Golf Story had quite the run-up to its first anniversary. The main game itself also received a physical edition along with the in-game mini-game GALF receiving a physical edition as well. On top of that, the digital version received a discount of 34% off. That sale is what inspired me to finally cross the sporting RPG off of my backlog.

Developer: Sidebar Games

Publisher: Sidebar Games

14 Hours Played // Purchased Copy // $14.99

You play a nameless golfer with the worst hair in video games attempting to climb the ranks of the golf world after taking a long hiatus from the sport. This golfer travels across eight unique courses ranging from a graveyard to the tundra to the Paleolithic era. Playing on these courses are a varied cast of characters that have the player complete golf related challenges for experience points and money.

The overworld map used to move between different golf courses

Golf Story is a fun golf game, but not an original one. This game plays exactly how you would imagine a gold video game to play. One click sets the aim, another sets the distance, and the last click sets the accuracy. It is the same system as Golf on the NES or every other golf game since ever. Sinking a chip in birdie is still riveting, but it isn’t a unique experience.

Most of my issues with Golf Story come from the RPG aspects. The stats feel arbitrary in that increasing one over the other isn’t necessarily a choice. If a stat isn’t perfect, put points into it until it is. All my interactions with the RPG systems involved putting points into “Power” which would make my “Purity” worse, so I would have to put more points into “Purity” until it was perfect again. The RPG parts of Golf Story aren’t deleterious, but they don’t add very much.

I have no idea what any of these things mean

One thing that Golf Story does do well is writing. The game feels like a walking sim at times due to long stretches involving only character interactions. Fortunately, this is a very good walking sim. All the characters I was meant to like, I adored. Probably because everyone is hilarious. I never expect a game that sets out to be funny to, in fact, be funny. Golf Story manages it. I will be playing the game and laugh (literally out loud) at something funny. Later in the day, I’ll find myself thinking about that situation and still laugh about it. This is potentially the funniest game I have ever played.

I took no less than four screenshots of this man mowing in various ways

A large part of the charm comes from characterization through clever use of font and text boxes. Sidebar Games asked themselves what they were allowed to do with these elements, and the answer they settled on is basically whatever they want. Moving through a conversation often features different sized text based off how meek or boisterous a person is at the moment. The text box will tilt if the dialog is meant to read as doubtful or confused. Font scrolling speed increases in moments of urgency or distress. Touches like these allow for more insight into the personalities of each character.

Literally out loud

Closely behind my love for the characters is how much fun the set pieces are. Naturally, there are rounds of golf throughout the story, but most time on the golf course will be spent solving problems in a golf-related fashion. All of these are tutorials to teach game mechanics, but they are fun and interesting on their own. One character wanted me to hit some baubles over to an island to protect them from birds. Necromancers were trying to raise a skeleton army that could only be defeated by pelting them with golf balls. A beach party had far too many red beach balls, so I was tasked to pop them on a nearby crab.

I assure you that I do not

For the people interested in an arcade golf game, this will satisfy that craving. However, only playing Golf Story for that would mean missing out on where the game truly shines. The story is a meaty and hilarious romp through several unique environments. It’s an experience that I would highly recommend.

Our other bite-sized review on Fast RMX is available here. Check out the review of Sausage Sports Club if silly sports games are what you’re after. Share your thoughts with us by joining our Discord. Nindie Nexus is an ad-free passion project – consider buying us a coffee.