Stick Golf is a 2d physics-based game by Jordan Schidlowski (don ‘t you love how the Appstore has brought back one-man game development?). The description on the Appstore states ‘Stick Golf is not just another 2D golf platformer, it is THE 2D GOLF PLATFORMER. Be Warned: VERY ADDICTIVE! Swing your way through 54 holes on six unique courses, and unlock the hidden features! ‘ Although most Appstore descriptions devolve into hyperbole, this one is actually pretty accurate. Stick Golf combines the recent trend of physics-based gameplay with the game of golf, turning the game into just what the description calls it: ‘The 2D Golf Platformer. ‘
Stick Golf has 6 courses, each with 9 holes. Each course has its own theme, ranging from ‘Dapper Dunes, ‘ to ‘Funky Town. ‘ These scenery changes add some much-needed variety to the environments, although the presentation in Stick Golf definitely isn ‘t pushing the iPhone to its processing limits. The simple, yet stylized visual theme matches the sparse, user-interface, and these aspects add up to the overall feeling that Stick Golf is easy to play (and therefore accessible to the maximum possible audience). While the game is somewhat lacking in presentation, it makes up for it by offering simple, addictive gameplay.
As mentioned, the controls in Stick Golf are sparse, but work effectively. Two directional buttons allow you to modify the angle of your shot, while a button with ‘Go! ‘ written on it lets you start your swing. Much like the early-generation golf games, you ‘ll hit the ‘Go ‘ button once and the power meter starts moving. Hitting the button a second time selects the power of your shot. Aside from a ‘menu ‘ button that doubles as a pause screen, these are all the controls Stick Golf has to offer, and I can ‘t think of anything that ‘s missing. There ‘s something to be said for simplicity when it ‘s well-executed.
Each hole plays out like a 2d platformer, with the golfer attempting to get the ball in the hole with the least amount of shots taken. The first few holes of the first course are essentially tutorial levels, and take place on one, flat level. As you progress, the levels get much more complex. For instance, in one of the latter levels, I had to hit the ball up three vertical levels, just to be on the same plane as the hole. Each hole has a par “ as you ‘d expect from a golf game, and your goal is to get the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible. If you finish a course under par, you ‘ll unlock the next nine holes. This continues until you ‘ve unlocked all 54 holes. 
Stick Golf comes packed with an hour or two of fun, but once you ‘ve unlocked all the courses, there ‘s not much replay value. Although the Appstore description claims you ‘ll unlock ‘secrets ‘ as you go, I didn ‘t find any bonus courses waiting for me upon completing the game under par. Of course, there is the possibility of further levels being made available via download, but for what it is, 99 cents seems like an appropriate price. It is important to note that there are a ton of poor-quality golf games on the Appstore. I ‘ve tried most of them and found the majority to be quickly-thrown-together mini-golf games. Stick Golf might not be the deepest game on the Appstore, but if you ‘re looking for a quick, fun golf game that won ‘t feel like a waste of money, it ‘s worth a try.
Stick Golf is available for $0.99 from the App Store.
This app was independently purchased by the post author in the iPhone App Store. For further information regarding our site’s review policies, please see the “About” page.
Continue reading:
- Everything New Apple Just Announced (Septembe
- Apple Watch Pre-Order
- Apple Research Kit launches with 5 Apps
- Apple TV now only $69
TAGS: app review, Apple, apps, iPhone, iphone apps, ipod touch
