Flick Golf 3D is yet another touch-based mobile game to receive a port onto Nintendo's handheld, having previously been launched in its original incarnation around five years ago on iOS. The title is both accurate and misleading at the same time; there's plenty of flicking to be had, but not too much golf. Flick Golf 3D is essentially a high-score target practice game presented within a golf theme and (thankfully) minus any annoying micro-transactions or in-game ads.
Your first steps are to learn how to play; there's a brief tutorial which takes you easily and painlessly through the basic mechanics. When the ball is in play, everything is controlled via the touchscreen, including the camera controls. A flick of the stylus launches your ball into the air (following the trajectory of your stroke direction) with shot strength dictated by how long each stroke is. There are no clubs to select from; just aim for the hole and swipe. Once the ball is airborne, you are able to magically alter its direction by madly swiping where you'd like it to land, as well as adding spin for landing. There's a handy trail coming off your ball, which changes colour according to whether or not you've applied topspin or backspin, a left curve or a right curve. Using these basic controls, it's fairly straightforward to coax the ball into landing and rolling exactly where you'd like it to end up. You'll also need to take into account the changing wind conditions for each shot and amend your strategy accordingly.
Tutorial completed, it's time to head out for a round of golf. However it's disappointing to find the golf courses on offer are not strictly speaking golf courses at all, but a series of holes requiring a single shot to reach them. There are no pars or birdies or eagles in Flick Golf 3D - gameplay consists of hitting a number of one-off shots to achieve the highest score possible; how many shots depends on the mode selected. It's worth pointing out that across all three modes there are no multiplayer options to be had; Flick Golf 3D is a solo experience only.
The first of these modes is Quickshot; an against-the-clock race to rack up as many points as you can within 90 seconds. It's possible to gain additional time by sinking a hole-in-one or landing close to the flag within one of the marked score zones, which are defined by an archery-style target / boundary system of circles. Land outside of the outermost boundary and it's no points, no extra time. Bonus points are gained through meeting certain criteria, such as hitting the pin or sinking a hole-in-one with no bounces.
World Tour mode sounds like it should be the real meat on the bones, but it's basically the same again only instead of being against the clock, each course of holes only allows for nine shots to build up the points. Trophies are gained by reaching tiered score targets and you'll need to keep collecting these to unlock the later courses (six in total) which are each themed on a different scenic location. Although as mentioned already, it's a little bit of a misnomer to call them 'courses' – each location is played around a single hole and the impression of moving around a golf course comes from taking shots at different tee-off points dotted around the environment.
The third and final game mode is Quickshot Pro; a much tougher version of Quickshot with a harsher time limit. Unlocking the later courses in this mode requires speed and skill and it provides a welcome manic panic-inducing change from the more sedate World Tour mode.
It's clear from the initial set-up, accessibility and throw-away gameplay that Flick Golf 3D has firm roots in mobile gaming, but pleasingly it's helped along by some lovely well-drawn visuals and stereoscopic 3D effects. The high-score based gameplay is addictive in short doses; however it's a shame to find no online leaderboards with which to try for bragging rights - there is some limited StreetPass score sharing functionality for Quickshot mode only.
Conclusion
Flick Golf 3D isn't going to win any awards for being an epic golf game, but it is a well-made handheld score attack title, as well as one of the better mobile-to-3DS transitions. Developer Full Fat has clearly made an effort to optimise for the platform, which is refreshing to see. While you won't be playing for hours on end (and variety is a little thin on the ground), Flick Golf 3D is worth grabbing this for those moments when you don't have time to sink into a gaming session, or need a bit of light relief. Come at this without expecting anything earth-shatteringly deep and there's some fun to be had here, albeit in small doses.
Comments 16
Once again a game not available in german eShop.
Like Tappingo 2 and many others.
What up Nintendo? Why are these games only in UK eShop?
(fortunately I have more 3DS and I can see both eShops).
Was waiting for the review now to make a decision..........still not sure 😭
What about no?
I've just wasted enough money in lacklustre eShop golf games (the very first game on the platform and a mini golf one), i give up and wait for everybody's golf to come to ps4 (and them I'll be forced to buy that useless system)
Have this on mobile devices and other Flick Golf games from Full Fat and they're all really fun to play, one of the few games ive managed to play with others on a mobile device personally i'd give it 7-8/10 as its alot of fun to play.
Yes 6 is awful low. I love this have on Android. It's an excellent example of a good time waster game.
@Koapa I don't t think Nintendo are in any way responsible for this stuff. I seem to remember that publishing in Germany was extra expensive for some reason which led some developers to the conclusion that the extra sales weren't worth releasing in Germany.
@Koapa I don't t think Nintendo are in any way responsible for this stuff. I seem to remember that publishing in Germany was extra expensive for some reason which led some developers to the conclusion that the extra sales weren't worth releasing in Germany.
@Koapa I don't t think Nintendo are in any way responsible for this stuff. I seem to remember that publishing in Germany was extra expensive for some reason which led some developers to the conclusion that the extra sales weren't worth releasing in Germany.
@SuperCharlie78 ouch - personally think the PS4 is an awesome bit of kit. My 3ds gets more attention but only because of my busy life
@DadOfFour1972
Sorry, I meant useless for me, I obviously respect your choices and tastes, I own every PS system ever released and played a lot of games on them, I just don't need a PS4 yet.
Same old stuff, no new interesting features, lots of remastered and sequels and cross gen titles, just with better graphics. On the other hand I need a new Everybody's Golf (Hot Shot Golf for the american friends) in glorious full HD XD
@DadOfFour1972
My fourth son is coming this september!
A boy, which makes two boys and two girls
Well that's disappointing. Why would I want a barebones golf game where you don't actually play golf? I'll stick to "Let's Golf 3D," where one of the minigames is actually similar to what you get here but with superior button controls.
@SuperCharlie78 congratulations. I have 4 boys! Eldest is 18 now, makes me feel old 😃
I would love an Everybody's Golf for the PS4 - I still play the PSP/Vita versions on occasion.
The following 3ds games are better:
Mighty Switch Force! 3DS
A08KTPJP0M38N8XK
Woah Dave! 3DS
A08MQC922W543B8M
OlliOlli 3DS
A08MFV4900M58S96
Moon Chronicles Episode 1 3DS
A08M5E7C30UMDF3W
SteamWorld Dig 3DS
A08LRSWG1BP6MLJG
Gunman Clive 3DS
A08L7BM426K1E7EF
Thanks to Humble Bundle for codes.
I will eventually get this title. The review is decent. I will however wait for a sale. 400% mark up from the Android market doesnt really float my boat. I would be willing to pay say 200% mark up since its in 3d. I am getting tired of these android conversions which are 400% to 1000% marked up coming to our market. What are we a bunch of rich boys and girls?
@Aeruon Just trying to contribute to the magic of nintedolife !
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