Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

"Its Golf With A Mario Twist!"

Its time to tee off in the newest edition of Mario Golf, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour! Camelot has done it again in creating an excellent golf game. There have been many improvements since the last version of Mario Golf, some for the better and some not so good. But one way or another this game should appeal to Mario fans and golf fans alike.

Graphics- 10/10
Wow, this is what every Mario game’s graphics should look like. When you first turn on the game you are greeted by a nice scene depicting Mario and his friends out for a game of golf, and it turns out being very funny. While this is the only real scene you get in the game, it shows how much power the game really has. All of the characters look crisp and clean, no jagged edges here. The textures are amazing from the grass to the trees to the ball with each characters name or symbol on it. The swing animations are great, and every character has a different one. There are loading times, but they go extremely quick. The only thing that disappoints me as far as graphics is the fact that every hole is by it self. So you can in no was see another hole from the hole you are on, of course the scenery around the hole is nice, such as mountains in the background. But I think it would have been much better if all the holes were together as they are on a normal golf course. Overall the graphics are great, possibly the best in a Mario game ever.

Gameplay- 10/10
This is where Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour really shines. It is the perfect mix of golf and Mario. While it is a golf game, many different aspects and modes of it set it apart from the average golf game. When you start the game you have twelve characters to choose from (there are secret characters). Each character has their own different stats, so you can pick the golfer that is right for you (the stats include driving length and height, impact, spin, and control). Each character also has more personality to them. For instance in the pick a character area they are each doing a little crazy jump or dance. There are six regular courses, and one par-three course. The thing that surprised me the most was how many different modes there are. There is Tournament, Doubles, Character Match, Ring Shot, Club Slots, Coin Shoot, Speed Golf, Stroke Play, Match Play, Skins Match, Near Pin, Side Games, and Training mode. Most of those can also be played with one to four players. There is even a GBA connectivity feature that you will be able to use when the Mario Golf: Advance Tour comes out for the GBA later this fall. Now actually playing the game is fairly easy, and they have made it so anyone can play, from the beginner to the most advanced. Every aspect of hitting the ball and the game of golf is included, so don’t thing that because its Mario they left something out. The only real problem with the gameplay is that it is slightly easier than most people would have liked. Now some modes and later tournaments are very challenging, but due to the control they are made easier. In the end the gameplay is excellent, and will keep you coming back for a long time.

Story- 4/10
I’m going to give it a few points just for that great scene at the beginning. But this game really doesn’t have a story, and being a golf game doesn’t require one.

Control- 8/10
The have really expanded the control in Toadstool Tour. The biggest change is the addition of a manual and automatic swing. The automatic swing requires you only to set the amount of power, and then it takes care of the spin and impact for you. Now while this may seem the thing to do, unless you are a beginner it really isn’t because you cannot be near as accurate with it. The manual swing requires you to set the power, then set the impact point and add spin or slice if you wish. Mario Golf uses the “three click method” compared some other golf games that use the “analog method”. This is probably for the better since it makes the game harder, though some people disagree. It is all really easy to get used to. I have never played a Mario Golf game in my life, and was doing the manual swing almost perfectly after a few holes. There are many things on the screen that tell you about the wind, the lie, where you will impact the ball, etc. Another big addition is the simulation line of where the ball will go once you hit it. Now while this may seem to make it to easy, you have to remember that the line is not effect by wind, weather, or your lie, so you have to plan around all of those things. One last thing is the camera. You can move the camera just about any way you want using the C-Stick, X, and Y, which makes it easier to see where you will shoot. There are really no problems with the camera, but sometimes it is hard to see around larger characters when putting. When you look at all these features you may think that it makes the game to easy. And while it makes it easier, it really just makes it easier to pick up, but not to master.

Sound/Music- 8/10
Nothing better than listening to classic remixes of Mario tunes while enjoying a game of golf, and that is exactly what you will be doing. While there are many new songs, the ones that will be most enjoyed are the remixes of older Mario songs. And they all seem to suit the golf atmosphere perfectly. As for then sound effects in the game they are top notch. You know how it is when you make that perfect shot and hear it shoot so perfectly off your club. You will hear everything from the swinging of clubs to a ball stopping dead on a tree to it splashing in the water. And did a mention that each character makes a sound, and some even have a distinct voice (good for a Mario game). While some of it gets annoying, especially the announcer that comments on every good shot you make, I suppose you could turn that off.

Replay Value- 9/10
There is so much to do in this game; you will be coming back for a long time. With all the different modes, sure you could just play them but half the fun is mastering them. And with 16 characters (four of which you must unlock), if you want to play it with all of them then you will be playing for quite a few months. Heck, it will take you awhile just to get everything with one of them. And if you have friends over a lot that will make the replay value go up much more, as this is a pretty good party game.

Recap-
Graphics- 10/10
Gameplay- 10/10
Story- 4/10
Control- 8/10
Sound/Music- 8/10
Replay Value- 9/10
Final Score- 9/10

Buy, Rent, Or Not Bother-
For most people this is definitely a buy. It is fun and addictive, the perfect mix of golf and Mario. So if you liked the first Mario Golf, or any other of Camelot’s Golf games you should definitely buy. Although I have heard of some Hot-Shots fans being turned off by the control style, it doesn’t bother most people. However don’t buy this if you like Mario games but don’t like golf at all. While this does have a Mario twist too it, it is still a golf game and Mario doesn\'t change that. But overall this is definitely the best Mario Golf yet, and one of the better games I have played in awhile.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/30/03, Updated 08/06/03