Not even two months after it was released, Mario Golf: Super Rush has received an update delivering some of the promised post-launch DLC. This update is a first step in addressing a common complaint lobbied against Super Rush - a distinct lack of content. Toadette is now a playable golfer, and a new course comprised of only par three holes scattered throughout New Donk City has been added. While these two additions are greatly needed, Super Rush's first update also introduced a Ranked Match mode for online players, a feature that expands on the game's competitive side.
Online multiplayer has been included in Super Rush since the beginning, but there was no form of leaderboards or skill-based matchmaking. Now, players begin at a "C-" rank, and are awarded points at the end of each round. As players progress through the ranks, they'll be matched up against those of equal skill. The game will also display players' world rankings, stacking up to everyone that has played the Ranked Match so far.
Mario Golf: Super Rush's Ranked Match appears to be a bit shallow compared to other games with similar systems. Players are awarded points for participation and placement out of the four participants in a round and given bonus points if they triumphed over someone of a higher rank. There doesn't appear to be any way to lose rank, so the only way to go is up. This is a good sign for those hoping to get the three new Yoshi colors, which were added in Super Rush's first update, and are unlocked by reaching an "A-" rank.
The Round Structure In Super Rush's Ranked Match
Players have a few different options for how they participate in Mario Golf's Ranked Matches. Selecting Ranked Match from the main menu will lead to the character select screen, then players will have the option of selecting button or motion controls. After this, Standard Golf or Speed Golf can be chosen, essentially allowing players to earn four separate ranks based on control scheme and game type. Speed Golf plays normally, while Standard Golf opts to have all four players take their shots at the same time.
The current course that is played for all Ranked Matches rotates every so often. Once a match is found, players play three random holes. This small number of holes, combined with everyone hitting at once in Standard Golf, makes for fairly short rounds, especially when the course happens to be Super Rush's New Donk City. Special Shots are active in both Speed and Standard Golf, which does add a layer of strategy, but has the tendency to bring the round to a standstill when everyone waits to avoid one player expected to use their Special.
Oddly, having a final hole ruined by someone else's Special Shot is counterbalanced by there being no real penalty in of rank points, since players will climb the ladder regardless. Mario Golf: Super Rush's new Ranked Match is a fun and competitive addition to the game, but could use a bit more work to iron out some of the oddities.