Below are user reviews of Diddy Kong Racing and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
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User Reviews (1 - 11 of 21)
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Another N64 Classic returns
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 14 / 16
Date: February 05, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Back when the Nintendo DS was launched in 2004, the first game that was released was a revised edition of Super Mario 64. the game really showed how dynamic and far the system would. It definitely was one of the most brilliant games I've ever played on the N64, and it was again on the Nintendo DS. Another classic is returning from the Nintendo 64 era just now. Back in 1997, Diddy Kong Racing was one of the most thrilling race games ever made. The gameplay was absolutely amazing, and it showed a new element in kart racing that hadn't been seen. Now it is returning to the Nintendo DS, but can it speed for gamers the way it did nearly 10 years ago?
Diddy Kong Racing for the Nintendo DS brings the element of Diddy Kong and friends as they try to secure, and revise Timber Island from the cluches of the vulgar Wizpig and his crew by racing through over 20 tracks ranging that tests your ability to feel speed. In this game, you'll race from the traditional karts, as well as hovercrafts and small planes too. The graphics are definitely in tune and have been remastered beautifully from its N64 original, but there are a lot of changes in this edition. One of the changes is the character lineup. In this version, Conker the Squirel and Banjo Bear, yes Banjo from Banjo-Kazooie are not in this edition, as they were with the original version. Another change is the challenges. When the N64 version came out, you had to battle through a silver coin challenge, inorder to battle against the bosses for the second match of the challenge. In this version, you'll have to endure a balloon popping challenge, which endures a bit more to handle with the stylus in play. The game also brings out a bit more in play, by adding a couple of new additions, like placing the wi-fi connection in by having you race and challenge up to 8 racers, and a new wish mode, where you can actually create and race against others on tracks which you can customize, and make for your own.
All in all, if you haven't yet played Diddy Kong Racing from its N64 era, it is definitely worth trying. But for veteran racers who've mastered the original version, they'll probably be in for a few treats here as well. While this racer was always a step behind what made Mario Kart so well in the gameplay, it still pleases die hard racing fans. I definitely recommend this as a must buy for the Nintendo DS.
Graphics: B+
Sound: B
Control: B-
Fun & Enjoyment: B 1/2- for solo players, B for multiplayers
Overall: B
It's About Time Nintendo!!!!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 7 / 11
Date: February 06, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I feel with the release of The Wii that Nintendo has forgotten about its other affordable systems. How many new games have come out for Gamecube??? It seems only when a new childrens movie is launched.
But Finally they got something right! Not nonly should this title have been made for the DS, it should have also upgraded to the Gamecube.
You don't fix what ain't broke and this had to be an all time favorite on the N64.
There is nothing wrong with bringing back a CLASSIC for a new game system. Sell it and they will buy. Diddy Kong has been a favorite of mine since its introduction on the N64.
Hats off Nintendo, you did something right but you still are lacking the games for your affordable systems. More new games need to come out for the DS and Gamecube has many children and some adults have these systems as dust collectors in thier home due to the lack of new software.
GO ONLINE and YOU'll LOVE IT!
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 6 / 9
Date: February 06, 2007
Author: Amazon User
This game is a replica of the old N64 game. Except on this outing, the single player game is not much better than below average. Sure there is some good parts for the casual gamer that is not too hard on games. However, if you are a video game reviewer or a world class player, you will find this game has many shortcomings in the single player mode ... Well, it stinks. Now, on the other hand, the online play rocks. THis really seals the deal for this game. So in short summary, if you can't get online and your a casual gamer, rent the game. If you can get online, and you have a friend or two that can too, its worth the purchase.
I hope this helps!
Somewhat disappointing
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 24 / 28
Date: February 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User
For starters, when Diddy Kong Racing was originally released way back when for the Nintendo 64, I wouldn't exactly would have called it a classic. Like a few other N64 games to come to the DS (Super Mario 64, Snowboard Kids), Diddy Kong Racing gets a bit of a makeover on Nintendo's smash hit dual screened portable system. Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and almost everyone else are here (except for Conker and Banjo), as you cart race around different tracks picking up collectables along the way. There's some touch screen controls thrown in for good measure, but for the most part they're not utilized very well. Not to mention that there are a few graphical glitches and bugs to boot, just like in the original. Negatives aside, there's a staggering amount of activities to do in the game that really turn up the replay value; and each track and character has their own unique charm. The Wi-Fi multiplayer capability is pretty well utilized as well, although there's no multiplayer chat. There's a boat load of unlockable content too, so regardless of how you feel about Diddy Kong Racing DS as a whole, you're guaranteed to be busy with it. That being said, if you go into this expecting another dose of Mario Kart only with monkeys, be warned, Diddy Kong Racing DS isn't bad, but it's nowhere near as great as Mario Kart.
Classic Reborn
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 5 / 8
Date: February 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User
In this latest edition of Diddy Kong Racing for the DS you have all that was before and more....
This is a great classic to bring to the DS. If you played the original then you are familar with the controls(which havent changed to much) and the courses. This version has updated in that you will be using the stylus alot from everything like getting a power boost start to collecting balloons to get to the boss races. Some major and I think great improvements in the game are the track editor(unlocked later in game) and of course WI FI play. There are also alot of other new extras that you will just have to play to find out. All in all this is a great game for any hardcore fans of the original and hardcore racers. The only downfall I thought with the game is that I wish the graphics could have been a little sharper. Other than that it is an excellent game and recommend highly in gaming library.
Bland when compared to Mario Kart DS
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 5 / 12
Date: February 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I've been playing this game for a few weeks and find it to be a boring. I've played with friends using the wireless functionality, but even still it's not as engaging as Mario Kart DS.
As the title states, the levels are bland. Nothing exciting here. No matter what vehicle you use you never feel like you're going fast.
You don't get the same thrill and rush that Mario Kart DS provides.
I would have thought the folks over at Nintendo would have put some more time and effort into this title as it could have been fun, but I was disappointed.
It doesn't have much re-play value as its Mario Kart DS counter part.
Yeah, yeah I know it sounds like I'm a Mario Kart DS fan boy, but that couldn't be farther from the truth.
As far as "Kart" games go, I would go for Mario Kart DS and skip this title.
Nothing Compared to the Original
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 9 / 13
Date: February 14, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I admit, I've been pretty pumped for this game ever since I heard about it. I'm a HUGE fan of the original Diddy Kong Racing for N64 and I couldn't wait to get this one in my hands. With the list of all its new features, such as track building, unlockables, and even new characters, I was so hyped! Sadly, all of these come at a price.
The new charcters are simply replacing old ones, not in addition to. We no longer can race as Conker or Banjo. The unlockables cost a certain amount of coins, which have replaced the banannas that used to frequent the tracks to give you a speed boost.
Even though the graphics have improved greatly, the gameplay is down a lot. Now, timing your acceleration to gain a speed boost at the beginning of a race has been replaced with spinning a wheel or propeller before the announcer says "go", which greatly reduces your start time, whether you choose to attempt the initial speed boost or simply wait to race.
The boss challenges are now what appears to be a rail shooter type, to collect balloons and coins. As fun as the initial idea of this sounds, it is not fun AT ALL. Instead of the camera being set to a certain point, you have to adjust it with your stylus to see the whole screen, while popping balloons and dragging coins to a purse, all with the stylus! Normally, this would be impossible in a game such as Diddy Kong Racing, known for its challenging gameply, but that has been tweaked as well.
The game is FAR too easy. Some bosses that used to pose a threat are now the equivalent to playing against your friends with mental disabilities. (Was that too crude?)
Steering the airplane without a joystick is next to impossible. You always find yourself ramming into walls or flying against the ground.
I really have nothing good to say about this game, except the fact that it is Diddy Kong Racing and will provide for at least a few hours of entertainment. Simply rent this one and save your bucks for Mario Kart DS. If you really one to experience a phenomenal racing game, buy Diddy Kong Racing for N64.
very entertaining
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 0 / 4
Date: March 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User
i loved the original Diddy Kong Racing, so it's only natural that i love the DS version also.
Classic Rare game
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 0 / 1
Date: March 14, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Fun game, with a nice multiplayer mode for the DS. A classic Rare game.
Love It
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 3
Date: March 18, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Love this game. Great multi-player action. If you liked the original. You will like this one. Good graphics. Handling takes a little getting used to due to the limited camera views.
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