A bookstore doing video game reviews? Yes. Yes, we are. We believe that video games are fun and perfectly fine in moderation. So, every once in a while, we’ll let you know what we think about new releases.
The Game
The Rundown
Price
$59.99
System
Nintendo Switch Exclusive
Playable on the Nintendo Switch Lite?
Yes
Tiny Bookstore Age Recommendation
6 or older. Younger if they aren’t very competitive. Older if they’re prone to meltdowns. I’m old and mellow and those sand traps were testing me.
Difficulty Level
On a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being Tic Tac Toe and 10 being Chess, this is a solid 6
Frustration Level
Kids who don’t know how golf works just might find this less frustrating than adults
Number of Players
Up to 4
Online Play?
Yes
Lea’s impressions
Mario Golf: Super Rush is targeted to all ages, but the natural difficulty level that just comes with the territory with golf is definitely a factor. The littlest gamers may find Super Rush to be too difficult or too frustrating. The game can be played with the controllers in standard gaming mode (in other words: by using the buttons) or by using a JoyCon in Motion mode. So far, it is compatible with my HORI SplitPad Pro.
You can play with up to 4 players and this feels like it would be a good group or party game. There are options to play through all 18 holes normally (Standard Golf), do time challenges (Speed Golf); do golf battles (Battle Golf); or work on besting your own scores (Solo Challenge) . If you’re looking to get moving, my fitness watch registered the arm-shaking you have to do in rush mode with the motion control activated as exercise. And my sore shoulders the next morning vouched for this conclusion.
While Mario Golf is rated for all ages, younger kids may have a difficult time mastering the button control. The motion control mode is easier as far as coordination is controlled, but it might leave you more susceptible to wild shots.
The game is perfectly playable and fun without completely understanding all of the different options (like swing direction, club choice, and some type of grid thing that pops up when you’re lined up to swing that I still haven’t figured out yet). Each character has a special skill. I still haven’t figured out how those work, but there are several websites that explain how to use that feature.
The adventure mode (Golf Challenge) is fun and easy enough, but there is something to be said about the lower level of time commitment you have in playing a quick 18 holes or a time challenge.
How realistic is the game?
In my first game in motion mode, I shot 22 over par. In most other golfing video games, I’m usually five to eight shots under. I’m an epically terrible golfer in real life, so I think it’s fair to say that Mario Golf: Super Rush is the more accurate game. Here’s what I mean: I played my best real-life round of golf only using a driver, a 7-iron, a pitching wedge, and a putter. Because my shot choices and swing mechanics are…special, I can’t hit with just about any other club. I noticed that by using my IRL club choices in game, I shaved 8 strokes off of my score in Mario Land. But, this isn’t a golf simulator, so there are significant differences between swinging the clubs in real life and swinging a JoyCon.
What’s the deal with the “Super Rush” part?
You know how golf is basically a leisurely stroll with occasional swinging involved? Well, our friends at Nintendo made things a little more interesting by introducing some time challenges. By “time challenges,” I mean that they have you literally going against a clock while you try to finish each hole. And if you’re using the motion controls, you are getting in a bonafide cardio workout.
Will I be able to replay this game without being bored to tears?
The Standard Golf, Speed Golf, Solo Challenge, and Battle Modes are designed to be played over and over again. If you find playing golf boring, the speed and competitive rounds may be the only saving grace for you.
