Pros: moves, players
Cons: nothing

Mario Golf features the usual suspects: Mario, Luigi, Wario, Peach etc. The unique aspect to the character selection is that the most popular ones aren't available right off the bat. You'll have to play against them and win if you want to play as them. Once they are unlocked they are available in any mode. This ups the replay value quite a bit and is a pretty decent idea that keeps you coming back, as there a lot of characters to choose from.

Up to 4 players can play and I have to say, Nintendo scores with another 4 player party game. When you tire of Mario Party and Super Smash Bros, look no further than this. This game may not have that wild "party" atmosphere about it, but remember, it's what you make of it. Older players who don't care for the four player games that involve four split screens may also take a shine to MG.

There are a few different game play modes to choose from. Along with the regular Tournament Mode, you can play Get Character (play against a character and win to be able to select him), Ring Shot (Shoot the ball through the rings and beat the hole within par to earn Stars), Speed Golf (Play 18 holes as fast as you can to earn Course points, which enable you to open new courses), and there are a few more 2-4 player modes as well.

You are given a fair amount of control over your shot. Moving the analog stick up or down cycles through your available clubs. More often than not the cpu chooses for you, but for seasoned vets, you might think you know better. Press the A button once to set off the power meter, press the A button again to set the power of your shot and press it one final time to set the "meet area" of the club and ball. Once the power meter has started you can now use the analog stick to change the impact point of the club against the ball. If the impact point is lower on the ball than the trajectory of the ball will be higher; the reverse is also true. Once you get the knack of the whole thing, try for a "Nice Shot" by pressing the A button at exactly at the right moments.