Unfortunately, this game gets a bogey right out of the box.
Let's get one thing straight. This is the exact same game as 06/07. Aside from bloom lighting, I can't really see any difference. It's the same engine and the same game play with the same character animations etc ... The courses are well done, and that is the 08's saving grace. Rich, colorful and well designed courses are a joy to play.
LAN play works well and is a fun party game. I have not tried internet play yet.
In short, it seems like a patch, or maybe a $9.95 update.