Rarely do I look at a game and think, damn, that is going to be awful. Sadly, however, Turbo Golf Racing did just that. Everything about it screamed well-trodden and unnecessarily dated. Yet, I have been wrong, so maybe I’m in for a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
Developed by Hugecalf Studios and published by Secret Mode, this is a fast-paced sports title. Like Rocket League, it blends adrenaline-fuelled racing with an unexpected sport. In this case, instead of football, you get to “enjoy” the upper-class ramblings of a round of golf. Now, I know what you are thinking! How on earth do the two marry up? Well, this isn’t golf in many of the traditional senses. As such, the only similarities are the courses, the ball, and the hole to aim for. Accordingly, it is more of a racing game than a hybrid sports experience.
Turbo Golf Racing is all about the action.
With a choice of 8-player online action or solo gaming, this will attract an array of players. Furthermore, lovers of Rocket League will be attracted to the sharp visuals and simple gameplay. However, for me, it was dull, lacked finesse, and quickly became tiresome. This wasn’t helped by the lack of a plot, and the non-existent career mode to sink my teeth into.
So, we’re not off to a great start, but things can only get better. Surely? Luckily, they did as the level designs, vehicles, and ability-boosting cores add some depth. Alongside this, the online mode is surprisingly competitive, if not a bit mind-numbing. Disappointingly, the solo experience was underwhelming and lacked challenge. Unlike the online gameplay, there was no spark of adrenaline, nor was it competitive. Instead, you must drive as fast as possible to beat a set time. If you do this, you are awarded stars and you must move on.
The online mode, on the other hand, is set across 3 events. During each race/round, you must avoid obstacles, your opponents, and any pitfalls as you speed to the pin. If you get there first, you bag the maximum score and move onto the following hole. The winner is the person who scores the highest (so nothing like golf). As you play, you are awarded currency that can be spent on unlockables. On top of this, there is a season pass to complete and other tasks to work towards.
Power-ups and unique courses.
Where Turbo Golf Racing excels is its course design and an array of power-ups. These important elements add depth and drama to an otherwise bland affair. I adored the speed boost on the fairways, the sluggish roughs, and bogged-down sand traps. Furthermore, the obstacles cause problems that must be avoided at all costs.
Unlike the obvious elements of each course, the power-ups are more random. This was great as it mixed up the action while including some nasty surprises. You could shoot missiles to blow up your foes, slow them down, or block their advances. Consequently, whatever upgrade you got, you needed some skill and a massive chunk of luck to be successful.
Turbo Golf Racing is nicely polished.
Game Preview titles are renowned for their lack of polish. However, Turbo Golf Racing looks really nice. I admired the variety of courses and the detail on each vehicle. What’s more, the gameplay is buttery smooth with limited frame rate or performance issues. If the developers retain this high level of performance as the game evolves, it could be spectacular. Thanks to the Urban, Wild, and Industrial themes, you won’t tire of what you see.
Unsurprisingly, the audio is loud and obnoxious. Moreover, the vehicles are deafening and the music is upbeat. Subsequently, the sound effects complement the audio further because of their high energy. With missiles booming, engines roaring, and vehicles crashing, it is a cacophony of noises that are uncomfortable but suitable to the genre.
Occasionally unresponsive controls.
Though I’ve bemoaned much of Turbo Golf Racing’s mechanics, I was frustrated mostly by the controls. Due to their unresponsive nature, the racing was particularly difficult. Consequently, until you get used to their unusual ways, you’ll be frustrated repeatedly. However, once you understand how they respond, you’ll enjoy each event and the ensuing challenge.
I can’t understand the addictive nature of these titles. For me, they are repetitive and plateau very early on. Yet, if unlike me, you love this genre, you’ll find plenty to do and many challenges to complete. On top of this, there is a season pass to explore, unlockables to obtain, and the honour of being the best golf racer to fight for.
Turbo Golf Racing wasn’t for me.
There were sparks of excellence, but mostly, Turbo Golf Racing was a poor attempt at replicating Rocket League. Of course, it is an early access title, so it may pull it around. However, in its current build, I cannot recommend it. More information can be found here, though! Have you ever wished to combine racing and golf? Now is your chance in this adrenaline-fuelled but mundane gaming experience.
