Mario Golf series

## Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)

The original *Mario Golf*, for Nintendo 64, is a 3D golfing simulator featuring the standard cast of *Mario* characters along with a new cast of human characters exclusive to the game. Players could choose to play through tournaments and special challenges in the single player mode. The meat and potatoes of the multiplayer side of the game were the strokes and match play modes, with special modes including a mini-putt mode (called "Putt-Putt") and a practice mode.

## Mario Golf (Game Boy Color)

A port of *Mario Golf* for the Game Boy Color was released shortly after the home console game, and has a very different premise. What stands this version apart from its Nintendo 64 counterpart is that much of the single player mode is played as an RPG, where players can choose one of four characters and conquer the challenges of the golf world. The game also features a multiplayer mode and special free-play modes for players interested solely in the golfing portion of the game and those who had finished or wanted a break from the main quest. The portable game could link up to the Nintendo 64 version via the use of that console's Transfer Pak, and characters trained in the Game Boy Color version could then be played in the Nintendo 64 version like any other character.

## Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

One of the first *Mario* spin-off titles to be released for the Nintendo GameCube, *Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour* takes the basic formula of the N64 version and made only minor revisions. The main appeals of this version were the highly updated graphics and improved swing system. New guides on the interface showed players exactly how much power they needed to land the ball exactly where they wanted it. Players still need to factor in the wind, the ball lie, and deal with their slicing or drawing the ball. New playable characters added in this installment include a Koopa Troopa, Daisy, Diddy Kong, Waluigi, Birdo, Bowser Jr., a Boo, Shadow Mario, and Petey Piranha.

## Mario Golf: Advance Tour

*Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour* was successful enough to spawn a Game Boy Advance counterpart, released about a year afterward under the name *Mario Golf: Advance Tour*. This game can be linked to its home console counterpart via the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance cable. It follows two fledgling golfers named Neil and Ella in their quest to become world-class golfers. Though the game's content was very similar to the previous handheld release, the new visuals impressed with pre-rendered sprites and Mode 7 scaling for the golf courses. Neil and Ella, after being trained up, could also be uploaded onto *Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour*, where when playing with other characters, they gain their own custom taunts and support messages like the *Mario* characters who were playable in the GameCube game. Also, based on the number of Best Badges earned in *Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour*, new features, such as special versions of every hole in *Mario Golf: Advance Tour*, can be unlocked.

## NES Open Tournament Golf

This NES game was made in both America and Japan, featuring Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Princess Daisy. Also, various other humans made their appearance, including Steve (beginner), Mark (amateur), Tony (semi-professional), and Billy (professional). In the American version, the graphics differ slightly, and the soundtrack has been changed.

A version of this game was made for the Nintendo PlayChoice-1 in America, called *Mario's Open Golf*.