Mario and friends play all sorts of sports together, and golf is no exception. In fact, the plumber’s first golf outing —Mario Golf— is now available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. The most recent game in the series,Mario Golf: Super Rush,is also available on the Switch, but there are still reasons to go back to the originalMario Golf.
It is seemingly counterintuitive to opt for the firstMario Golfgame as opposed to the newest, but each game has its advantages.Super Rushbrings tons of new features to the table, but even it lacks some modes from the original. Maybe it comes down to the price point and not wanting to fully commit to a new, full-priced game. Either way, the originalMario Golfis a great option for new and old players alike.
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Mario’s First Golf Outing
Mario Golfmay be nearly 23 years old at this point, but it’s arcade-style golf gameplay is still seen in game’s likeSuper RushandEverybody’s Golftoday. That means there should be no worries gameplay-wise when it comes to picking the older of the two games. On top of this,Mario Golfhas tons of modes for players to try out.
Mario Golfhas a few singleplayer modes, like the 30-golfer tournament (with 29 golfers controlled by CPU), or speed golf, in which players must complete 18 holes as quick as possible. The new Switch Online release even supports online multiplayer. This carries over to modes like the beloved mini-golf mode, something which the newerSuper Rushlacks. To some players, the inclusion of mini-golf is more than enough of a reason to opt for the original.
Gameplay and modes aside, there is a heavy nostalgia bias to the originalMario Golf.The N64 is loved by fans, with many current Switch gamers having grown up with it. WhileSuper Rushmight be the newest game in the series, nothing is quite like going back to a childhood favorite.
The Joys of Mario Golf Super Rush
It is clear thatMario Golfhas its own merits, butSuper Rushis a great option for those looking to get into the series/a new golfing experience. Being about 20 years newer,Super Rushhas more advanced graphics than the original, though some players still prefer the original’s soundtrack. While there is no mini-golf,Super Rushstill touts some unique game modes.
First and foremost,Mario Golfhas a dedicated story mode, which is usually reserved for the series' handheld titles. In it, players take control of their Mii avatar and journey through various golf courses and clubhouses to become the best golfer out there. There is also a fully revamped speed golf mode. Instead of just completing courses as quickly as possible, players must race each other to each hole and attempt to interrupt others from doing so, a laMario Kart.There is also battle golf and target golf —Super Rushclearly has variety.
Despite this, some may be wary ofSuper Rush’sfull, $60 price tag, especially if they are newcomers to golf games. TheSwitch Online Expansion Packcosts $10 less, albeit an annual charge, but also grants players access to a growing list of N64 classics. This Expansion Pack definitely makesMario Golfmore accessible, especially for players who just want to try it out before fully committing to it.
Mario Golfand the newerSuper Rushare both strong options for those looking for some arcade-style golf gameplay. WhileSuper Rushmay be more visually appealing and have a larger variety of game modes, the originalMario Golfstill has its own appeal and is slightly more accessible for players to try. Either way,Mario Golfshould not be counted out just because it is the older title.
Mario Golfis available now on N64 and Nintendo Switch.
