Mario Kart - 8/10
Mario Kart has been a favorite past time for many of todays hardcore gamers. From the SNES, to N64, to Cube and finally to DS, Mario Kart DS shows off a great range of playability.
Sound - [8\10]
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Great variability with songs through each map level. Each character has their own set of sounds which is entertaining in game.
Game play - [7/10]
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The main aim of the game is to pass all the engine classes with 3 stars. After completing most of the engine classes, you will see that there is slightly a bit of challenge, but not overwhelmingly.
Missions however added a new touch to the game where it trained players techniques which could be used in game. As well as teaching players the short cuts through certain maps. A great addition to the game.
Time trials and ghosts are a treat, however beating the Nintendo players in some maps is just a walk in the park, with a good player easily being able to shave off 5 seconds off Nintendo's players times. Challenge seemed to be only in Rainbow Road.
A disappointment was the battle system, with very unplayable and limited maps. The marshmallow map is quite unskillful, and Marios castle requires complete randomness. It was sad to see that Skyscraper and the decent maps which were in N64 were cut out. A sad sight to not see any of those maps in. This put most players off battle.
Another mishap was the inflexible nature of the game. A nice addition would be the ability to customize weapons in game, such as Blue shells only, Bob bombs only or ideas like that. It would have added to longevity of the game. The only customizable feature seems to be icons, which has only minor entertainment.
Overall once a player has got 3 stars in all of the modes and missions, it is quite hard to find use for the game. Unless you have friends around, single player no longer satisfies long train rides. Mario Kart DS gameplay lacks longevity in single player.
Wifi and networking [9/10]
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A great aspect of this game is the care free connectivity of other DS players onto Mario Kart. Quite possibly the best feature of Mario Kart Ds is the local networking option, where up to 8 feisty players can connect and race each other in cut throat snake offs.
Very entertaining and long lasting.
Wifi capabilities is a great addition as well. Overall the Wifi games with others around the world is quite efficient, however many improvements could have been made to make gaming online simpler and more enjoyable for DS players.
A lobby room or a local lounge where players could connect to and converse with through chatting or microphone would have been a very popular tool, but as Nintendo is wary of online predators its understood of this. However, if it used the basis of friend codes to have a lobby, this would be a great advantage.
Another downside if the fact that players stats should have a consequence for drop outs. Many players are unwilling to lose a single game, and will quickly opt out at the last minute, causing frustration to the rightful winner.
Touchability and Microphone [1/10]
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No microphone option available.
Very minor touch options available.
MARIO KART DS, although having its flaws and possible improvements is overall a great must have game on the Nintendo DS. For those who have not experienced dodging a blue shell on Mario Kart DS and racing friends for the finish line, your missing out!
Review by eTwee - Aug 09 2007
Submitted by etwee
09/08/2007
232
9
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