A common theme with Mario games is If it aint changed, don't fix it. Mario Kart is back for its 5th.. yes 5TH version and the formula remains the same. Various characters from the Mario games, such as Mario himself, Luigi, Princess Peace, Toad and Bowser race around fantasy tracks on go-karts. Its not just any racing however, you must use pick ups to knock your opponents out of the race and collect coins to speed up your kart.
The game is fun, no doubt about it. The action can be frentic, and also frustrating as you spin out for the 10th time on the same corner, or Bowser shoots you with a shell and you spin out just short of the finishing line, but when you win a race you feel relieved, and can relax before the next stage.
The Dual Screen aspect adds a new feature which helps you out alot, the racing action takes place on the top screen while on the bottom screen is a map, with each of the other racers shown on it as well as full field line up.
Graphically it looks better than the GBA version, but nowhere near the quality of the N64 sprites, instead you have 3D characters with sharp edges, to be honest it is quite dissapointing.
As ever there are the 3 classes of engine for you to race on with different courses as you progress, and seeing you (hopefully) winning trophies.
The main feature of this game, and surely the one that will make it move units, is the online play. This is the first DS game with online play, and while it is way behind the PSP, it is still ok. Up to 4 players worldwide can race on any of 20 tracks. There are more than 30 tracks in the actual game, and single player races have 8 players, so it is a bit of a let down that you are so limited. You are also limited to just single races, no time trials, swapping data, and no conversation between people despite the DS having a mic. It feels kind of rushed. Add to the fact that if you dont have the equipment you will need to buy a wireless router, or a wireless adapter just to play, which could cost more than the game itself.
Overall the game is fun, but still a bit of a let down. Multiplayer is an anticlimax, the graphics are not as good as they could be, and if you have played previous versions of the game you really arent getting anything extra except a few new tracks. If you have no wireless internet access and played the previous versions of Mario Kart, there is really nothing to warrant £30 of your money on this.
More details
Originality
None - unoriginal gameplay
Sound
Good - relevant music & effects
Longevity/Expected Longevity
1 week
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
wireless, letting you race and battle locally with up to eight karts at once, regardless of whether everyone has a Game Card. Plus, play with up to three people around...
wireless, letting you race and battle locally with up to eight karts at once, regardless of whether everyone has a Game Card. Plus, play with up to three people around...
helpful
helpful
