You know more and more articles I write the better a writer I become, no really its true. Then I throw it all out the window when I give a description of this game, because Mario Golf in essence is "awsomer"! Mario Golf was a favorite of mine back with the N64, thing is I never owned it. I just amassed a huge late fee charge from the rental store a few times. I was the proud owner of 5 hole in ones, a few albatross and all the hidden characters. When I heard the new Mario Golf for the Cube was in development, well of course I went and put my reserve on it. This is not your average game, no action and what not involved, hell its not even your average golf game. It is a full out fun crazy go lucky game. One that you will enjoy very much.

Mario Golf was made very much like Hot Shots Golf. Although Mario Golf is easier to play then most Golf games, it has its advanced techniques to appeal to golf fans. The game is Mario through and through. From the sound effects taken from the games, to the small snippets of character talking (or mumbling, squeaking, whatever) the Mushroom Kingdom is representing in full effect. The actual golf in the game is very well done. Everything is there from fades, draws, backspin, the works. All these are included so you may shape your shot.

The courses in the game are breathtaking. This game convinced me the Cube is in fact more powerful then the PS2. The environments are incredible. From sand, to ruins, to lush grass all is represented in a crisp manner. Character models are what we have come to know and love in the past from the folks at Nintendo. Although the game is "Mario" through and through, it is cute, a little too cute for my tastes. There are not too many small details to find, however I did notice that when hitting out of the rough, grass stays behind on your club as you hack one back on the fairway. I appreciate these things when I find them in games.

The game is full of challenges. Above and beyond your stroke tournament play are mini games that will test your skills. The ring shot is back, speed golf is included, character match play, skins games, not to mention others add a replay value to game that is fun to play from the time you put the game in for the first time. There are many unlockable secrets in the game as well. Wining tournaments will unlock a new challenging course for you to play. When facing other characters in match play you will unlock "star" versions of the various golfers. The star versions of course are the same character with better stats. There are hidden characters as well, I have yet to get them myself, however I do know that Link is not in the game so I could really care less as I golf Luigi all the way.

The game is great fun as you and three friends can get together and go at it in any of the modes available. Once the unlocked "star" versions of the characters are under your belt, you will be able to challenge yourself more as you attempt riskier shots. The game's cuteness gets to me a bit at times, however nothing that stops me from playing. This game is a keeper for fans of the Hot Shots Golf series, or those who don't take golf too serious and just want to hak your way about and have fun. Mario Golf is a great pick up, I would not trade any g ames in that you love for it, but its worth the price, and you there are no green fees.

Aug 24, 2003 | 0 comments
Mike Carabajal