Pros: > Grand Prix Mode > Fantastic Replay Value
Cons: > Online play is limited > 8-person battle mode tends to get cluttered
The bottom line: Say yes to Mario Kart DS!
Mario Kart DS

(Nintendo DS -> 2005)

BY: SEAN BEAULIEU

Grade Scale "0 to 100"

(0) - Worthless

(10) - Almost Worthless

(20) - Terrible

(30) - Bad

(40) - Mediocre

(50) - Average

(60) - Good

(70) - Very Good

(80) - Excellent

(90) - Almost Perfect

(100) - Perfect



Nintendo's favorite character, Mario, is back again with another Mario Kart title, this time on the Nintendo DS. The game was released in November
of 2005, and it has kept Mario Kart fans satisfied ever since. I got this game for Christmas a few months back and I have played it nearly every day since. The game
has excellent replay value, which will be discussed later in the review.


"GAMEPLAY" The gameplay is nothing short of fantastic here. Racers have a choice between 8 different cups. You get the traditional Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special
Cups, along with 4 retro cups. These cups feature courses directly pulled from older games in the Mario Kart Series. An excellent example of how Nintendo combines
old and new inside their games. Battle mode is also back featuring 4 new levels and 2 older stages from previous Mario Kart releases. A new game, called "Shine Runners",
is available on battle mode and is similar to "Shine Thief" from "Mario Kart Double Dash". A mission mode is also playable, featuring various driving tasks that the
player must complete. (88)


"GRAPHICS" Considering that the game is on a handheld console, the graphics are rather good. The courses look better than they did on the Nintendo 64,
but not as detailed as Double Dash for the Gamecube. Pictures are clear on both DS screens and the bright colors add to the tremendous graphics. (79)


"REPLAY VALUE" I play this game time and time again, and it just doesn't get old to me. Grand Prix mode always keeps me entertained as I can never do
just 1 cup each time I play. Even if you're tired of Grand Prix, Battle Mode, and Mission Mode, time trial is also fun when trying to improve some of your course
times. You can also use Nintendo Wi-Fi to find other people online to play with. Way too much gameplay to ever feel boredom, and yes. that's a good thing. (86)


"OVERALL" Mario Kart scores another winner as you just can't go wrong with a Mario Kart game. While I didn't pay for this game myself it would
easily be worth the money. ($35.00) If you have a DS but no Mario Kart DS, than seek the nearest Best Buy or Kmart and get 1 now! (87)