Mario Golf: Super Rush

Mario Golf: Super Rush is the sixth installment in the Mario Golf series, released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch on June 25, 2021. It was first announced during a Nintendo Direct broadcast on February 17, 2021. The game introduces multiple modes, such as Speed Golf and Battle Golf, in which golfers must physically run to the ball in-between swings under time pressure, often alongside other players. Additionally, the game has a story mode similar to Mario Golf on the Game Boy Color and Mario Golf: Advance Tour, involving leveling up the player Mii's stats while going through a variety of unique challenges. The game departs from the three-press system present in the previous games of the series, instead having each swing involve two button presses, with the club type and terrain determining the accuracy of the shot.

Gameplay
The core gameplay follows the rules of golf: to hit the ball into the hole in the fewest number of strokes. Both sand traps and water hazards appear as obstacles depending on the course. The hole can be seen from afar by a glowing, blue pillar of light.

While preparing for a swing, the player can switch between available golf clubs and can view both the entire course from a bird's-eye view or scan the terrain ahead. The player can press to see more information on their currently-selected club. The bird's-eye view allows the player to see their current location, the hole, and a circle surrounding the player indicating their current club's yardage. Scanning shows the elevation and distance to the hole, as well as a cross-section view of the terrain slope. Pressing allows the player to set their aim while pressing  resets the camera view. An alternative scan, activated by pressing, allows the player to view the estimated landing zone from a higher point of view, showing the slope lines of the landing zone. Additional information such as the hole number, par number, total hole yardage, and wind speed and direction are all visible in the top-left corner. The hole is indicated by a tall blue pillar of light as well as a flag icon in the UI with arrows pointing to the hole. The player's current score and stroke number are also presented above their special shot gauge; normally yellow with a golf ball icon at the end, it is seen filling up in blue, with the ball becoming fiery, after sinking the ball into the hole. When the gauge is full, the player will be prompted to use their special shot as the icon will flash below the gauge. There is also a mini-map showing the entire hole.

The shot gauge is now vertical, and bends to indicate how the shot trajectory will be affected by slopes. The green and hole are indicated on the shot gauge by checkered tiling and the flag, respectively. The player can press to initiate a shot or  for a special shot, when their special shot gauge is full. Pressing allows the player to set a shot type, including standard shot and half shot. While a standard shot is being set, the player can use to shape the shot, curving its trajectory, and they can also apply spin to the shot, including standard spin and super backspin. After a shot is taken, the side-view trajectory of the shot is displayed in yellow, with the air distance displayed in yellow and rolling distance displayed in blue. The hole can also be seen in this diagram, indicated by a flag icon. While the ball is moving, the player can hold to fast-forward its motion. Both button controls and motion controls may be used. For motion controls, the player will need to hold while swinging the Joy-Con. Characters can also be made lefties.

Speed Golf
In Speed Golf, players take shots at the same time and must race to their ball after each stroke, continuing this until it is put into the hole. Items along the way may help the player. Players also have access to character-specific skills such as dashes and special shots, and are seen dropping coins onto the course when being hit or when running into obstacles; losing coins appears to decrease the player's special shot gauge, while collecting coins increases it. Both the player's stroke number and total time are recorded as their score. While running, players have a stamina gauge near their character that is normally green but turns red when low. The stamina gauge can be replenished by collecting hearts. Using a special dash immediately uses up a portion of the stamina gauge.

Battle Golf
In Battle Golf, four players compete in a stadium filled with nine holes and a number of obstacles to be the first player to sink three holes. In the stadium, players can collect coins and can even launch Bob-ombs with their golf club to damage their opponents.

Golf Adventure
In Golf Adventure, the player plays as their Mii. Starting with a basic amount of experience, the player can earn experience points by participating in practices and matches. Doing so grants the player skill points that can be used to upgrade their stats, such as Power (how far the ball can be driven), Stamina (how long the player can dash), Speed (how fast the player can run), Control (how straight the player can hit the ball), and Spin (how much the player can spin/shape shots), while experience points upgrade their level and overall Lead Rank. In the overworld, the player can interact with several characters, such as Goomba and Hammer Bro, who may provide the player with challenges. There will also be matches against the playable characters and boss fights. The player will also be able to collect coins. By winning tournaments, players will be able to obtain new clubs and outfits.

Menu

 * / - Select option
 * / - Confirm selection
 * / - Cancel or go back

Character selection

 * / - View selected character's stats
 * / - Options
 * / - Change club sets
 * / - Change dominant hand

Golf

 * / - Pause

Button controls

 * &#8592; and &#8594; - Aim shot
 * / - Start setting shot power
 * / - Set shot power (with standard spin)
 * / - Set shot power (with topspin)
 * / - Set shot power (with backspin)
 * / - Set shot power (with super backspin)
 * / - Tap putt in
 * - Shape shot
 * / &#8593; - Change to the next club up
 * / &#8595; - Change to the next club down
 * / - Change shot type
 * / - Activate Special Shot
 * / - View the map
 * &#8593; and &#8595; / /  /  /  - Zoom the map
 * / - Use the rangefinder
 * (tilt) / (tilt) /  - Aim the rangefinder

Speed Golf and Battle Golf only

 * - Move
 * / - Dash
 * / - Special Dash
 * / - Jump

Motion controls

 * &#8592; and &#8594; - Aim shot
 * Hold and swing  / Hold  and swing  - Take practice shot
 * Hold and swing  / Hold  and swing  - Take shot
 * &#8593; - Change to the next club up
 * &#8595; - Change to the next club down
 * / - Activate Special Shot
 * - View the map
 * / /  /  /  &#8593; and &#8595; - Zoom the map
 * - Use the rangefinder
 * (tilt) / - Aim the rangefinder

Speed Golf and Battle Golf only

 * - Move
 * (shake) - Dash
 * / - Special Dash
 * - Jump

Golf Adventure

 * - Move
 * - Move camera
 * - Jump / Interact

Playable
There are a total of 17 playable characters as of version 2.0.0; more characters are planned to be added post-launch. Pauline, Chargin' Chuck, and King Bob-omb are playable for the first time in the series. When selecting a character, players have the option to change their club set or dominant hand.

Much like Mario Tennis Aces and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, most characters wear specific golfing outfits, with the exceptions being Yoshi, Boo, Donkey Kong, Chargin' Chuck, and King Bob-omb. They also now carry their golf bag when moving on the course during Speed Golf.

Mii characters are also playable, with variable statistics. A Pink Yoshi also appears.

In Speed Golf and Battle Golf, Star Characters are limited to the 3W as their strongest club and Super Star Characters are limited to the 5W as their strongest.

Non-playable

 * Toads
 * Goombas
 * Paragoombas
 * Koopa Troopas
 * Koopa Paratroopas
 * Hammer Bros
 * Fire Bros
 * Sledge Bros
 * Spikes
 * Shy Guys
 * Monty Moles
 * Pokeys
 * Sandmaarghs
 * Ty-foo
 * Brolders
 * Chain Chomp
 * Thwomp
 * Magmaargh
 * Lava Bubbles
 * Fire Bar
 * Piranha Creepers
 * Whomp
 * Master Stinger
 * Caddie Master
 * Manager
 * Head Coach
 * Bullet Bill
 * Parabombs
 * Biddybuds
 * Lumas
 * Boomerang Bro
 * Birdo
 * Dry Bones
 * Stone Spikes
 * Sheep
 * Buzzy Beetle
 * Bony Beetle
 * Mr. Blizzard
 * Freezie
 * Snow Pokey
 * Spiny
 * Penguin
 * New Donkers (version 2.0.0)
 * Band (version 2.0.0)

Items

 * Ice Flower
 * Super Star
 * Heart
 * Yoshi's Egg
 * Mega Mushroom

Courses

 * Rookie Course
 * Bonny Greens
 * Ridgerock Lake
 * Balmy Dunes
 * Wildweather Woods
 * Bowser Highlands
 * Super Golf Stadium
 * Strategic
 * Technical
 * New Donk City (version 2.0.0)

Goomba

 * "Oh! You're done with your lesson already?"

Hammer Bro

 * "Do you want to take the Beginner Approach lesson?"
 * "All right! We'll get started with a straightforward shot on flat ground using your approach wedge."

Staff
As with the previous games of the series, Mario Golf: Super Rush was developed by Camelot and composed by Motoi Sakuraba. Shugo Takahashi also returned as both director and one of the lead game designers as in Mario Golf: World Tour.

Update history
Mario Golf: Super Rush has received updates after launch, which add new content, balance adjustments, and bug fixes.

Ver. 1.1.0 (released June 24, 2021)

 * Battle Golf
 * Added “Enable/Disable” for Rush Events. Selecting “Enable” will cause Rush Events to occur at fixed times during play.
 * Golf Adventure (Adventure Mode)
 * Added Challenges for Shots off tee, Approaches, and Putting. The new challenges can be accepted from the Fire Bros in each area’s practice area.
 * Added lessons that teach spin use, and strategies for wind direction. The new challenges can be accepted from the Hammer Bros in each area’s practice area.
 * Adjusted several scenes encountered during the Golf Adventure mode of the game.
 * Motion Controls
 * “Practice Swing” now displays on the screen when trying out practice swings.
 * Adjusted the game balance around swing inputs.
 * Online and Local Wireless Play
 * Names of online opponents will now display.
 * Connection errors occurring mid-game will now display.
 * General Changes
 * Adjusted the display position of text and other information displayed during play.
 * Adjusted the results screen.
 * In addition, adjustments have been made to the game balance, and issues have been fixed to make the game experience more enjoyable.

Ver. 2.0.0 (released August 5, 2021)

 * Addition of Ranked Match
 * We have added "Ranked Match" as an online play option.
 * The goal is to improve your global ranking from "C-" to "S+" based on the number of monthly match points you accumulate from the results of your matches.
 * In Ranked Matches, you will be automatically matched with opponents as close as possible in distance and rank.
 * If there are only a few opponents available, you will be matched up even if there is some rank difference, but there is a handicap where higher ranked players will be behind you on the tee. If you can beat a higher ranked player, a bonus will be added to your monthly match points.
 * Your monthly match points, rank, and global ranking will be reset every month, but you will still be able to review your past records.
 * The game is divided into four categories: "Button Controls: Standard Golf", "Button Controls: Speed Golf", "Motion Controls: Standard Golf", and "Motion Controls: Speed Golf”.
 * Achieve a rank of "A-" or higher each month, you will be able to use a character with a special appearance as a bonus.
 * Achieve a rank of "A-" or higher in any one of the categories during August 2021, and you will be able to use "Red Yoshi”, “Blue Yoshi” and “Yellow Yoshi” as a bonus, effective immediately.
 * Addition of "Toadette" as a playable character
 * Toadette has been added as a playable character that can be used in matches.
 * While she has the highest control rating of all the characters, she also has the lowest power. She is recommended for those who want to hit the ball exactly where they want it to go, one shot at a time.
 * Golf Course "New Donk City" Added
 * "New Donk City" from "Super Mario Odyssey" has been added as a playable golf course.
 * This is a short course with 18 holes, all of which are rated Par 3, but it offers the possibility of unique strategies such as bouncing the ball off the walls of buildings.
 * There are two difficulty levels to choose from, "Amateur" and "Pro", making the tees and greens of all 18 holes completely different.
 * Adjusted Motion Controls
 * It is now easier to generate power when swinging with a full swing in mind.
 * Approach shots aiming at the cup position are now less likely to go wide.
 * The angle of the club is now reflected on the screen when you get into a position to hit the ball.
 * Additions to the "How to Play" section
 * Added explanations of how to play, and tips for Motion Controls in the "Golf Guide".
 * General Changes
 * “Return to Character Select" and "Return to Course Select" have been added to the Pause Menu exit options.
 * Character points required to obtain the next set of clubs are now displayed in Character Select.
 * Course Select now displays the number of holes you need to play before you can play the next course.
 * The number of holes played before the next course can be played is now displayed in Course Select.
 * However, during online play, you may not be able to select it until you return to the main menu, even if you meet the conditions.
 * The default number of players (including COM) has been changed to two when playing with the "Stroke Play " and "Take Turns" rules in the Standard Golf menu of “Play Golf”.
 * Adjusted the search procedure for "Find a Room" in the online room menu of “Play Golf”.
 * In online play, even if a network error occurs in another player’s room, the game will now continue after the player is replaced with a COM player. The room will be disbanded if the hosting console has a network error, because the hosting console manages the game settings.
 * In Ranked Matches, if the hosting console has a communication error, it will be replaced by the COM and the game will continue.
 * A warning and countdown will be displayed 30 seconds before the end of the game.
 * Special Shots now pierce through tree foliage.
 * When playing with two players in split-screen mode on a single Nintendo Switch console, the screen of the player who scores first will no longer follow the other player.
 * Motion Controls has been changed so that the character will not automatically move when the pause menu is open during online play.
 * Adjusted the difficulty level of the goal to clear XC Golf at Ridgerock Lake.
 * Changes have been made to the game balance, and other issues, to make for a better play experience.

Critical response
Mario Golf: Super Rush has received generally mixed reviews from critics. The Speed Golf and Battle Golf modes have been generally praised, but the game received criticism for its adventure mode, lack of courses and single player content.

Sales
Mario Golf: Super Rush topped the game sales charts in both Japan and the United Kingdom in its debut week. . As of June 30 2021, the game has sold-in 1.34 million copies worldwide.

References to other games

 * Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS: The sounds that Thwomps make are reused from this game. The theme of Bowser Highlands is based on the Bowser boss theme from this game.
 * Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour: Some characters' voice clips are reused from this game.
 * Mario Power Tennis: Many characters' voice clips are reused from this game.
 * New Super Mario Bros. U: When Mario grabs a Super Star during his Special Shot, the Super Star theme arrangement from this game plays. The stems heard when using Yoshi and Baby Yoshi in this game are both present.
 * Super Mario 3D World: Dash Panels and Jump Panels appear using their design from this game.
 * Mario Golf: World Tour: Several animations are reused from this game. The announcer's voice clips are reused from this game. The player's Mii is playable in a single-player campaign mode, like the Castle Club from this game.
 * Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: Toadette's Special Shot uses the Super Pickax from this game. Similarly, her Special Dash has her throwing vegetables which are based on this game's design.
 * Mario Kart 8: Some characters' voice clips are reused from this game, including the Miis' voice clips.
 * Mario Sports Superstars: Super Star character upgrades return from this game.
 * Super Mario Odyssey: For Pauline's Special Shot, "Jump Up, Super Star!" plays in the background as she uses her [[Media:SMO Pauline Mic.png|microphone]] from this game as a golf club. The 3-2-1 countdown heard when starting a race in this game is reused for when a player prepares for a swing. A course based on New Donk City appears in the game.
 * Mario Tennis Aces: The Toad commentators from this game return, once again giving commentary during matches. Many playable characters now wear proper golf outfits, similarly to how various characters wear proper tennis outfits in this game. Peach's Special Dash and Special Shot use a ribbon similar to the one found in Peach's Trick Shots and Special Shot from this game.
 * Mario Kart Tour: Pauline and King Bob-omb's voice clips are reused from this game.