Wonder Wickets

Overview

Wonder Wickets is an action mini-golf game developed by Rightstick Studios, and published by ANIM•ACE for PC through the Steam platform on October 17th, 2018. The game draws inspiration from games such as Kirby's Dream Course in its approach to the sport, mixing in gameplay elements such as enemies to defeat or avoid, power-ups, and fantastical settings with unique obstacles that wouldn't be possible to build in a real mini-golf course. The game also features an in-depth level editor that more or less have all the tools of the built-in levels available.

Gameplay

In the game, players control one of twelve characters (in which four are available from the start and the others can be unlocked) in levels where the goal is usually to hit their over-sized golf ball (referred to as an "orb" in-game) into the black hole (or "black goal") at the end of the level with the help of their mallet.

Controls

Players start each level controlling their character on the field itself, where one can walk, run and jump over small gaps with the D-pad or Left Stick, as well as interact with items (such as levers and teleporters) with the designated Interact button. The player will also be able to traverse the level in between every shot, in which they will have to find a way to get to the orb (or have the orb get to them in some levels) to continue the game, all while avoiding enemies and pitfalls.

When standing next to the orb, the player can interact with it to activate the golf part of the gameplay. Here they can aim where they want to shoot the orb by adjusting the trajectory and angle of the shot (represented on screen by a transparent line calculating where the orb will go), before hitting the orb.

The length the orb will go after the shot depends on how high the player's power meter is when they press the shoot button, as well as a unique temperature mechanic. The player can change how much friction their orb will have, where it behaves differently on different types of terrain. For example, a hot orb will stop short due to having higher friction, but will break out of sandbunkers easier and do more damage to enemies, while a cold orb will move with less impact but have the opportunity of sliding further than a normal shot would be able to.

When the orb is in motion after a shot, the player can tilt it with the D-pad or Left Stick when in motion to try and dodge obstacles or prevent the orb from falling into a water hazard or endless pit. When in motion, the orb can also interact with objects on the field, such as buttons and teleporters the player can't activate in person, as well as pick up power-ups. When picked up, a power-up will either automatically (or on command by pressing the Shoot button after picking it up) change the orb's abilities, such as turning it into a remotely controlled rocket, or giving it razor blades to cut through breakable blocks and armored enemies.

In levels with enemy NPCs, the player can usually defeat them by shooting the orb at them for extra points or to clear the way to the goal. Most enemies will be defeated if the orb hits them at a fast enough speed, though others have designated weak spots the player need to hit, or armor that needs to be broken through with a power-up to defeat them.