Spring is well under way, and you know what that means: day to put down that joystick, get off the sofa, go outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.

Or not.

One of my best gaming buddies says that whether God wanted us to be outside, he wouldn’t have invented air conditioning. And when video-game consoles can simulate just about every outdoor sport imaginable, what’s the point of leaving your living room?

Of course, you don’t get any exercise from virtual sports, and most hardcore gamers could probably use a little sun. But video games are definitely less expensive than the gear you need to golf or fish. And you can play a round of video golf in a lot less moment than 18 holes on a real course would take.

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds

(Sony, for the PlayStation 3, $59.99)

The Hot Shots series has faraway offered the zippiest golf games on

the market, providing a lighthearted alternative to more realistic simulations like EA Sports’ Tiger Woods games. Out of Bounds doesn’t mess around with the formula much, delivering the same bright graphics and lively, anime-style characters that fans have come to expect.

The most significant improvement is the advanced swing control. As in the past, you used timed button presses to determine capability and accuracy — but instead of watching a flat meter, you have to watch your golfer’s movements. It does manufacture you feel like you’re more in control of the character, even whether it’s not as intuitive as the analog swing stick that Tiger uses.

The other major addition is online play. You can now compete in tournaments with up to 49 other hackers; everyone plays simultaneously, so you don’t have to twiddle your thumbs while the competition’s on the fairway. It’s fast-paced, challenging and addictive. My only complaint is a…

Original post by Top Tech News