Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family-friendly fantasy tees up fun with appealing mascots.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Mario Golf: World Tour
What's It About?
MARIO GOLF: WORLD TOUR is a fantasy golf simulation that lets you play as your favorite Nintendo mascot, including Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Donkey Kong, or Princess Peach (or your own Mii character, if you prefer). Drive, swing, and putt on many courses; some are fairly realistic, whereas others borrow elements from previous Nintendo games, including piranha plants and warp pipes from classic Super Mario Bros. adventures. The game also offers power-ups that can light the ball on fire to burn through foliage or give it bullet-like supersonic performance. The in-game shop gives the option to purchase additional gear and clothing.
In addition to solo modes, Mario Golf: World Tour supports extensive online multiplayer modes, tournaments, and user-created communities. Up to four players from all over the world with wireless Internet connections can play together on the various courses in the game in simultaneous or linear play.
Is It Any Good?
This is a great game for players of virtually all ages. It's easy to pick up and fun to play and and has a lot of variety in its modes, courses, characters, and items. Fans of Nintendo not only will enjoy selecting (and, in most cases, unlocking) their favorite mascots but also will appreciate the nods to previous Nintendo games across the courses, power-ups, and items. The fantasy courses are clever and, in some cases, over the top (including an underwater course). Also, instead of simply playing against the game's artificial intelligence, you can challenge other human players over the Internet.
But the game isn't a perfect 10: You can't unlock the best course when you first start. Plus, the menu system is confusing and not too pretty; truthfully, it looks unfinished. Overall, however, Mario Golf: World Tour is ideal for both golf fans and Nintendo lovers and offers a lot of on-the-go gameplay.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how similar Mario Golf: World Tour's content is to that in previously released Nintendo games, especially when it borrows characters or power-ups from other franchises. Does it matter whether gameplay is repetitive, or is it OK if you still have fun with the latest installment of a series?
Talk about cartoon violence in games. Is there a level of cartoonish violence that goes too far, or is it OK because it's so over the top and unrealistic? Check our blog for recommended content and media tips.
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo 3DS
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Nintendo
- Release date : May 2, 2014
- Genre : Sports
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : February 11, 2021
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