Mario's illustrious career has earned the fella the right to relax, so it's no surprise that virtual golfers can now join him on the links... Mario style, of course. In Mario Golf, players join the star and his usual posse--Luigi, Pyoshi, Wario, Princess Peach, and Baby Mario, among others--on six themed courses, each with unique obstacles and landmarks recognizable from Mario's previous ventures. Despite one's expectations of a cartoonish "golf light" experience, the gameplay is actually on par with many serious golf simulations and is undeniably the best golf game for the Nintendo 64.

The game is equally balanced for pros and amateurs alike. Seasoned virtual golfers and perfectionists can choose a club, adjust the golfer's stance, gauge the wind direction, and apply a variety of spins to the ball. Casual golfers can let the computer caddy pick the best club and line up the golfer, and then simply swing away.

A variety of 10 classic and cleverly original game modes are available. Among the more interesting challenges are ring shot, requiring players to land shots through floating rings, and mini golf, complete with banked walls and ramps. In addition to the traditional tournament, skins, and match modes, golfers can play speed golf, requiring players to finish a round of golf as quickly as possible. --Eric Twelker

Pros:

• Great variety of game modes
• High replay value
• Strong multiplayer mode for up to 4 players

Cons:

• No hidden Mario Golf Kart mode (that we know of, at least)

9.85