Pros: Classic kart racing fun
Cons: No classic Disney characters
The bottom line: Like Disney and/or kart racing? Then you will like this game, hands down.
I've always been a sucker for the kart style racing game. Ever since the infamous Mario Kart , I have been hooked. We have seen everything under the sun. From Mega Man characters to remote controlled toys.

Storyline

The classic misfits Chip and Dale the chipmunks, have broken the Magic Kingdoms firework machine. The pieces are scattered across "the kingdom". You goal is to recover these pieces by racing and completing tracks.

At least there is a storyline here. And it's not a bad one at that!

Graphics 7/10

There is nothing spectacular in this area, but still is pleasant on the eyes. Large tracks all with beautiful backdrops, give a nice racing environment. All are done in similar fashion as their true-life counterparts. Each track is based on actual rides/attractions from Disney World . To name a few, you have: Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Test Track.

Although the backgrounds are very colorful and cheery, the lack of detail in the actual karts is disappointing. There is little to no animation in the racing aspects of the game.

Audio 8/10

Hey? Do you like Disney ? If you do, you will love the soundtrack for Magical Racing Tour. Each track has its classic (I know I've said "classic" three times) tune, re-mixed with nice added touches. The music is really fun, and matches their track perfectly. From the haunting music from the Haunted Mansion, to the quirky fun music from the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Sound effects are disappointing to say the least. Voice-overs are few and far between. And when they are done, they are muffled and monotone. There are very few background sounds, and when you shoot with your power-ups, they are done cheesy and "Atari-esque".

Gameplay 8/10

Gameplay is simple and fun. The physics of the karts are smooth and easily controlled. As in Mario Kart , Racing Tour utilizes the same "power-ups", almost to a tee. For example: you can get three heat sinking acorns, that spin around you, protecting you; yet also can be used as ammo.... ala red turtles from Mario Kart .

Why change a good thing if it's not broke? There are about a half-dozen different power-ups, and scattered throughout the course, are speed strips that give you a boost. There is a neat little extra regarding the power-ups though... You can get a rocket that you can actually control in first person view from the rockets perspective.

Replay Value 8/10

With over a dozen courses, there is a lot you can do here. In order to complete the fireworks machine, requires hours of playtime. Although the A.I. is a pain in the a$$ sometimes, it is always challenging. You must place first in order to advance. Sometimes, you do get frustrated, because the A.I. will seemingly scoot past you, no matter how well you do.

There is a good replay value here as well. This is a great party game, especially when you hook up three other friends. This would be even better for younger gamers, who have their friends over for an all-nighter.

Veteran gamers might become bored quicker. If you have played other karts before, there is little change here.... save better graphics, an impressive soundtrack and Disney's backing.

Overall 7/10

This is a truly goodness fun game here. If you like kart racing, you will like this game. However there is a big draw about the game. Let rephrase that... There is a HUGE drawback about the game. Expecting to play your favorite Disney characters here? Like Mickey, Goofy, Minnie or Donald? Well, move along because they don't even make an appearance. Third rate Disney characters, that I personally have never heard of are your main racers. The biggest names you get here are "Chip and Dale". Even though it is a blast to play, I really wish they would have thrown in a few big names. I would have even been happy with some second rate names, such as; Ariel, Woody or even Uncle Scrooge.

One thing I really do love about the game is the tracks. I am an avid Disney fan, and love Disney World. It is fun to see and actually play the rides that you have ridden so many times.