Family Video Game Reviews for Parents

True Swing Golf
Publisher: Nintendo
Official Site: http://www.nintendo.com/

ESRB Rating: E
Reviewed Platform: Nintendo DS
Available Platforms: Nintendo DS
For up to 4 players (through DS wireless link).

Overall: A
Violence: A
Sexual Content: A
Language: A
Alcohol/Drug Use: A

What is this game about?

It is, very simply, a golfing simulator that makes excellent use of the Nintendo DS touch screen. You use the stylus (the little pencil) to swing your virtual club. That’s it. No other big bells or whistles.

Is it fun to play?

For something that’s so simple, the answer is a surprising yes. The beauty of this game is that it’s not trying to be anything else. Oh, you can win prize money at tournaments, compete at events and buy fancier clothes and equipment that will help your game, but that never really alters the basic gameplay.

For some, that will be a real bonus. This game is meant to be played in short spurts, such as when riding a bus or taking a short break during the workday. So, you don’t want anything overly complicated. The pick-up-and-play ease of this title makes it the perfect links title for virtual golfers on the go.

And while the game may be simple, it does require some skill. You grab the club head with your stylus, draw it back (how far determines the power) and then flick your wrist towards the ball at the top of the touch screen.

The flick does two things: First, how fast you flick it determines the speed of the clubhead, which affects the distance the ball travels and, second, where the stylus makes contact determines whether you hook, slice, hit the ball straight or miss it completely (which results in a penalty stroke).

There are more than 15 courses, each of which is quite highly detailed for a handheld title. The courses require different strategies, just like real golf. And thanks to the wireless feature, you can play against up to four people off of a single game since the others can download it from you.

What do parents need to know about True Swing Golf?

From a parent’s perspective, this is a fantastic game for golf fans of all ages in that it combines simplicity with a lack of any kind of controversial material.

True Swing Golf is all about the sport. Period. No cheerleaders in skimpy outfits. No drug-abusing players. No temper tantrums if you make a bogey.

The courses vary, so there’s replay value in the game. The gameplay is simple, yet challenging, so that makes it somewhat addictive despite its barebones nature.

If your child is curious about golf, this is a great starter game in that it will introduce all the concepts at play in the real game, such as hooks, slices, how wind affects shots, traps and learning how hard to hit the ball. So long as your child can grasp the idea of distance and power, I see no reason why someone as young as seven or eight couldn’t get comfortable with True Swing Golf in a hurry.

It’s rare to find a video game that doesn’t rely on bells or whistles or controversy to sell itself, which is why True Swing Golf is such a find. Do yourself and your kids a favor if you enjoy golf and look for this game. It’s a lot of fun.