- Shot Online - A Preview

When we think of MMORPG's, we traditionally think of the "hack 'n whack" genre that started the online gaming craze so many years ago. Beginning with the text-type games that were more riddles than anything else, and working our way towards the likes of World of Warcraft, Ultima Online, and Everquest II, these titles have been the leaders in what the newest games will provide... until recently.

More and more we're seeing new titles come out that are more social than combative. Titles such as Second Life, The Sims Online (the whole Sims™ craze, for that matter), Toon Town, and others. This new genre of MMORPG is providing an atmosphere of friendliness and gathering together for tea rather than chasing each other around with broadswords and wizardry. And, while the traditional gaming is still in full force, these new titles are filling a gap in consumer needs that has existed for quite some time.

It is becoming more and more understood that there is a whole group of consumers out there that have been forgotten - the non-combative, yet highly competitive, online gamer.

Titles such as Second Life provide gamers with a world of creativity, and The Sims Online gives players the social aspect of things... But what about those that really would like to be socially competitive with others? It's all fine and good to sit down with a cup of tea and look at your host's big house and self-created art, however, how do you compete with them one-on-one and feel like you've proven your mettle on even ground?

Or maybe you've always wanted to go golfing, but never had the time or the money to get out to the course? Does the thought of wearing some of those clothes scare you?

Shot Online might be for you, then! Players can practice their putting, try their hand at the long ball on the driving range, or play courses with other fellow players. Earn money (or NG as it is called in game) by performing well. You can enter tournaments and even quest.

This new title is Tiger Woods meets The Sims Online. You can socialize while competing against one another in a completely civilized and ages-old fashion!

When I first entered the world of Shot Online, I was greeted with a listing of previous and upcoming in-world events. It was like the weekly Social Events calendar that comes in your Sunday newspaper. At a glance, I was able to see just how active the GMs are in this game... since they are the ones hosting many of these events. How nice is that... to actually get to meet and greet - and compete - with your GMs!

I created my new golf star and off we went to tour this new world. And, while I must admit that after playing Everquest II, the UI was a bit confusing, after a few minutes I was able to quickly move my way around. I toured the club grounds, and found it to be surprisingly simple and at the same time pleasant to be in. To speak with various NPC's, there was no zoning in and out of buildings or trying to nudge your way in to see. Shot Online uses a 3rd person view (just as Ultima Online and The Sims Online do), providing a nice and easy access to what you seek. While many people may prefer the 1st person view, in many situations it's just not the best to have. That being said, the view itself is limited to just your immediate area. I was unable to find any way to zoom out to give me more of a look at where I was and where I wanted to go. There is an on-screen map, however. So you are given some direction as to where everything can be found.

My first order of business was to go through the in-game tutorial. I was met by a nice young lady who showed me the art of proper swing and club usage. We spent some time together before her next appointment going through the various options and tools available. It was a pleasant experience, and by the time I was done I felt like I could join the pro tour! Thankfully, though, I chose instead to find my way to the practice range.

I say thankfully because for the life of me, I could not hit those darn bonus targets!

After a bit of time on the driving range, it was easy to see how addicting this title could be. I never made it to the public courses, considering I felt my skill needed some work, however I was driven to be successful with my shots. While I was going through the tutorial, I found myself thinking this game would be a nice, relaxing place to go after a long, hard day of "hack 'n whack" somewhere else. I could bring my clubs and stand in the sunshine while taking my frustrations out on the green. However, I quickly discovered that this was just not to be. You are given some targets to aim for, and successfully hitting them provides you with in-game currency for a reward. And, you are given a certain number of golf balls to work with. So this is not a "try, try again" scenario.

I'm still trying to hit those targets!

Shot Online has some visually appealing places to go once you venture outside of the practice course (which you must do after you reach level 10). It is easy to find yourself involved in the game just as you would if you found yourself teeing off in the Ryder Cup.

As with any title, there are pros and cons that must be addressed. Shot Online is no different. The UI seems a bit cluttered and clumsy to the uninitiated, and can be overwhelming to those of us that prefer a simple UI to deal with. The in-game FAQ seems limited in providing information. And the limited game view provides me with some concern. That being said, however, Shot Online is still in its early stages and I see a lot of potential here for some fun and expansion. The in-game events are a wonderful part of this title, one that is lacking in most MMORPGs today, and I believe that alone will carry this title far. Add to that the new genre of socializing while competing in a non-combative fashion, and you've got a winner in my book.

The engine is based on real life mechanics. If the weather is bad, for example, you may have to change your strategy at how you follow through with your shot. You have to be sure to use the right club for the situation to get good results. Characters experience real problems on the course. They can get fatigued. The more you enhance your skills and practice, the better that you will become. Characters are customizable by tradable items. If you want a new look, you can simply buy it. Buy golf shoes, outfits, and hairstyles from NPCs or from other fellow players. Special items can help to enhance your game play. You can buy special golf clubs, or drinks to help with fatigue.

If you’re a golfing fanatic, or even just curious about what it’s like, try Shot Online. It’s completely free to play. Or, you can opt to purchase the retail version set for release on September 12, 2006, for $29.99, for additional membership perks (including free cybercash and tournament entries). Either way, it is a nice relaxing alternative to pass the time.