Reader Reviews

Sony T-Series Minigolf

by Klaus Preisinger

With new golf games popping out everywhere one might think golf was a sport for rooms where the only illumination was a TV-set. But ever since Scotsmen clubbed their balls, Mother Nature was the perfect surrounding for this sport. Sony obviously thinks the same and so it comes that all new T-Series model cell phones now feature a nice minigolf game, so we all can enjoy both: mother nature and golfing. The game itself features one 18-hole minigolf course. But if you're short on time, you can also choose only to play nine holes. One can either go up against the computer on three different difficulty settings or battle up to three human players. Interestingly, players can either switch possession of the cell phone all the time or use the infrared/Bluetooth option of their cell phone.

Considering the gameplay Sony chose to use the trusty old three-click system. First aim the ball then the first click starts the swing, the second decides on the power and the third one on the accuracy. Even experienced player might note that while it is easy to hit the power meter right, getting the proper accuracy can be very tricky in this game.

And accuracy is the one thing you do need on this course. Most setups are rather simple, but hard to master if you are going for the inevitable hole in one. The accuracy required is high enough so no one can waltz through this in 18 strokes just after a few training runs. In fact most times you'll know how but just can't pull off the timing required, let alone 18 times in a row. On the presentation side, the graphics are simple and nice while the sound is restricted to some effects and the ever-applauding audience. Animations are virtually non-existent as they are restricted to three frames while teeing off. The graphics are a little down since they only use 256 colors which is just what smaller T-Models can display but owners of the T-610 might find it too plain to be really good.