Game: Mario Kart DS
System: Nintendo DS
Genre: Racing
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Release date: November 14, 2005
Pros:Great graphics, wifi and wireless multiplayer, inspired track design, huge replay value
Cons: Repetitive single-player campaign
The Mario Kart series has become a valuable asset for Nintendo over the last few generations, arguably surpassing other Nintendo IPs like Super Mario and Pokemon. Mario Kart DS, the subject of this review, has sold more than 22 million copies. Mario Kart Wii, the most recent console installment of the series, broke 33 million copies sold. Mario Kart 7, with less than two years on the market, has sold over 8 million units -- and shows no signs of slowing down. So it's a cash cow. But it's also a critically-acclaimed series. And Mario Kart DS is no exception. It's one of the best handheld racers ever produced, and it's one of the very best Mario Kart experiences available.
As with other Mario Kart games, the DS version features several familiar modes: Grand Prix, Time Trial, Versus, Battle Mode. What makes Mario Kart DS such an amazing game is the high level of customization available in most modes, and the inclusion of "game rankings," both of which provide the game with huge replay value. Versus mode, for example, can be played with up to eight others in local wireless mode, or played alone. In single-player versus, players can customize engine class, CPU difficulty, the way courses will be chosen, and the rules to win the race.
If players get bored playing computer-controlled racers in Versus Mode, they can try their luck against the world's best in Wi-Fi Connection Mode, a first for the series. Players can compete against regional, continental, and even worldwide rivals using a (preferably high-speed) wireless connection. This mode is a big part of why Mario Kart DS made such a splash with consumers and critics.
Apart from the modes, the rankings, and the unlockables, Mario Kart DS shines simply as a pure racing game. The racers are well-balanced, the controls and tight, responsive, and intuitive, and the tracks are expertly designed. There are a total of 32 tracks in Mario Kart DS: 16 brand new tracks and 16 recycled from older Mario Kart games. Standouts include Luigi's Mansion, Waluigi Pinball, and Airship Fortress.
Last but not least is Mission Mode, a brand new mode for Mario Kart that provides different challenges to players. These challenges include driving through gates, collecting coins, destroying item boxes, and boss battles. It's a welcome break from all the straight-forward racing modes, and it makes Mario Kart DS a deeper, more varied, and more rewarding experience.
Overall, Mario Kart DS is the complete package. Graphics, play control, track selection, and character balance are all exemplary. Plus, there's enough content crammed into the game to keep a single player busy for weeks. If that same player is looking for a bigger challenge, he or she can take the race online using the Wi-Fi Connection.
Genre: Racing
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Release date: November 14, 2005
Pros:Great graphics, wifi and wireless multiplayer, inspired track design, huge replay value
Cons: Repetitive single-player campaign
The Mario Kart series has become a valuable asset for Nintendo over the last few generations, arguably surpassing other Nintendo IPs like Super Mario and Pokemon. Mario Kart DS, the subject of this review, has sold more than 22 million copies. Mario Kart Wii, the most recent console installment of the series, broke 33 million copies sold. Mario Kart 7, with less than two years on the market, has sold over 8 million units -- and shows no signs of slowing down. So it's a cash cow. But it's also a critically-acclaimed series. And Mario Kart DS is no exception. It's one of the best handheld racers ever produced, and it's one of the very best Mario Kart experiences available.
As with other Mario Kart games, the DS version features several familiar modes: Grand Prix, Time Trial, Versus, Battle Mode. What makes Mario Kart DS such an amazing game is the high level of customization available in most modes, and the inclusion of "game rankings," both of which provide the game with huge replay value. Versus mode, for example, can be played with up to eight others in local wireless mode, or played alone. In single-player versus, players can customize engine class, CPU difficulty, the way courses will be chosen, and the rules to win the race.
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| Mario using a Bullet Bill, a new item introduced in Mario Kart DS. |
If players get bored playing computer-controlled racers in Versus Mode, they can try their luck against the world's best in Wi-Fi Connection Mode, a first for the series. Players can compete against regional, continental, and even worldwide rivals using a (preferably high-speed) wireless connection. This mode is a big part of why Mario Kart DS made such a splash with consumers and critics.
Apart from the modes, the rankings, and the unlockables, Mario Kart DS shines simply as a pure racing game. The racers are well-balanced, the controls and tight, responsive, and intuitive, and the tracks are expertly designed. There are a total of 32 tracks in Mario Kart DS: 16 brand new tracks and 16 recycled from older Mario Kart games. Standouts include Luigi's Mansion, Waluigi Pinball, and Airship Fortress.
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| Yoshi faces off in a boss battle. |
Last but not least is Mission Mode, a brand new mode for Mario Kart that provides different challenges to players. These challenges include driving through gates, collecting coins, destroying item boxes, and boss battles. It's a welcome break from all the straight-forward racing modes, and it makes Mario Kart DS a deeper, more varied, and more rewarding experience.
Overall, Mario Kart DS is the complete package. Graphics, play control, track selection, and character balance are all exemplary. Plus, there's enough content crammed into the game to keep a single player busy for weeks. If that same player is looking for a bigger challenge, he or she can take the race online using the Wi-Fi Connection.
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