For anyone who doesn't play golf, the idea of playing a golf videogame usually sounds about as appealing as eating crayons. Realizing this and wanting to open up a new genre of sports games, Sony released "Hot Shots Golf" for the Playstation. The game and its sequel ("Hot Shots Golf 2") reinvented golf games by mixing simple play mechanics with over-the-top humor. And like every successful Playstation game, "Hot Shots" newest sequel has been given the Playstation 2 makeover with "Hot Shots Golf 3."

The most obvious change to "Hot Shots" series is the game's beautiful graphics. Each hole's layout is done to perfection with bunkers, fairways and the rough all having distinct looks. As for the game's camera work, Sony has provided amazing zoom in shots that closely resemble televised golfing events. On a down note, however, the camera work for aiming shots is more troublesome than previous games in the series.

As for the game's gameplay modes, "Hot Shots 3" offers the same modes that previous games offered. Among the best of these, the game includes stroke play, tournament play and a skins game. The variety of gameplay modes brings "Hot Shots" more replay value, but provides nothing new for veterans of the series or "Mario Golf," which was worked on by the makers of "Hot Shots."

Overall, "Hot Shots Golf 3" is a good way to introduce gamers to the world of golf. With easy play mechanics and plenty of features, the game is perfect for playing with a bunch of friends on a rainy day. For veterans of "Hot Shots" and "Mario Golf," it may provide a few good hours of gaming, but falls short of lofty expectations.