Mario Kart DS
SCORE: 90
Mario Kart has been around since the Super Nintendo days. In fact just about every video game machine Nintendo has released since the SNES has gotten a Mario Kart game. Nine days shy of eleven months since the release of the Nintendo DS - Mario Kart DS arrived. This is the father of all kart racing games. Do not expect a real life racing simulator. This is more about racing fun. For those not familiar with the Mario Kart series; the player picks a character from the Mario games (like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, etc.), then the player picks a kart to race with, and finally a race circuit. A point system is employed during the race circuit, which means first place gets 10 points, second place gets 8 points, and down. A player does not need to finish first in each race in order to win the entire race circuit. Each of the different karts have different attributes. One of the more important to pay attention to is the item attribute. Items play an important role in this game. They can range from ink to blind all the players in front of you, to banana peels, to turtle shells. Some of these items are offensive, and some are defensive. This adds a little strategy while playing.
The graphics in Mario Kart DS are bright and colorful. The artwork is nicely done, and the details are great for a hand held. Wholesome images are also used properly. There is very little detrimental to the graphics. When a kart hits a banana peel the kart spins out. When an exploding item makes contact with a kart, said kart is lifted into the air, and then comes back to Terra Firm. The only graphics that might bother some is the Luigi's mansion race level where a haunted house is the race track, and cartoonish ghosts appear. Trees are also walking around in that level. It is important to note that due to the speed of the karts that one has to be looking to pay attention to those images.
The sounds in this game are very crisp, and clear. The sounds work amazingly well, and the speakers from the DS are used nicely. The music is also nice and cheerful. The only down side to the music is the one race Luigi's mansion which has some haunted house themed music.
Nintendo added online play for the first time with Mario Kart DS (at least for the Mario Kart series). After a player beats/unlocks all of the race circuits, and missions in this game, they can play against people from all over the world. This reviewer beat someone from France, Germany, and Japan in his first online race. There is no communicating between players, so profanity is not an issue. This is a game that this reviewer feel is worth your hard earned dollars.
This game controls really well, and the thought put into the level design really shows. This is also a really fun game to play for a few minutes (or longer). There are brand new races, and some of the best from the SNES, N64, Gamecube, and GBA systems. Not all of the races are available in the online racing mode.
Mario Kart DS has only the one level that causes it family friendly
problems. This level is cartoonish, but if it would cause you a problem
then we would say pass on this game. This reviewer had a ball playing
this game, and would love a sequel to it. A create your own race would
be a nice touch in this reviewers humble opinion. This is also a game
this reviewer would recommend to his pastor. This game really has no
teachings in it, except to win, and if you don't then try again harder
next time.
- Frank
Graphics: 88%
Sound: 86%
Replay/Extras: 95%
Gameplay: 95%
Family Friendly Factor: 86%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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