Pure Mini Golf

Genre: Sports (Mini-Golf)

Players: 1-4 Competitive (Local Alternating)

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Review:

(Note: This game is included in Pure Mini Golf and Pool Puzzles Bundle, along with Pool Puzzles.)

Pure Mini Golf, released on Nintendo Switch in 2022, is a game that presents the Sport of Mini-Golf in a simple and almost zen-like manner, aiming to be a relaxing experience more than a simulation of the Sport.

To that end, the presentation here is pitch-perfect. The game uses a minimalist 3D style that uses simple shapes and only a few colors, but it presents a clean, elegant look that’s quite appealing. This is backed by a lovely, calming new age-y soundtrack. Also, I have to note that the actual sounds of the ball as it taps walls or sinks into the hole are pitch-perfect, and not only sell this as a Golf game despite the abstract imagery, but fit in perfectly with the game’s calming atmosphere.

As for the gameplay, it’s fairly simple and straightforward – use the analog stick to rotate the angle of your hit until you’re satisfied with the direction, then hold down the A button to determine the shot’s power. It’s not especially deep, but it doesn’t need to be.

That complexity can come from the game’s levels, which start out simple but grow more elaborate over time. The game boasts 50 levels, which doesn’t seem like much, but since this is a $4 game, that’s easily forgiven.

No, the one real issue I have with this game is the lack of control players are given over the camera – it can be zoomed in and out, brought directly overhead, or rotated to multiple fixed angles, but you can’t move it freely or line it up behind the ball in the direction you want to hit it. This means that on occasion it’s more difficult to line up your shots than it needs to be.

Still, while there are a few things I would change about Pure Mini Golf, overall this is an excellent calming experience that’s well worth the $4 price tag. If you enjoy Mini-Golf and want a simplified version of the sport, or just want a nice, relaxing experience, this game does that wonderfully, and its low price tag makes it easy to recommend.

tl;dr – Pure Mini Golf is a simple, almost zen-like experience that takes Mini-Golf to its basics with a relaxing presentation and engaging gameplay, all for a low price of $4. I wish there were more content, and I want better control over the camera, but overall this is a delightful, relaxing game at a great price – I definitely recommend it.

Grade: B

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This game has been nominated for one or more of eShopperReviews 2022 Game Awards:

Runner-Up: Best Sports Game, Best Value ($4)

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