Editing Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Good article}}{{Use mdy dates|date = February 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour
| image = Toadstool Tour.jpg
| image_size = 
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Camelot Software Planning]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = Haruki Kodera
| producer = Shinji Hatano<br/>[[Hiroyuki Takahashi (game producer)|Hiroyuki Takahashi]]<br/>Shugo Takahashi
| designer = Hiroyuki Takahashi<br/>Shugo Takahashi
| programmer = Haruki Kodera<br/>Toru Takamatsu<br/>Kazunori Mimori
| composer = [[Motoi Sakuraba]]
| series = ''[[List of Mario sports games#Mario Golf games|Mario Golf]]''
| released = {{Video game release|NA|July 28, 2003|JP|September 5, 2003|AU|February 11, 2004|EU|June 18, 2004}}
| genre = [[Sports video game|Sports]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[GameCube]]
}}

'''''Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour''''', known in Japan as {{Nihongo foot|'''''Mario Golf: Family Tour'''''|マリオゴルフ ファミリーツアー|Mario Gorufu Famirī Tsuā|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes}}, is a 2003 [[Sports video game|sports]] [[video game]] developed by [[Camelot Software Planning]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[GameCube]]. It is the sequel to the 1999 [[Nintendo 64]] title ''[[Mario Golf (video game)|Mario Golf]]'', and is the third game in the [[List of Mario sports games#Mario Golf games|''Mario Golf'' series]]. It was released in North America on July 28, 2003, in Japan on September 5, 2003, and in [[PAL]] regions in 2004.

''Toadstool Tour'' is a golf game featuring characters and elements from the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' series]]. There are 16 playable characters in total, each with a set of golfing statistics defining their style of play. The game's main mode involves the player competing in tournaments to obtain new features, although there are alternative modes consisting of a training session and variations to the golf format. This includes "Ring Attack", requiring the player to hit the ball through 
rings of varying sizes while remaining on or under par.<ref name="Eurogamer"/> The game also features connectivity with ''[[Mario Golf: Advance Tour]]'' using the [[GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable|Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance cable]].<ref name="GameSpy"/>

''Toadstool Tour'' was met with positive reception. In general, reviewers praised the game's visuals, sound, and variety of courses, although a perceived lack of advancement from its predecessor was criticised. The game became part of the [[Player's Choice]] label in 2004.<ref name="Player's Choice"/>

==Gameplay==
[[Image:Mario Golf Toadstool Tour.jpg|thumb|left|Mario about to hit the golf ball]]
''Toadstool Tour'' is a golf game incorporating characters, enemies and themes from the ''Mario series''. As a typical [[golf]] game, the player's objective is to hit the ball into the hole using as few strokes as possible. Prior to the swing, the player chooses a club, a general direction and range for the ball to travel. During the swing, the player determines power by timing a button press for a marker to stop at the desired point on a power meter.<ref name="IGN"/> At this point, the player can choose to influence the direction of the ball by applying spin.<ref name="GameSpot"/> Players can alternate between auto and manual shots, with the latter providing the player with more control, albeit at a higher risk of a poor shot. Many of these gameplay aspects, such as spin, are affected by the individual statistics of each character. These relate to features such as control of the ball and the general height of the character's shot, which determines how much the character's play is affected by the wind. At varying stages in the "Character match" mode, characters have a chance to be upgraded into "Star characters", which grants statistical enhancements. To achieve this, the player must defeat a computer-designated [[Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]] (AI) opponent with a character of their choice, awarding the AI character with the upgrade for use later by the player.<ref name="Eurogamer"/> The opportunities are only available once an envelope appears beside a character portrait in the selection screen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/gamecube/mario_golf/review.html |title=Mario Golf [Toadstool Tour] Review |publisher=GamersHell |access-date=August 1, 2008 |author=Neil J. Sloan |archive-date=November 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114041154/http://www.gamershell.com/gamecube/mario_golf/review.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

There are seven courses in the game, with the later versions featuring more complex terrain and exotic features. The more advanced courses offer a higher frequency of difficult terrain and elevation,<ref name="IGN"/> as in [[Golf course#Hazards|bunkers]], which limit the accuracy and range of shots. There are also hazards such as lava pits and thwomps, which will incur a one-shot penalty if landed on. Each course takes its name from a particular ''Mario'' feature, such as "Peach's Castle Grounds", which is themed in particular on the [[Mushroom Kingdom]]. This course includes themed hazards such as chain chomps in bunkers, as well as warp pipes to change the location of the ball.<ref name="Eurogamer"/>
 
''Toadstool Tour'' contains several gameplay modes and variants of golf, as well as the traditional [[stroke play|stroke]] and [[match play]]. The player can choose to play the "Doubles" option in several modes, which allows two players to play alternate strokes as a team. "Coin attack" entails collecting several coins scattered on the course, while "Ring attack" requires the player to direct the ball through rings of varying locations, angles, and diameter while keeping on or under par.<ref name="Eurogamer"/> Some side games incorporate personal training for the player, such as the side games, which develop approaching, putting, shots, and birdie skills (see [[Golf swing#List of shots|types of shots]]). The main mode is "Tournament mode", which involves the player competing against [[artificial intelligence]] opponents on each course to win trophies. The game features interactivity with the [[Game Boy Advance]] via the [[GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable]]. Players can transfer their player characters from ''[[Mario Golf: Advance Tour]]'' to ''Toadstool Tour'' and gain experience points through gameplay, which can then be transferred back to ''Advance Tour''; players can also unlock bonus characters in ''Advance Tour'' based on their progress in ''Toadstool Tour''.<ref name="GameSpy"/>

==Development and release==
''Toadstool Tour'' was developed by [[Camelot Software Planning]], the same team responsible for the game's predecessor, ''Mario Golf''. During an interview with two Camelot developers, Hiroyuki and Shugo Takahashi, it was revealed that the game was developed simultaneously with the GameCube ''Mario Tennis'' title, ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]''. According to the brothers, ideas and technology used for the development of ''Toadstool Tour'' were also used for ''Power Tennis''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/03/camelot-talks-mario-power-tennis |title=Camelot talks Mario Power Tennis |website=[[IGN]] |date=December 2, 2004 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=IGN staff |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226192502/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/03/camelot-talks-mario-power-tennis |url-status=live }}</ref> The music was composed by [[Motoi Sakuraba]], who previously scored ''[[Mario Golf (video game)|Mario Golf]]''.<ref>''Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour'' (GameCube) end credits</ref> The game was displayed as a playable demonstration in the [[E3]] convention of 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/14/e3-2003-hands-on-mario-golf-toadstool-tour |title=E3 2003: Hands-on Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |website=IGN |date=May 14, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Cory D. Lewis |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628110730/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/14/e3-2003-hands-on-mario-golf-toadstool-tour |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Toadstool Tour'' became part of the [[Player's Choice]] label in 2004, which offers a reduced price to games that have sold more than one million copies.<ref name="Player's Choice">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/16/mario-golf-f-zero-go-bargain-priced |title=Mario Golf, F-Zero Go Bargain-Priced |website=IGN |date=March 16, 2004 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=IGN staff |archive-date=March 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324164902/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/16/mario-golf-f-zero-go-bargain-priced |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 81/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mario-golf-toadstool-tour/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour for GameCube Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=January 18, 2015}}</ref>
| Edge = 6/10<ref name="edge">{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |issue=128 |date=October 2003 |page=101}}</ref>
| EGM = 7.83/10<ref name="egm">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,4364,1492046,00.asp |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=171 |date=October 2003 |page=162 |access-date=April 14, 2010 |author=EGM staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040301191804/http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0%2C4364%2C1492046%2C00.asp |archive-date=March 1, 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| EuroG = 7/10<ref name="Eurogamer"/>
| GI = 8/10<ref name="gi">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200309/R03.0821.1023.11085.htm |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=125 |date=September 2003 |page=110 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Justin Leeper |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050422041047/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200309/R03.0821.1023.11085.htm |archive-date=April 22, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gamepro">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/30466.shtml |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour Review for GameCube on GamePro.com |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=July 28, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Fennec Fox |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204150619/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/30466.shtml |archive-date=February 4, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev = B<ref name="gamerev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/mario-golf-tt |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour Review |publisher=[[GameRevolution]] |date=August 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Ben Silverman |archive-date=January 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122051103/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/mario-golf-tt |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.3/10<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-golf-toadstool-tour-review/1900-6072783/ |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=July 30, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Ryan Davis |archive-date=January 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104173948/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-golf-toadstool-tour-review/1900-6072783/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="GameSpy">{{cite web |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/mario-golf-toadstool-tour/6072p1.html |title=GameSpy: Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |date=August 6, 2003 |access-date=December 25, 2008 |author=Raymond Padilla |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219154446/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/mario-golf-toadstool-tour/6072p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GameZone = 9/10<ref name="gamezone">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/mario_golf_toadstool_tour_gc_review |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour - GC - Review |publisher=GameZone |date=July 31, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Louis Bedigian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821133848/http://gamecube.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r17069.htm |archive-date=August 21, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 8/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/30/mario-golf-toadstool-tour |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |website=IGN |date=July 29, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Matt Casamassina}}</ref>
| NLife = {{Rating|8|10}}<ref name="nlife">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/11/mario_golf_toadstool_tour_retro |title=Review: Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (GameCube) |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=November 8, 2011 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Mark Reece |archive-date=December 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223144135/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/11/mario_golf_toadstool_tour_retro |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NP = 4.2/5<ref name="np">{{cite magazine |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |volume=171 |date=September 2003 |page=134}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[BBC Sport]]''
| rev1Score = 85%<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/funny_old_game/game_reviews/3863563.stm |title=Let's Play: Mario Golf <nowiki>[Toadstool Tour]</nowiki> |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=July 7, 2004 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Alex Trickett}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Cincinnati">{{cite news |url=http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/090803_gamecube.html |title=Racing, golf games have sporty appeal |newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=September 9, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Marc Saltzman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516072240/http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/090803_gamecube.html |archive-date=May 16, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

''Toadstool Tour'' received a positive reaction from critics, although it was criticised for being too similar to its predecessor.<ref name="Eurogamer">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mariogolf_gc |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=June 26, 2004 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Tom Bramwell |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100208/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mariogolf_gc |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="GameSpot"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Tom Bramwell commented that "Mario Golf hasn't really grown much since its time on the N64", despite enjoying the game's course design and "sense of fun".<ref name="Eurogamer"/> Both ''[[GameSpot]]'' and ''[[IGN]]'' praised the game's courses, although the later stages were preferred to the more basic initial courses.<ref name="IGN"/><ref name="GameSpot"/> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' lauded the game's physics evidenced by the use of wind, weather, and surface conditions.<ref name="egm"/> The game was often likened to the ''[[Tiger Woods PGA Tour]]'' games, which served as a criticism when ''Eurogamer'' noted the absence of events and player progression in the game's single-player mode.<ref name="Eurogamer"/> This point was shared by Jennifer Tsao of ''EGM'', who wanted "a more compelling single-player mode" that would offer a "golf pro who coaches me based on my swings".<ref name="egm"/>

The game's controls were generally well received, despite specific issues such as difficulties executing very short putts due to the game's power meter.<ref name="GameSpy"/> The accessibility of the controls in particular were lauded, although Camelot's choice not to use the analogue swing present in many golf games was a common complaint.<ref name="Eurogamer"/><ref name="IGN"/> This specifically was compared to the analogue system present in ''Tiger Woods'' games, prompting [[Matt Casamassina]] to comment "going from Tiger Woods back to the mechanics of Mario Golf feels like going from car to horse".<ref name="IGN"/> The variety of modes available in ''Toadstool Tour'' was rated as "amazing" by ''GameSpot'', who proceeded to commend the clarification provided by the game's manual booklet and in-game tutorial.<ref name="GameSpot"/> ''Eurogamer'' also noted this by offering praise to "Ring attack", but conversely rated "Coin attack" as "a bit shallow".<ref name="Eurogamer"/> The game's multiplayer offerings were highly regarded by most reviewers.<ref name="GameSpy"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/3111/mario-golf-toadstool-tour-gamecube |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour Hands-on Preview |publisher=Nintendo World Report |date=July 28, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Rick Powers |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051451/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/3111/mario-golf-toadstool-tour-gamecube |url-status=live }}</ref>

Many reviewers criticised ''Toadstool Tour{{'}}''s use of camera, especially when the ball's presented route would ignore obstacles.<ref name="GameSpy"/><ref name="IGN"/> ''GameSpot'' otherwise welcomed the game's visuals, however, arguing that the recurring ''Mario'' characters "never looked better".<ref name="GameSpot"/> ''IGN'' also lauded the graphics  present in the [[full motion video]] and the rest of the game, as well as ''Toadstool Tour''{{'}}s audio. Matt Casamassina acknowledged the characters' voiced taunts, saying "the muttering, complaining Waluigi, never fails to bring a smile to our faces".<ref name="IGN"/>

Alex Trickett of [[BBC Sport]] gave it 85% and stated, "If you like pure simulation stick with world number one [[Tiger Woods]], but if you are ready for a wackier round of golf, let your favourite Italian plumber come to the fore."<ref name="BBC"/> Likewise, Marc Saltzman of ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]'' gave it four stars out of five and stated that, "One of the game's greatest assets is its intuitive control scheme. Novice and seasoned players will be able to pick up and play with little trouble. There are customizable options for manual or automatic swing modes."<ref name="Cincinnati"/> However, the only negative review came from Alex Porter of ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'', who gave it a score of four out of ten, saying, "Golfing game standards like club selection, power meter, and control of backspins and topspins satisfy, but the sometimes-clunky controls and confusing camera perspectives will leave you teed-off."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_5843.html |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |magazine=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] |date=July 29, 2003 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |author=Alex Porter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030813235429/http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_5843.html |archive-date=August 13, 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2009, ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' remarked "Perfect controls, lovely visuals, a classic character roster... what more could you want from a sports game?", placing the game 53rd on a list of greatest Nintendo games.<ref>{{cite web | author=East, Tom | date=February 23, 2009 | title=100 Best Nintendo Games: Part 3 | url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7258 | work=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] | publisher=[[Future plc]] | access-date=September 9, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831020618/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7258 | archive-date=August 31, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Sales and awards===
''[[GameSpot]]'' named ''Toadstool Tour'' the best GameCube game of July 2003.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040408155255/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/080103/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/080103/index.html | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Month in Review: July 2003 | author=((The Editors of ''GameSpot'')) | date=August 1, 2003 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=April 8, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

By July 2006, ''Toadstool Tour'' had sold 830,000 copies and earned $26 million in the United States. ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked it as the 72nd highest-selling game launched for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] or [[GameCube]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of ''Mario'' sports games released in the 2000s reached 2.5 million units in the United States by July 2006.<ref name=nextgensales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author1=Campbell, Colin |author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Toadstool Tour'' sold 1.03 million units in North America as of December 27, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=US Platinum Videogame Chart|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915191335/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|archive-date=2020-09-15|access-date=August 8, 2008|website=The Magic Box}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Notes==
<references group="lower-alpha" />

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/gamecube/mario-golf-toadstool-tour}}

{{Mario sports games}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|2000s}}
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[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:Camelot Software Planning games]]
[[Category:GameCube games]]
[[Category:GameCube-only games]]
[[Category:Golf video games]]
[[Category:Mario Golf]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Motoi Sakuraba]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Games with GameCube-GBA connectivity]]