Mario Golf for the Nintendo 64 was about one thing: Simplistic fun with a metal golf ball whacker thing. The GameCube sequel from Camelot looks to continue in this tradition. Announced a few weeks before E3 2002, this game wasn't fully seen in action until over a year later. Nothing about the game is too earth shattering, and is basically an upgrade of its N64 predecessor.

Watch the window, dude, you really don't wanna have to pay for that thing.

Players will have the opportunity to choose to play on a normal golf course, or an all-new course designed from the ground up in classic Mushroom Kingdom settings. Hazards like Piranha Plants, Chain Chomps and Thwomps will be scattered over these Mario-inspired courses, adding a whole new mini-golf (or putt-putt golf, depending on your term preference) style to the Mario Golf franchise.

Is he golfing or auditioning for the Rockettes?

Though a full character list has yet to be revealed, one can get a pretty good idea from examining the box-art that we've been shown. Characters like Mario, Peach, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and Koopa Troopa are seen holding clubs and whatnot, apparently getting ready for tee-time. Not a horrible cast at all. Whether characters from the first Mario Golf title like Plum will be included is unknown.

Of course, you can choose to tee-off with up to three friends, or by yourself, for all you friendless losers out there, like Jimmy. Don't know Jimmy? Exactly. That's why he has no friends. Gameplay dynamics such as the ability to put your swing into manual mode for those of you who think you're expert enough add a new dimension to Toadstool Tour, and give even seasoned Mario Golfers something new to master.

You're just asking to get bit in the ass, man.

Connectivity features for Mario Golf Advance Tour on GBA are also available, allowing you to transfer characters, presumably things like stats, though no further details have been revealed. Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour is available for play at store kiosks, so check it out for a rockin' good time. The game releases in the United States on July 28, will more than likely carry an E for Everyone rating, and will be available at an MSRP of $49.99.

Carl DeNovio