If a video game system is released by Sony, at some point it will see a Hot Shots Golf title. Since 1997, the series (also known as Everybody's Golf in Japan) has seen eight titles across all four Sony systems. It's maintained a strong following amongst both those who love golf and those indifferent to the sport, thanks to a pleasant mixture of sophisticated simulation and invitingly cartoony style. With PlayStation Vita, it was only a matter of time before a Hot Shots title would surface; thankfully, Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational will join the system at launch.

The basic gameplay of Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational holds to the series' basic formula. The game is again developed by Clap Hanz, and again, it features the same classic game of golf. Swinging the club is done by pushing the button at the right time as a dot slides across a gauge, while keeping in mind complex variables like wind direction and course terrain. The player avatars are stylized, big-headed anime characters, and everything has a bubbly, colorful exterior. This formula has proven successful, using the cheery visuals and music to ease the frustrations often inherent to the game of golf.

What World Invitational adds to the table isn't a dramatic change so much as a series of upgrades, largely based on the Vita's new features. The graphics are sharper than ever, and there are more options for character customization than any previous title, offering a variety of hats, clothes, shoes, and other accessories unlocked through the main campaign. The gyroscope is used to adjust the camera and get a good look at the course, while the rear touch pad can adjust the character's perspective. Even the augmented reality features are implemented, allowing a real time first-person look at the course.

But most importantly,  Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational utilizes the Vita's networking capabilities to allow several forms of online networking. World Invitational will support several online multiplayer modes, compatible with both WiFi and 3G connections. The game will also be complemented by several pieces of downloadable content such as costumes and accessories. Best of all, the Vita's Live Area hub will be supported, so players can leave comments for each other and create a spirit of friendly (or, more likely, unfriendly) competition.

Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational has thus far been the best selling of the Vita's Japanese launch title, even surpassing the new Uncharted game. While it's yet to be seen if the Western releases will fare so well, the odds are in World Invitational's favor. It sticks to a proven formula, but it also adds a lot of new content that takes advantage of the handheld's exotic features. All of this will be available to the West on February 22^nd, along with the PlayStation Vita itself.

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