Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Nice On
Item: Nice On
Author: Retro Replay

Nice On delivers an instantly approachable golfing experience, distilled down to its classic essentials. Your chibi avatar stands patiently at the tee box as a vertical power bar oscillates beside them. Mastering the timing of your button press to halt the bar is key: the higher the bar’s position, the farther your shot will travel.

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Before unleashing your swing, you can fine-tune both direction and impact point on the ball’s surface. This layer of control adds a strategic touch; aiming low on the ball produces a lower trajectory, while striking higher yields lofted drives. The simplicity of these mechanics makes the learning curve shallow, but while it’s easy to pick up, nailing precise shots quickly becomes challenging.

Once you’ve navigated fairways, traps, and trees, the game shifts seamlessly into overhead putting mode. Here the power bar returns, and on-screen slope markers guide your aim. The ball moves autonomously once struck, leaving you to interpret the green’s subtle undulations. Should solo play grow repetitive, Nice On supports head-to-head matches via Communication Cable, or you can test yourself against a stylized NPC rival, a rough-hewn “samurai” in a fly fishing hat, who offers both competition and commentary on your performance.

Graphics

Visually, Nice On embraces a restrained palette of gray-gradient greens and muted earth tones, evoking a calm, understated golf course aesthetic. The top-down perspective remains consistent throughout, keeping the action clear and focused. Though not flashy, the graphics are crisp and functional, ensuring you always have a clear view of your shot’s trajectory.

The chibi golfer models are charmingly minimal, with simple animations conveying backswing, follow-through, and triumphant celebrations. Course elements like sand traps, water hazards, and scattered trees are rendered with enough detail to be immediately recognizable, yet remain unobtrusive. This balance keeps the screen uncluttered and the action front and center.

User interface elements—most notably the power bar and directional arrows—are overlaid cleanly, with smooth transitions and responsive feedback. Subtle slope indicators on the green integrate seamlessly into the ground texture, providing visual cues without breaking immersion. Overall, the graphical presentation prioritizes clarity and functionality over spectacle, making every shot easy to read.

Story

Nice On eschews a traditional narrative in favor of course-by-course progression. There’s no grand tournament plot or sprawling championship arc—each round stands on its own, inviting you to focus solely on your swing and strategy. This streamlined approach suits players looking to jump right into the sport without narrative distractions.

Still, the game hints at character through its quirky NPC rival, often dubbed the “samurai of the rough.” Clad in a fly fishing hat and bearing a stoic expression, he provides humorous, inscrutable feedback on your performance. His presence adds a light narrative thread: outskill him at each hole to earn both bragging rights and a sense of personal rivalry.

Between rounds, small pieces of flavor text introduce course conditions and occasional friendly banter. Although these snippets are brief, they succeed in giving Nice On a bit of personality. The absence of a deep storyline means every shot and every hole becomes your own narrative, shaped purely by skill and persistence.

Overall Experience

Nice On stands out as a compact, pick-up-and-play golf simulator that’s perfect for short sessions or extended play. Its intuitive mechanics and overhead perspective ensure newcomers aren’t overwhelmed, while the nuanced power bar timing and slope reading offer depth for more dedicated golf fans. The chibi charm and minimal visuals keep fatigue at bay, even after dozens of holes.

Multiplayer support via Communication Cable injects fresh life into the game, allowing real-time duels that are equal parts competitive and social. Meanwhile, single-player rounds against the NPC “samurai” rival provide a configurable challenge—ideal for honing your skills before facing human opponents. Replay value is strong, as each course’s subtle design quirks and hazards encourage experimentation in club choice, angle, and power.

In the end, Nice On delivers a focused, enjoyable golf outing without unnecessary frills. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, offering a pure interpretation of the sport that fits neatly into any traveler’s pocket. Whether you’re a seasoned digital golfer or a newcomer seeking a straightforward virtual tee time, Nice On provides a satisfying and reliably fun experience.