Pro Putt by Topgolf: Oculus Quest Review
Summary: A solid and simple game of mini golf, easy to play but limited in presentation.
3.3
Par for the Course
If ever there was a gaming perfectly suited for VR, it is miniature golf. Mini golf is simple, immersive, comprises a basic physics engine, and pretty much anyone can play it.
Pro Putt by Topgolf is one of the better mini golf titles to date as it knows what it is…and ignores what it isn’t. It possesses a basic presentation model (suitable for the Oculus Quest), but is housed in a fairly robust suite of offerings. There are oodles of bland but still varied holes/courses to choose from, also a trio of solid practice games very appropriate for party play. Related and most recently, Pro Putt infused additional multiplayer functionality to give this even more ‘legs’ (golf pun inserted).
Thanks to a very helpful tutorial, it’s quick and easy to dive into Pro Putt. The game is comprised of mini golf holes of increasing difficulty and across three courses, each hole unlocked by completing prior. Pro Putt does a decent job factoring in green slope also putt power. By ‘decent’, I wouldn’t declare Pro Putt easy or accurate/highest challenging. Rather, more akin to a bike with training wheels, where getting close to required power and angle will usually produce desired results. Ace a hole (Eagle, Birdie or Par), and unlock different presentation options. This serves as the dangled carrot to return to previous holes/courses.
Pro Putt’s included mini games are perhaps the title’s best draw (especially for party players). In essence, they test player ability to hit particular targets from needed angles and use of swing power. Scores are tracked via global leaderboard, if that’s your thing.
My biggest criticism of Pro Putt is the front heavy Quest helmet. Putting requires lowering your head and looking forward. Except the Quest doesn’t like that so much…and pulls your head down even further. Also, club physics are solid (appropriately requiring two hands on one controller), but the game struggles a smidgeon in recognizing when the club is on the green. Not a game breaker, but it is noticeable.
Last, it’s hard to play Pro Putt, however, and not want more. Being limited to putting…and within a low resolution graphical presentation…can get dull. I was dying for some more variety, but – as stated – Pro Putt is what is. It’s mini golf…done well…but not a whole lot else.
Final Thoughts
Pro Putt by Topgolf is a fun albeit limited version of miniature golf. Physics are good, mini games party-friendly, and it very easy to pick up and play. Still, a simple presentation and lack of variety hamper overall experience.
About the Author
Paul Stuart A gamer for over 30 years, Paul Stuart has an unhealthy obsession with Assassins Creed, God of War, also sport and virtual reality titles. In his spare time, he teaches Muay Thai kickboxing, runs WrestlingInFlorida.com, and drives his toddler crazy.
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