I got the game this afternoon, so a few impressions and screenshots below.
(the screenshots are off-tv pics made with the phone - sorry but the pixel counters will have have to wait for a DF video )
The character creator is solid, you have many possibilities from the get-go and more options will be available once you start unlocking more hairstyles, clothes and accessories.
You can greatly vary the body shape and size of the characters, and fine tune the spacing/height of all of the face features (hint: press R2 to access more options)
The characters I made so far are SD sized (big head and short body) but you can totally make normally proportioned characters, although they will always be a little cartoony.
After a short tutorial, the game eases you in a first course, and although it's been a few years since I played a Hot shots golf Game, everything seems as I remembered it.
The camera controls are on point and easy to use (sticks and buttons to inspect the course) and the way you swing is a classic 3 button-press gauge where you press X to launch the meter, then again to set the distance and the precision.
There are special holes on the courses, some have special "powers" like sucking your golf ball from a distance (Tornado), some are also larger and make the chip-in easier...
The first course is pretty easy with few hazards but it's nice to get a fell of the controls.
When you do some good shots, you gain some XP and this increases the power and precision of your shots when you level up.
Once you place good enough on the first course, a rival of sort appears, and you get to challenge them. From what I understand there are 3 rivals to beat at first, and then I'll be able to progress and probably unlock a new course.
Once you beat them, you gain their clothes, some XP and stuff like a new club or other stuff.
I barely touched the online mode yet, but it seems you are able to participate in some ranked games alone or in groups - and you get XP and gold depending on your performance. Also some timed events appear from time to time and if you participate you can have a chance at winning some monthly items (clothes and equipment from what I've seen)
I enjoyed the Go vacation games on Wii and I like being able to run around, jump or swim on the courses - sometimes finding items, coins and crystals (don't know yet what they're used for) The fishing mini-game and mini cars seem to be unlocked later because I couldn't find or access them yet.
So far I like it very much... can't wait to unlock new stuff.
