Sony Bundles Hot Shots with PS3

The PS3's biggest game yet over in Japan is just about a month away from release, and, sure enough, Sony isn't being quiet about it. Following a heavily promoted downloadable demo of Minna no Golf 5 (known as Hot Shots Golf 5 oustide of Japan), Sony has announced a special PS3 package to coincide with the game's release.

[Vojkan]

Before fanboys start to flame, this game is big in Japan.

[FFVIIFan]

Packaging with Hot Shots is a lot better than with Talladega something or other.

[Torch]

was Costco's initial attempt to include Genji as part of their PS3 package. Needless to say, that didn't fare too well. (what were they thinking???)

At least they remedied that by changing it to Rad Racer.

I'm surprised I haven't seen any bundles which included no-brainers RFOM or Motorstorm....perhaps they get the 'other' titles on the cheap?

I also liked Sony Europe's decision to include Casino Royale with initial PS3 purchases. Gotta admit, though: I got more laughs out of Talladega Nights than I expected to.

[kornbeaner]

Sales surge coming. Sales will improve %100 thanks to this bundle.

[FordGTGuy]

is your most-anticipated title. But whos going to complain? Atleast theres another game you can get for it now.

EDIT - What do you guys not get I put the (?) because I didn't know if it was third or first.

[shysun]

Hot shots is made by SONY!

[r1000]

Who cares if it it's a 3rd party games.... Which to be honest I don't even think it is?????

The flaming has now been reduced to this..... 1st party, 3rd party publishing.... oh brother....

[Vojkan]

DORK, it is first party

[daous]

As previous users have said, Hot Shots Golf series is published and owned by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) and it is VERY popular in Japan! Each version sells over 300 000 in less than a month (which is very impressive in Japan, and more so for a cartoonish golf game). Like Gundam Musou, Hot Shots Golf PS3 will probably boost console sales temporarily, then decline again (until the heavy hitters like MGS4, White Knight Story, and FFXIII are launched).

[Marceles]

lol 18 disagrees...is that a record?

[San anto]

22 woot

[HaKeRsCanRotINHEL]

a new record! ^_^

[nanometric]

27 :D

[Loudninja]

So you get both a PS3 and a game for less, they would be crazy not to get a PS3 for less

[Sevir04]

SCEJ does this, before you bag on ps3 and sony get your facts straight ford. as for this alot of people in japan will get this, this game already has 300k pre orders here in japan. you have no Idea the impact this game has. and This buddle will prolly draw in a few more. not sure how much but it will. it's the same way Loco roco did well in japan. they need to do a bundle in the US with Rachet or Heavenly sword or warhawk. as a matter of fact

Warhawk would be the best game to do that with... or even Gasp! KZ2 after the whole world watching that game gain much publicity at E3, sony would make a killing releasing KILLZONE with a PS3 and a second Controller and Home Pre installed on the HDD. and list it 600. prolly just wishful thinking though. I cant wait for hotshots golf.

[Delive]

I think they have an issue with packing in an M rated game. Packing an E rated game means it is ok for mommy to buy this console for junior. THough Warhawk or KZ2 would do wonders for sales as a pack in with the adult male crowd, those buying it for a family environment might be turned off. I do think those are great ideas for a pack in though.

[uHuRu]

its a first party game. and whats wrong if it is a golf game. brain age and nintendogs are favourites in japan.

[FordGTGuy]

Yes there is a great difference between first and third party.

First party games receive alot more support and development money and better marketing. It had nothing to do with starting a flamebait. I'm just saying that a golf game no matter how good isn't going to increase sales 100% like someone said it will earlier.

[shysun]

10k PS3's sold in japan last week, I'll bet you that the week this game comes out they break the 20k mark.... thus 100% sales increase.;)

[MK_Red]

I never understood why Hot Shots is so big in Japan. Hope this helps PS3 sales.

[Saint Sony]

Wiiigolf!

[Sevir04]

and is quirky the way Japan Likes it's games... if you played the DL demo on PSn you'll see that thats what japan is into.. still a sales hick is definately in the works for this game... it'll sell quite well... FolksSoul releases tommorrow here in japan. I cant wait to get it. it's beign sent to my ship. cant wait to play the full version.

if you all want to see that i'm playing the full version it'll not have the word demo on it, just like my ninja gaiden Sigma game... a few peoples have seen me playing the full version on PSn, cant wait.

I wonder how folkSoul will do after it hits and whats the first day sales gonna be like

SEVIREDgamer PSN tag

[sandip787]

great, hoepfully we'll see a boost in sales.

[Loopy]

Me big fan of HSG, and HSG5 is great.
Can't wait to hit the western side.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

I've been playing the demo a LOT lately. I downloaded it from the Japan Store. Folksoul is ALSO very good!!!

[FordGTGuy]

disagree that 1st doesn't get more support and money? Or do you disagree just because I left a comment?

[DiLeCtioN]

'Thats pretty bad when a third party(?) Golf Game
is your most-anticipated title. But whos going to complain? Atleast theres another game you can get for it now'.

does that answer your question?

[Why o why]

but it will increase sales by 100% so maybe thats why. Japanese people like different games full stop. I cant wait for this game neither. Instantly playable with a good learning curve

[FordGTGuy]

I didn't say that in my second post. BTW I still hold by the point that no single game is going to help the PS3 in a major way let alone a golf game.

@Snake_Doctor

It might increase by 100% but for how long two weeks? The it will slow down again once everyone who has a PS3 there has it. Do you seriously think this is a system seller on the same level of Little Big Planet?

BTW I like Tiger Woods but I would never spend 600$ just to play a golf game.

[Snake_Doctor]

"I'm just saying that a golf game no matter how good isn't going to increase sales 100% like someone said it will earlier."

Maybe people have different preferences than you. Or maybe you are right and people are disagreeing because they see you threadcrapping w/e.

EDIT:
No I personally don't really like golf games but I'm sure that many Japanese look at Halo and other FPS and are unimpressed. I don't speculate on the popularity/sales of the system but I think that PS2 didn't really have 'a' game that was a system seller it was more of a all things to all people while Xbox was pigeonholed as a hardcore gamer machine AKA HaloConsole.

Oh and its Japan so it's around $500 for the 60GB with the game.

[Premonition]

Not everyones the same, there are tons of different people out there that would easily pick up anything. Ive seen people pick up gaming systems just for one game, I spent around 170+ just to get a DS and Pokemon, and Japan is a different market, im sure alot of them would pick up a PS3 just for this game, same with a game like Halo 3, people would spend 479 dollars on the elite easly and get the Halo 3 along side it.

[DiLeCtioN]

you have a point but hsg is a popular title in japan but final fantasy is the most favoured of all. my point is ffxiii is not out yet so consumers have to settle for hsg

[Bill Gates]

Great idea. I think I might just pick this game up for the first time in the series.

[DiLeCtioN]

am gonna do the same but ff and kingdom hearts they are quite interesting

[Loudninja]

It will increase sales, becuase first you getting a cheaper PS3 with the game, -4000 yen, thye will be very foolish not to take this chance to get it for less

[PS360WII]

Hurray for pack-ins^^

Plus Hot Shots Golf is awesome!!! I've been a fan of the series since the 1st. Although they really should bring back the mini golf portion of it :( The demo of this game looks great and I am looking forward to getting my copy of this fine title.

[kewlkat007]

trust me it's a great little golf game. Plenty of Items and funny characters. I'm sure this game is big in Japan. I wouldn't mind getting a PS3 with this game because of the replay value. Since it is first party, it probably will have online support. Well the PS3 price is too high for me still..oh well. Seems like every console have their own amateur golfing game.

I've played these series

Outlaw Golf -Xbox
Hot Shots-PS/PSP
Wii Golf package

Golf games have replay Value, since you can always try to best your scores. The amateur games, I think are more fun then Tiger Woods golf games. This bundle might move some PS3s.

[Lord Anubis]

nice, want the game now!

[X]

The hot shots series has been a favorite of mine and my sisters. I look forward to playing the next one when it is released over here. Who remembers the original game's final course? I would love to see the pro golfers try to take that course.

[Firewire]

Can the new Hots Shot play online?
If so I will definitely get it, its so much more fun than Tiger Woods.

[jahcure]

heard something like 40 players online. But when i see it i'll beleive it. LOL. This game is a definite buy for me. I have been a HSG fan since part 3.

[Why o why]

it seemed like they opted for a online mode where everybody was on the screen at the same time. i hope they fix this as it seemed a bit congested

[Marceles]

Time for PS3 to start selling more in Japan :)). I can't wait for September...things are really gonna start heating up in the gaming world

[bootsielon]

Hot Shots Golf, Ninja Gaiden sigma and Folklore will shift a lot of PS3s in japan. Singstar is coming out very soon too in Europe, so that will revive PS3 sales. By holiday season a ton of heavy hitters, home, online games, video on demand, and a price drop to $399 (which is a must, everyone is clamoring for that particular price) will be a bombshell in western markets, and will not be shabby in japan. 2008 will be huge for PS3 everywhere, but especially in japan. That's when PS3 will start competing with Wii in Japan for weekly sales (even though wii will have had a much better headstart), and the distance between PS3 and 360 will be huge in japan. That's when japanese support for PS3 will grow a ton over the one for 360, and a lot of former 360 exclusives will jump ship. There will be many PS3 3rd party exclusives that 360 won't get.

That doesn't include that if PS3 is 399, it'll push the Blu-ray and HD market even further, especially since BD+ specs are ready and Fox will catch up with a ton of movies. Perhaps by then Universal will be multiplatform.

[tehcellownu]

final fantasy viii and mgs4 bundle comin up next year..i can feel it..

[artman]

I bought PSP is because of that game (everybody's golf) it was so fun to play with friends. Personally it's even more fun than playing on PS2

[ApocalypseShadow]

all the way to psp.another reason sony has the advantage.they make good games that are liked on all three sides of the pond.and they are exclusive.

i'll be picking this up in america.

[THE_JUDGE]

infact, excellent idea!

[Shaka2K6]

Best golf game ever made.

[DJ]

Monster Hunter did for PSP in Japan. They already had what, three hundred thousand pre-orders? BTW, great box art for the bundle!