Mario Golf on GBC (or, mini-sports-rpg-goodness)

[Kidnemo]

Mario Golf for Gameboy Color is simply amazing.

I was looking through my GB/GBC/GBA collection last night, and this is easily one of my favorite games.

Given it's golf, but the addition of the RPG elements makes the game a blast to play. Between the mini-games, and the ability to increase your characters attributes, playing tourney after tourney to win extra experience points never seems like a chore.

I would much rather have the next console Mario Golf go in this direction as opposed to the flat-out sports game approach of Mario Golf 64 (which was a great game in it's own right).

Anybody else a fan of this under-rated title?

[Cheebs]

One of my all time favorites. I've never played the N64 version, but that is somewhat intentional. I can't immagine it possibly standing up to the GBC version, and I know I'd just dissapoint myself. I'll probably stay away from the Cube version for the same reason. As for the GBC game itself:

I think it was a brilliant move for Mario and company to be saved for the very end of the game. It kind of gives them a mysterious "legendary" golfer status. Building my own golfer up from nothing was way more fun than playing with a set Mario character anyway. Mini games and challenges were never tedious and the reward was always fulfilling. Taking down the club champs one at a time was a blast. There's also nothing quite like going back to the first club and bulliying around everybody who is way below your level. Yeah, I just drove onto the green on a par four. Let's see you do that, little man. The final club tournament at Peach's castle is really great (even though I still can't win) and really forces you to play flawlessly. Man, I want to unlock Wario..... A great game that I constantly go back to, and always will go back to.

[Kidnemo]

Originally posted by Chibi Nappa
One of my all time favorites. I've never played the N64 version, but that is somewhat intentional. I can't immagine it possibly standing up to the GBC version, and I know I'd just dissapoint myself. I'll probably stay away from the Cube version for the same reason. As for the GBC game itself:

I would still recommend giving Mario Golf on 64 a chance. While it has none of the RPG elements of it's smaller cousin, it's still a great game.

It has tons of secrets to unlock, and though it doesn't have that "I must play one more round to make my golfer better" feeling of the GBC rev, it still hooks you pretty good by making you unlock all the additional courses/golfers.

[Johnny]

I'd suggest checking out Mario Tennis as well. Those games get so much play.

[Kidnemo]

Originally posted by Johnny
I'd suggest checking out Mario Tennis as well. Those games get so much play.

From everything I've read it sounds like I enjoy it as much as Mario Golf.

It's on my lists of games to pick it up, I just never get around to actually buying it...

[Javon_McCloud]

Mario Golf might be my favorite GB game of all time. If nothing else it is the game i've played the most. The N64 version is good, but it doesn't hold a candle to the GBC version. I still can't beat that damn tournament at peach's castle, but I still play it because it is so much fun.

[wEEman33]

Mario Tennis is good but a bit too boring at times. The main problem with the game is that it's way too easy and you are forced to play 6 game sets everytime you have a match.

My advice: Take it in doses

Nontheless it's still very satisfying to build up your player's stats and then import him to the N64 version where he can be played in full 3D polygonal glory.

As for Mario Golf 64 it is a very fun game with lots of courses/characters to unlock and some excellent gameplay. Think Hot Shots gameplay mixed with Mario characters. (It was made by the same people who made HS)

Mario Tennis GBC < Mario Tennis N64
Mario Golf GBC > Mario Golf N64