Jackson Reid
The Mario Golf series is a video game series primarily developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo. The first game in the series, Mario Golf, was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 in Japan. The game features characters from the Mario franchise, such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi, participating in golfing events. It is a simplified pick-up-and-play golf game that removes many of the complicated aspects of real-life golf while retaining features like character statistics and variables affecting ball shots. The game received generally favorable reviews and sold approximately 1.5 million copies worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of release | 1999 |
| Developer | Camelot Software Planning |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Platform | Nintendo 64 |
| Genre | Sports video game |
| Series | Mario Golf |
| Predecessor | NES Open Tournament Golf |
| Re-release | 2008, 2015, 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
Mario Golf was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64
Mario Golf was initially announced in the February 1999 issue of The 64Dream. It was first released in Japan, where it garnered "universal acclaim" according to Metacritic. The game was later re-released on the Wii and Wii U Virtual Console in 2008 and 2015, respectively, and on the Nintendo Classics service in 2022.
In Mario Golf, players control characters from the Mario series as they play golf on themed courses. The gameplay is simplified compared to previous golf titles, making it easier for players to pick up and play without prior knowledge of golf. Despite this, the game engine incorporates many variables that can affect a shot, such as wind strength and direction, rain, character attributes, spin on the ball, and land relief.
Mario Golf offers various gameplay modes, including traditional stroke play, speed golf, ring shot, mini golf, and a skins match. Players can choose from 14 different characters, each with unique power and swing styles. The game also features six different courses that players can progress through by earning experience points.
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The game was developed by Camelot Software Planning
Nintendo initially started developing a golf game for the Nintendo 64, tentatively called Golf. They then recruited Camelot Software Planning to create a role-playing game, but Camelot wanted to make a simpler game to get accustomed to the Nintendo 64 hardware first. Nintendo was so impressed with Camelot's prototype that they canceled their other golf game and assigned Camelot to develop Mario Golf 64.
Mario Golf is a sports video game that brings the Mario universe to golf, although Mario had previously appeared in golf games on older systems. The game features Mario and other characters from the Super Mario franchise participating in golfing events. Players can choose from a variety of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Wario, and a few original characters created by Camelot specifically for the game, such as Plum, Sonny, or Harry.
The game simplifies the complexities of golf, making it easy to play without the complicated aspects of the real game. Despite its simplicity in appearance and play style, the game engine has many variables that can affect a shot, such as wind strength and direction, rain, character attributes, spin on the ball, and relief of the land.
Mario Golf was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 in Japan and was well-received by players and critics alike. It is the 37th best-selling game for the Nintendo 64, selling approximately 1.5 million copies worldwide.
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Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color versions can communicate
Mario Golf, a sports video game, was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 in Japan. The game was developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo. It is the successor to NES Open Tournament Golf and is considered the second game in the Mario Golf series.
The Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color versions can communicate with each other via Transfer Pak connectivity. This allows players to exchange characters and data between the two versions. The Transfer Pak enables connectivity between the two gaming consoles, facilitating the transfer of information and enhancing the gaming experience by providing players with access to additional characters and data from one game to the other.
The Nintendo 64 version of Mario Golf offers a unique gaming experience with its simplified gameplay, which removes the complexities often associated with golf games. Players can choose from a variety of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Wario, and original characters created by Camelot Software Planning. The game features themed courses based on the Mario universe, such as the grounds of Peach's Castle in the Mushroom Kingdom, with elements like lava pits, Thwomps, and Chain Chomps.
The Game Boy Color version of Mario Golf introduces role-playing elements to the game. It provides players with an overworld map where they can explore, interact with different courses, characters, and objects, and experience the game in a new way. The ability for the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color versions to communicate via Transfer Pak connectivity expands the possibilities for players, allowing them to access a wider range of content and enjoy a more dynamic gaming experience across two different gaming platforms.
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Players can choose from 14 different characters
Mario Golf is a 1999 sports video game developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It is the successor to NES Open Tournament Golf and is considered the second game in the Mario Golf series.
The game simplifies the complexities of golf, making it accessible to players unfamiliar with the sport. Despite its simplicity in gameplay and appearance, Mario Golf offers a deep gaming experience with various variables influencing each shot, such as wind strength, character attributes, and ball spin.
The courses in Mario Golf are based on iconic locations within the Mario universe, such as the grounds of Peach's Castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. As players progress, they encounter more intricate terrain, exotic features, and challenging obstacles like lava pits, Chain Chomps, and Warp Pipes.
Mario Golf received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay, accessibility, and unique blend of the Mario universe with golf. It sold approximately 1.5 million copies worldwide, becoming the 37th best-selling game for the Nintendo 64.
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The game received universal acclaim
The original Mario Golf video game was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64. It is a sports game developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo. It is the successor to NES Open Tournament Golf and is considered the second game in the Mario Golf series.
> "When it comes to the intricacies that make golf the most loved and frustrating game on the planet, Mario Golf has it all. Challenging, but you will be drawn into it because of the nature of golf and your fear that the 'little cartoon game' is mocking you."
IGN also praised the GBC version, calling it "an absolutely brilliant rendition of golf, and a perfect game for the go". In Japan, Famitsu gave both the Nintendo 64 and GBC versions a score of 30/40.
The game is the 37th best-selling game for the Nintendo 64, selling approximately 1.5 million copies worldwide. It was later re-released as a Nintendo 64 "Player's Choice" title. The Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color versions can communicate with each other via Transfer Pak connectivity, allowing players to upload characters and data from one game into the other.
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Frequently asked questions
The first Mario Golf game was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64.
No, but there were three installments of the main series before Mario Golf: Golf: Japan Course, Golf: US Course, and NES Open Tournament Golf.
The same year the Nintendo 64 version was released, 1999, the game was ported to the Game Boy Color.
The latest game in the series, Mario Golf: Super Rush, was released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.
