Super Swing Golf

Written by Chris Reiter  on October 31, 2006

First Impressions: A Tecmo game without scantily clad babes and agile ninjas? WaitЕcan they do that?

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Tecmo is not known for rushing their software out onto the market. Instead, they focus on producing a few releases a year. Another association is that their games' graphics often sparkle. Look at recent hits like the Dead or Alive series, Ninja Gaiden, or Fatal Frame. Despite these achievements, when it comes to sports, Tecmo is only reputable for one sports-centric game: Tecmo Bowl. While it is not the only sports title in Tecmo's repertoire, it is the most celebrated. But that was 1990. In other words, Tecmo has made few sports-related strides since the NES. Tecmo is hoping to remedy this on the Wii by hitting up the links in Super Swing Golf.

Super Swing Golf's style is closer to Mario Golf than Wii Sports' golfing sim. The main game focuses on a story mode for its lineup of characters. The game has no online multiplayer option (just offline). Tecmo compensates for this through the number of goodies the player can unlock each time they head through the game. Each time the player beats bosses they will unlock these higher-ups as playable characters. New costumes, accessories, and even swing techniques are also available.

The game includes 11 stages with 191 holes to sink your ball into. With unique courses (like a battleship and a wintry wonderland) and upgradeable characters (from wearing Dead or Alive's Kasumi's costume to gaining the power to smash far away drives), this game should provide something a bit different than your average golf title. Super Swing Golf's game play is slightly offbeat itself. The game's swinging mechanics are unique. Much like Mario Golf, the player has a meter. Press A, pull back on the remote, then press A again to pause the game's meter and the motion of the pull. From here, you'll be able to readjust your swing anyway you want, and restart the action at anytime.

Tecmo almost always does its best to push whatever graphic engine it has its hands on. Super Swing Golf is no exception. Tecmo is digging deep into the Wii's graphical power. The result is that Super Swing Golf's graphics, while somewhat behind those on other consoles, are better than many first-generation Wii titles. Super Swing Golf has a very crisp and vibrant face. The game features anime inspired characters in fantasy green-colored environments including giant mushrooms and other intriguing elements.