First Impressions: Tiger Woods has nothing on the Mario brothers.
Mario Golf and Mario Tennis were two of the best sports titles to be released on the Nintendo 64. Much like every other title that bears Mario's name, the games were easily accessible for even the most novice of players yet still provided a rich gameplay experience for video veterans. With that in mind, it is no surprise that the Nintendo Gamecube is receiving updates to each of these titles. While the tennis update is still off on the horizon, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour is hitting shelves next week.
Just like it's 64-bit predecessor, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour will allow you and up to three of your friends to hit the links. Both traditional and Mushroom Kingdom inspired courses will be available for you to show your chops. While both will be inherently beautiful thanks to the Gamecube's graphical prowess, it is the Mario inspired course that will help set Toadstool Tour apart from the pack. Instead of just having to keep your balls out of the sand, water, and woods, you will have to avoid vibrantly colored Piranha Plants and Warp Pipes.
As has become the standard, Mario will be joined on the course by a complete line-up of friends, foes, and supporting characters. Luigi, Peach, Donkey Kong and a Koopa will all be taking up their clubs as they navigate their way from hole to hole. Additionally, Camelot is retooling Mario Golf's swing system in an effort level the playing field. Experts will still be able to manually control their swing while novices will still be able to compete thanks to a partially automated mode. Expect a great time for your entire foursome while playing at home and be ready to transfer characters back-and-forth between your Gamecube and the Game Boy Advance version of the game that is coming out this Christmas.
