blend of physics-based puzzles and over-the-top humor, making it both entertaining and unpredictable.
Yes, Game Informer recommended 'What The Golf' for its fresh take on the golf genre, its short but engaging levels, and its ability to keep players laughing throughout.
Game Informer noted that 'What The Golf' is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, making it accessible to a wide audience.
While Game Informer praised the game, they mentioned that its short length and occasional repetitiveness might not appeal to players looking for a longer, more traditional gaming experience.
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