Video Game Review: Golf Club Wasteland

Developer: Demagog Studio

Publisher: Untold Tales

Genre: Sports

Nintendo Switch

The world has ended. Most of humanity has moved to Mars, but sometimes you can still take a trip back to Earth for the memories. Now, and elderly man decides to go out one more time for a game of golf. Of course, a normal course isn’t enough, so this man and Golf Club Wasteland‘s players are treated to a 35 hole experience through what’s left of our planet.

At a glance, Golf Club Wasteland appears to be a light arcade golf game. That isn’t inaccurate, but the presentation makes it much more than a game of golf. Every hole is a small part of Earth. They are all full of detail, telling little stories. If the player can hit below par, they will unlock diary entries from the protagonist giving some glimpses of the end from his perspective. A radio station plays in the background a mix of tunes and talk show hosts interviewing humanity. Everything comes together to paint a clear enough picture.

The actual golfing is solid and incredibly simple. The entire game is 2D, and players will simply aim and set power with the left stick. When they are ready, they can press A to strike the ball. The courses start simple and forgiving, allowing for players to get a feel for the angles and strength of their golfer. As the game progresses, the courses get much more wild, with Pars set in the late teens. Its game that allows for players to grow with the courses.

As mentioned before, the courses are zany. Sometimes players will be golfing through dilapidated buildings. The environments are interactive, with a variety of shortcuts and hazards to keep things feeling fresh and engaging. One hole has a big button that players can press to access a shortcut through a hidden a room. Another has squirrels or other animals ready to snatch the ball.

Visually, the graphics are minimalistic yet colorful. The atmosphere is calming, which contrasts well with the journal entries. The soundtrack is nice too, with a variety of futuristic tunes and interesting radio bits.

Golf Club Wasteland is much more than an arcade golf game. It’s a complete story that feels lonely yet full of heart. It’s not too complex, but for only $10, this is a solid arcade experience with a neat narrative behind it.