The Mario Golf series has been around since Nintendo debuted it in 1999 on the N64. What has set it apart over the years, besides being tied into the Mario franchise and thus attracting gamers who usually weren’t into sports games, are its RPG elements.
The story modes featured in these games add some RPG elements like boosting stats. Even these small features have helped make the series more distinct than other golf games. How does Super Mario: Super Rush stack up to others in the series? The aggregate among the press is mixed so let’s dive into what this Switch game does well and what it doesn't.
10 Best: The Opening Movie
This opening cinematic might be the best Mario animation in a long time. It has everything one would want, from cool tricks to comedy beats starring that lovable duo, Wario and Waluigi. It has almost nothing to do with the main golf mode of Super Rush but it sure is fun to watch. If only the obstacle course in Super Rush could be this chaotic and cinematic at the same time.
9 Worst: Looks Dated
By now the Switch console is started to show its age. Super Mario: Super Rush, and others like it, look dated by comparison to the new consoles. Even though this is a new game, there are better-looking launch games from the Switch library that look amazing including Super Mario Odyssey. The graphics don’t hinder the golfing experience dramatically, but the environment certainly could use some polish.
8 Best: Character Powers
One of the most iconic things about the Mario franchise is its powers. While there are no suits to transform into in Super Mario: Super Rush, each Mario character has two special moves that are a blast to play with. This comes into play when hitting the ball and when performing dashes. Some moves are better than others but even the weaker picks prove to be inventive and a ton of fun to use.
7 Worst: Unlocking Everything
This can be one of the downsides of a Mario sports spinoff game; unlocking content. The same is true for other Nintendo games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Some players want to buy a game and have everything ready for them because they’re interested in a multiplayer experience. Some aren't invested enough to sink dozens of hours into a campaign just to unlock courses. To Super Mario: Super Rush’s credit it doesn’t take that long to get everything but it can still seem like an inconvenience.
6 Best: Speed Mode
One of this game’s most iconic new features is Speed golf. This has players teeing off with others at the same time and running from ball to ball in order to come out on top.
This mode can be played by strokes like a normal golf game or it can be a timed race with the score not mattering in the slightest. It’s also nice because it adds another element to the game's strategy, depending on which variant one plays on.
5 Worst: No Fast Travel
In the story mode, Golf Adventure, there is no way to quickly warp around the map. Each course has a little village dotted with practice areas, shops, and other places one might want to travel to. There isn’t even a run button despite there being one when playing a round of golf.
Fast travel has become a staple of many titles due to how much time it helps players save. While the mechanic doesn't fit everywhere, Super Rush would certainly benefit from its addition. As it stands, the lack of any fast travel feature seems to really slow down the pace of the campaign.
4 Best: Obstacle Courses
Even though the obstacle courses aren’t as cinematic as the opening video, they're still a lot of fun to play. This is the ideal mode to play with friends who love a challenging multiplayer experience. Playing normal rounds of golf has its ups too, but this is the mode to bookmark for multiplayer parties.
Veteran fans of the series will recognize a number of familiar faces while traversing Super Rush's obstacle courses. Thwomps, Pokeys, Bob-ombs, and Chain Chomps are just some of the enemies who will try to obscure your shots throughout Super Rush.
3 Worst: Golf Adventure
Camelot developed Super Rush for Nintendo and is also responsible for the Golden Sun franchise. One could say they know a lot about making great RPGs. It’s one of the reasons why the Mario Golf series is so beloved and unique compared to other titles in the genre. This game’s story isn't its strongest point and unlocks serve as the primary motivation to play through it.
2 Best: Stage Selection
It may take some time to unlock courses, but once one does they will have a great variety of levels at their disposal. Courses follow typical golf game themes like green acres, dry deserts, and so many more.
They also call back certain environments from the Mario franchise, like the ice world. While they're not as distinct as the stages you'd find in a mainline Mario game, the variety is something that certainly stands out.
1 Worst: Online Integration
Nintendo has never been a company that has boasted great online connectivity. Players need a phone app to talk to people on the Switch which is still a headscratcher. While the net code is not awful in Super Mario: Super Rush, it could certainly be better. From getting into a match and staying connected to just finding a party with the options one wants, things can get messy.