Hot Shots Golf 3 (PS2) - 19. Versus Zeus

Visitors to my channel might remember that in 2025 I released a playthrough for Hots Shots Golf on the original PlayStation, and while struggling with the escalating challenge it offered, I actually had a fantastic time playing it. Since then, my eyes have been opened up to digitised golfing experiences, just in general. Naturally, this has led me to playing some of the other releases in Sony's line of PlayStation golf games. Hot Shots Golf 3 is the North American localisation of Minna no Golf 3 (Everybody's Golf 3), and I stress localisation since, from the second entry onwards, the developers (Clap Hanz) made the decision to change the roster of characters, from the golfers to the caddies. It does give it something of a different vibe although, curiously, this version only released in South Korea otherwise. There was never a European release of Hot Shots Golf 3. And that is a shame since this is everything you would want from a PS2 version of Everybody's Golf, it runs at a far higher frame-rate than it's earlier entries, which means taking shots feel more responsive. The environments are appropriately detailed and animated in a manner that simply was not possible on Sony's aging PSX hardware. Hot Shots Golf 3 is also far more forgiving as an experience... For the most part. The tournaments escalate in challenge far more gradually, and you can buy different clubs and different balls in order to suit your style of play. It means you are never stuck to the specifics of a golfer, allowing you to tweak them based on the equipment you can use. Ofcourse versus fights still be very difficult, and can be quite an RNG experience given the nature of chip-in shots and eagle attempts, much like Everybody's Golf 1, computer opponents can do near miraculous shots in some holes, but unlocking those extra characters can be just as rewarding and ultimately the difference maker to trickier courses, such as Bagpipe Classic. Hot Shots Golf/Everybody's Golf on PlayStation 2 might arguably be the peak of this franchise to many players, by virtue of those technical upgrades offered only from Sony's Emotion Engine powered hardware of the time. While the series would continue onward, even to this day with the recent multiplatform release on modern systems, it would struggle to capture this same energy, with audience tastes, and Sony studio efforts, being moved elsewhere from the world of lighthearted golfing simulations. VIDEO CAPTURE INFO: I used a GBS-Control running component video (YPbPr) through D-Sub 15/RGBHV into a Open Source Scan Converter (OSSC 1.6). Video output is HDMI digital video, motion deinterlaced 480i, processed as 480p then linedoubled as "480pX2" through the OSSC itself (hence the crunchy look of the visuals). Video capture was made possible using a Elgato HD60X and OBS, with further editing and encoding made possible using Davinci Resolve and Handbrake respectively. If there are any questions you have about my video capture process then please let me know (Y) ----------------------------------­------------ A NECESSARY EVIL: ------------------------------------­------------ Any copyrighted footage I use is covered under fair use laws, or more specifically those listed under Section 30(1) of the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1989 and under section 107 of US Copyright Act 1976. This video exists purely for the purpose of research and criticism. I do not make a profit from any uploaded content, nor do I intend to. Thank you for watching.