Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

"A Great Follow-Up To the N64 classic"

Mario Golf. One of the best and most fun golf game ever created. The original version for the N64 was aided in part by the GBC version allowing you to send characters and points to and from the games.

Modes:
The GCN version delivers the same fun as before. The standard venue for unlocking things are the Tournaments, unlocked as you win the previous one. The classic Ring Mode is back, as well as the new Coin Shoot, which is split into Quick Cash-get as many coins as possible on a limited # of shots.(Usually Shots=Par-2), and Coin Cup which is to get as many coins while finishing a hole at par or better. Speed Golf, Stroke Play, Skins, and the Character challenges are all back. Club Slots is basically Pitch & Putt. (Your clubs for the next hole are chosen through slots.) There are some side games, but they're mostly practice. Finishing off the new modes is Near-Pin, which is set only on Par-3's. Only problem is that there is no Mini-Golf!!!! (Or at least not readily available)

Rating is a 9/10 but it loses 9 points for the lack of a mini-golf mode readily accessible. (DAMN YOU NINTENDO!)

Game play:
Game play is pretty much the same, except for a few things:
1. There is a function to project where specific a specific power rating will go, and allow you to mark the specific shot you need.
2. You can use the automatic setting to nail the ball on target.
3. You no longer have to hold down on the D-Pad to add spin. You can carefully position the spot where you are going to hit the ball. Much easier than before.
Other than that, you still have the ole power shot, where you can easily extend your shot with some nice placement. (and yes, you do get them back if you makes a ''NICE SHOT!''.)
Rating: 10/10

The Graphics look great, and the terrain is very detailed. You can now see the individual blades of grass in the fairway. The terrain is also varied from forests to country fields to deserts. It would've been nice to have a slightly different color for the fast fairways, which can confuse new players with water.

Rating 10/10

Sounds:
All the sounds are refreshingly crisp, and you can easily know where everything is going to go. The music is nice as well and fits the scenery well.

Rating: 10/10

If you loved the original...buy it. If you liked the original buy it. If you had a somewhat passing interest in the first...rent it. If you hated it, why are you reading this?

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/30/03, Updated 07/30/03