2nd Op By

Chi Kong Lui 8.0 RATING

MG is the third entry to what I'd like to call Nintendo's 'party' series, and thus far I have been less than pleased with the results. Mario Party and Super Smash Brothers both had excellent ideas on how to engage 4-players simultaneously, but extended play with either game was less then satisfying because there was an utter lack of depth. Mario Golf on the other hand does not befall the same fate and outdoes its predecessors by being a golf game of dare I say it, epic proportions.

Mario Golf is filled with tons of features and options (Mini-Golf and Get Character modes were my favorites) to the point where the instruction manual seemed more like an encyclopedia of golfing. There's pretty much something for everyone whether you're entertaining a house full of guests who are hard-core gamers or newbies alike, or if you're just going at it solitaire. I was simply amazed and overwhelmed at the amount of choices available. This is clearly a product of attention and quality.

While you won't catch me wearing Greg Norman's "Attack Life" line of clothes, I'm still not quite the newbie that Dale is when it comes to video-golf. I've played my share of EA Sports golf entries over the years and while I still don't understand why anyone would want to be a spectator, I certainly can understand why someone would want to participate. On that note, Mario Golf clearly captures the appeal and fun of participating in golf. It was not uncommon to hear me hooting and hollering while pumping my fists when I made a nice approach to the green or scored birdies from 10 yards to the hole. Similarly I would slam my open palms against the couch and curse openly to the screen when I landed in the bunker or bogeyed from 3 yards out. Its safe to say that this game got me quite riled up at times.

Despite my spirited involvement in the game, after prolonged play, I found the final pay-off to be not entirely satisfying. Unlocking secret characters and stages just didn't really do it for me. I wanted something just a little more involved than what was offered. So when I learned about the upcoming Game Boy Color version, which not only has a personalized create-a-player feature that can be ported over to the Nintendo 64, but also allows transference of experience points via the yet to be released 64 GB pak, I thought this would be exactly what Mario Golf needs to get me totally hooked. As it stands, this is a wonderful game of golf that has yet to fulfill its potential.

Public Opinion

John Isles, IV 10 Rating

When I first played Mario Golf when it came out, I fell in love immediately. Mario Golf is deceptively simple, but offers oceans of depth. Dale makes a pretty good statement on gameplay and intricacies, with altitude, lie, and weather being major factors. The game itself offers six full-length courses, all landscaping masterpieces. Weather effects, too, are amazing, complete with rain falling with the wind. Seeing the flag struggle to stay connected to its pole in gale winds is also a nice touch.

Every mode of play is enjoyment. In addition to stroke and tourney play, there's the puzzle-inspired ring game, and the fast-paced speed golf with matching boogie music. While mini golf is more mathematics and no crazy obstacles, it still charmed me enough to overcome my initial disappointment. Solo players have enough available here to warrant a purchase; the same goes for the multiplayer benefits. The quantity of game modes is decreased, but quality is consistent. Taking awe in and trying to mimic each others' shots is a simple pleasure -- especially the close ones.

Quite possibly my favorite Nintendo 64 game, Mario Golf is pure satisfaction. Don't get put off by the Mario name, since it's much more than cute characters. Perfect atmosphere, awesome music, and great gameplay make Mario Golf a winner. Wario's right: You're gonna love it.

Reader Second Opinions