Super Stickman Golf 3 is the Latest Ace from Noodlecake Studios
Super Stickman Golf 3 (Free) by Noodlecake Studios Inc is the third installment of the legendary Super Stickman Golf series. If you loved the other two games, or just enjoy a good physics-based golf puzzle, then you should not hesitate to pick up Super Stickman Golf 3.
In reality, I find golf to be pretty boring, unless it’s miniature golf. To me, it’s just a slow sport, not terribly exciting, and takes a long time. But miniature golf? Now that’s a ton of fun — you have friends and family, challenging courses that will make you laugh with others, and it’s just a good time competing with your friends (unless they take it way too seriously). The Super Stickman Golf franchise is like miniature golf to me, but in digital format so it goes with me anywhere. I’ve been a fan of Super Stickman Golf since the original game many years ago, and loved the sequel that came out shortly after. Now we are on the third iteration, and I must say, it’s as good as ever.
In terms of visuals, SSMG3 stays true to its roots. The game is filled with the bright and colorful cartoonish graphics that the franchise is known for (who doesn’t love the stickman golfer), and the various courses all have their unique traits and characteristics that make them stand out from one another. The backdrops as you get further in the game are gorgeous to look at, and feel much more polished. But like anything else over time, the details and textures have evolved to match modern titles, so there is even more to love about SSMG3. Animations in SSMG3 are as buttery smooth as ever, and the quirky, upbeat music is rather whimsical and fun to listen to as you line up your shots, which are complete with awesome sound effects. Once again, Noodlecake Studios delivers in the visuals and audio for SSMG3.
In SSMG3, you have several game modes to choose from: Single Player with five different tour difficulties, and race or turn-based Multiplayer (both online and local). For those who have never played a SSMG game before, the Tours consist of four different courses each, and each course features a distinctive environment and nine holes to complete. The par for each course will be different due to the layout and obstacles that you’ll face, but that just adds to the fun. Additionally, you can strive for certain goals and objectives to get the gold star medal. Each course also features a practice mode, so you can get a feel for it what lies ahead before you go for the real thing.
Controls in SSMG3 are pretty much the same as the previous two games. It’s simple enough for anyone to pick up, but difficult to master due to, well, physics. You’ll have your stickman golfer start out somewhere on the stage, golf club in hand and ball in front of you. You can use one finger to pan the stage for a better view, or a two-finger pinch to zoom in or out. Center the camera back on your golfer with the button in the middle. Use the two directional buttons in the bottom left to control the direction of your hit, and then tap on the button in the bottom right to determine power. When the gauge reaches the level you want your hit to be, just tap on the button again to lock it in. The more the gauge is filled, the stronger the shot will be. But before you take your swing, you can fine tune your swing if need be. Once you’re ready and have the power locked, just tap on the button again to swing. If you want to use a power-up ball that you have stashed away, just tap on the button adjacent to the power/shot to reveal all of your available options, then tap the one you want to use.
As you play, you’ll see “Golf Bux” scattered around the courses. These are optional to collect, but accruing them means that you can buy packs of golf cards. These packs contain a few cards each, and there are 196 cards that you can collect. The cards give you golfer outfits, power-up balls, hats, and trails for your character. There are also trophies that you can achieve in the game that also net you Golf Bux, and card packs are rewarded when you gain enough experience (complete courses) and level up. If you’re low on Golf Bux, you can always buy more through in-app purchases in the Pro Shop (along with card packs, XP doubler, and last shot indicator), but the game gives you ample opportunities to acquire them, so you shouldn’t worry too much about that. Plus, it’s completely optional.
If you love customization and unlocking collectibles, then SSMG3 is packed full of everything. The hats that you unlock can be equipped to give you special bonus effects during the game, such as showing you a shot preview before you swing, more Airbrake activations, longer Shield Ball duration, and more. The hats end up being rather useful, so collect as many as you can and find the one that suits your play style the most. The golfer outfits and trails don’t add anything extra to your character other than aesthetics, though they’re fun to collect too.
While you can enjoy SSMG3 for free with occasional ads, there is a Premium Upgrade in the game that can be bought as a $2.99 in-app purchase. Getting the premium upgrade nets you five card packs along with a ton of extras that include downloadable courses, unlimited Daily Race attempts, a 25-turn-based match limit, and removes all ads. Personally, given the amazing track record with the Super Stickman Golf games in the past, three bucks for tons of content is well worth it. Personally, I bought it without hesitation.
I’ve just started playing Super Stickman Golf 3, but I’m in love with the game so far. Noodlecake has nailed it again with the super polished graphics, awesome soundtrack, intuitive controls, and challenging courses and content. Plus, all bases are covered with both online and local multiplayer, and daily levels that test your skill. Seriously, what isn’t there to love about this game?
I highly recommend checking out Super Stickman Golf 3 if you were a fan of the other two games or just love a fun