Mario Golf
Overview
Mario Golf is a sports video game series developed by Camelot and published by Nintendo. The series began in 1999 and has since released several titles across multiple Nintendo platforms. The games are characterized by their incorporation of traditional golf gameplay with elements from the Super Mario franchise.
Gameplay
The Mario Golf series features gameplay mechanics that are a blend of traditional golf and the fantastical elements found in the Super Mario series. Players can choose from a variety of characters from the Super Mario universe, each with unique attributes that affect their performance in the game. The objective is to get the golf ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible, with the player with the lowest total number of strokes at the end of the course being the winner.
History
The first game in the series, Mario Golf, was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color. It was followed by Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003, and Mario Golf: Advance Tour for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. The most recent installment, Mario Golf: Super Rush, was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2021.
Reception
The Mario Golf series has generally received positive reviews from critics. The games are praised for their fun and accessible gameplay, as well as their successful integration of Super Mario elements into the sport of golf. Some critics have also noted the games' depth and strategy, particularly in the later installments.
Impact and Legacy
The Mario Golf series has had a significant impact on the sports video game genre. Its combination of traditional sports gameplay with elements from the Super Mario franchise has influenced the development of other sports games. The series has also been credited with helping to popularize golf video games among a broader audience.