Mario Golf

"Not too easy for sim fans, but not too hard for arcade fans."

The area where this game is the best at is definetely Replay Value. In the time it takes to beat most games, I've barely even made a dent in the Status Screen, which I found to be a refreshing change-of-pace!

GRAPHICS - very cool
Just by looking at the screen, you can tell that Camelot, (developers of Hot Shots Golf), made this game. While many aspects haven't changed, there are many improvements. I was really impressed by the attention to detail in the hole's layout, each course has a distinct look that reflects the title of the course. The models for the individual characters are very good too, each one has a high number of polygons, so they don't look wierd and boxy. I didn't like the way a ball could look like it's in the fairway, but you actually landed somewhere in the rough.

GAMEPLAY - engrossing
Over the past few days that I've been playing this game, I've pulled an all-nighter on each one, and I still have a long way to go! The simple combination of 1)Many Play Modes(Tournament, Mini-golf, Speed Golf, Ring Shot, and Stroke Play), and 2)A lot to do, and 3)A very fun time, makes this game a very good game. This game also relies on varying methods for each mode of play. If you have a good knowledge of Geometry, the Mini-Golf and Ring Shot modes are much easier! The computer can be unstoppable if you have a good character, as it will often be cheap (e.g. 'A Perfect Power Swing EVERY TIME), and I often used the contoller as a projectile when something like this happens!

SOUND - very impressive
The thing I like most about the sound is the funny taunts each character can say. Although the taunts don't really do what they're supposed to do (distract the player), they're still fun to listen to! Many golf games don't have music during play, because they don't want to distract the player. It seems as though Camelot has found a way asround that fork-in-the-road, by creating background music that's fun to listen to, but don't distract the player.

VALUE - do yourself a favor, and buy this game
For only 50 bucks, you can own a very fun, but very realistic, golf game. This game has provided me with many hours of playtime, and it will require a VERY, VERY long time to beat! The only downside is that this game can get boring with more than two players.

Graphics - 8.7
Gameplay - 9.4
Sound - 8.7

Best golfer for beginners - Peach
Best golfers - DK, Bowser, Mario, Yoshi

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99