Mario Golf

Unlike previous golf titles, the gameplay is simplified to provide an easier experience while retaining common elements such as character statistics and variables affecting ball shots. In addition to traditional stroke play, there are other modes such as mini golf and a skins match. A companion Game Boy Color version of the game featuring a story mode with role-playing elements, also developed by Camelot, was published under the same title worldwide and as Mario Golf GB in Japan. The N64 version was re-released on the Wii and Wii U Virtual Console, and on the Nintendo Classics service, in 2008, 2015, and 2022 respectively, while the GBC version was re-released on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console in 2012, and on the Nintendo Classics service on March 12, 2024. The game received critical acclaim. The N64 version was succeeded by Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour for the GameCube while the GBC version was succeeded by Mario Golf: Advance Tour for the Game Boy Advance.

• Title — Mario Golf • Developer — Camelot Software Planning • Publisher — Nintendo • Director — Haruki Kodera • Producer — * Shinji Hatano • Shigeru Miyamoto • Hiroyuki Takahashi • Shugo Takahashi • Hidetoshi Endo • Designer — * Hiroyuki Takahashi • Shugo Takahashi • Composer — Motoi Sakuraba • Series — Mario Golf • Platforms — Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color • Released — Nintendo 64'Game Boy Color • Genre — Sports, Role-playing • Modes — Single-player, multiplayer

• Illustration — Mario readying his swing in the ring shot mode. The shot gauge at the bottom of the screen determines how the ball will fly when hit. Players choose from a variety of characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Wario, Donkey Kong, Baby Mario, Metal Mario and five original characters; Plum, Charlie, Sonny, Harry and Maple. Players can then select from a number of courses which have features adapted to the Nintendo world. As a "pick up and play" game, it simplifies the game of golf, without its complicated real-life aspects. Although the game is easy to play and simple in appearance, its engine has many variables that can affect a shot, such as wind strength and direction (indicated by a Boo), rain, characters' individual attributes, spin on the ball, and relief of the land. The variety of gameplay modes include speed golf, ring shot, mini golf, and skins match. Every character in the game has voice samples which can be used to comment on opponents' shots. The Transfer Pak connects the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color versions, to exchange characters and data. A GBC character earns experience points with each round.

Nintendo originally started development on a golf game for the Nintendo 64 tentatively titled Golf. Some time later, they 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 impressed with Camelot's prototype that they canceled their other golf game and assigned Camelot to develop Mario Golf 64. This new golf game was announced in the February 1999 issue of The 64Dream.