HAVE YOU GOT THE BALLS?

Mario and friends back for more golfing fun

Join Mario and crew as they return to Game Boy Advance this summer for the ultimate golfing challenge. Line up your balls, get your clubs ready and tee off - this is one golf game you won't forget. Mario Golf: Advance Tour launches on Game Boy Advance across Europe on September 17th 2004.

In this action packed game from Nintendo, there is a new story mode where you will find yourself in complete control of your own unique golfing team, who you must coach to turn them into golfing champions! Train your character in all aspects of golfing on 18 hole courses with bunkers and water hazards. Players earn experience by successfully completing challenges, and they improve their abilities in areas such as range, spin control or shot accuracy.

You can climb the ranks of Mario Golf Club, find out all the latest golfing news, practise your skills in hundreds of mini game challenges and take on competitors in amazing surroundings, from deserts to forests to tropical beaches. Only by beating of all your opponents will you make it through to the next round, where Mushroom Kingdom awaits you!

Once you earn your place at this prestigious golf club you will be able to put your golfing skills to the ultimate test against the top golfing residents. Here you can hone your skills to perfection and become the champion of champions. Visit the clubhouse to get tips, practice a few rounds on the links or dive straight into the championship matches - it's up to you how you play your way to the top!

There are also several multi-player modes where up to 4 players can challenge each other to individual or doubles play.

You can also link up with Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour on the Nintendo GameCube to unlock special hidden features, or transfer characters for use on the Nintendo GameCube. Furthermore, linking up the two games unlocks features within Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour, allowing you to improve your characters even more. Any character transferred from Mario Golf: Advance Tour can be used in all of the Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour game modes.

Mario and friends have featured in many Nintendo titles, ranging from Super Mario Smash Bros. to the Mario Kart series. The successful Mario series includes a selection of golfing titles that have appeared on both the Game Boy Color, N64, and the most recent release: Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour which launched for Nintendo GameCube on June 18th 2004. Mario Golf Advance Tour is the latest game in this unique Mario Golf series.

Mario Golf Advance Tour will be available in Europe from 17th September for the estimated retail price of around 40 Euros.