Below are user reviews of Mario Kart and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
The summary of review scores shows the distribution of scores given by the professional reviewers for Mario Kart.
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User Reviews (101 - 111 of 244)
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Finally, a flagship killer app for the DS!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: January 15, 2006
Author: Amazon User
After a very slow start with its DS handheld last year, Nintendo finally amped up its software intensity this holiday season and released several very prominent and high-quality titles. Most notably, Mario Kart DS represents exactly what Nintendo was looking for to jumpstart its dual-screen handhelf.
This iteration of Mario Kart features everything a Kart-fan could ask for. The inclusion of both brand new and retro tracks prove game has something for the old-school gamer as well. I haven't owned a Mario Kart game since the Super Nintendo version, and driving the tracks I used to play with my dad back before the days of true 3D gaming is a welcome bonus.
The controls are intuitive and easy to learn. This game very simple to pick up and play, but will take a while to truly master. Power-sliding becomes essential at the higher levels since the CPU players will use it liberally. Plus, the map on the touch screen is not just a gimmick; it can mean the difference between a win and a loss. The ability to see what items the characters are carrying, as well as what items are being shot at you can tell you just what to do in a tricky situation.
While they aren't at the forefront of what makes this game special, the technical aspects are topnotch, especially for a handheld. The character models may not be incredibly impressive, but they get the job done. However, the sense of speed is most definitely a staple of the series by now, and Mario Kart DS shows no shortage of speed.
Finally, the multiplayer is not only immensely fun, it represents a landmark for Nintendo. As of this writing, Mario Kart DS is one of four games that supports the company's "Nintendo Wi-Fi" online play. All the player needs is a compatible wireless connection at home or at a wireless hotspot, and he/she can play against players thousands of miles away. It works, it's fun, perhaps best of all, it's free.
Mario Kart DS is without a doubt a must-own title for the Nintendo DS. After a year without a flagship title, Nintendo finally found one, and stopped at nothing to not only deliver on its promise of a globe-spanning wireless gaming network, but a wonderful Mario Kart iteration as well.
Great for newcomers and old-timers.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: January 11, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Mario Kart was the first game I played on a DS, and it was enough fun to make me go out and buy my own. In general, I'm not a fan of racing games at all. Luckily for me, Mario Kart is a racing game for people who don't normally buy racing games. It's cartoony, accessible, and fun.
The series has been around for over a decade now, so most people probably already know what to expect out of this game. It's your favorite Nintendo characters, all racing around various Mario-specific terrains such as Luigi's Mansion and Delfini Square, all the while dodging pitfalls on the road and firing turtle shells, bombs, and banana peels at the opposition. The race itself is only half the fun; sabotaging the opposition is a huge part of this game.
Mario Kart DS is easy to learn but has a lot of subtleties that make it fun to keep playing. It makes limited use of the dual screens on the DS, displaying the race on one screen and a map on the other, but the map on the second screen becomes invaluable for keeping an eye on where everyone else is and what kind of traps are coming your way. The multiplayer support is terrific, giving you the option of playing with friends nearby or strangers online. In close proximity up to eight people can play on one cartridge, although they lose the ability to choose their player if they don't have the game.
All in all, Mario Kart DS is a very fun, highly addictive game that everybody can enjoy. It is easy to play with lots of replay value, and the ability to play with friends through the DS download function makes it a fun social game as well.
Mario Kart is AWESOME...
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Bought this game for my oldest son. He likes the fact that you can link players together and basically share the game. I am 32 years old I and I even like taking his DS and playing a round myself every now and again...
This Game Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 07, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I got this game for Christmas last year and it's AWESOME!! I like how it's a Wi-Fi game and you can play WORLD WIDE people. There are differnt levels in the Grand Prix (50, 100, 150, and 150 Mirror class). Mario Kart also has time trials, missions, and more. This game is deffentialy WORTH BUYING!!!!!!!! :-D
OMG this game is addicting!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 07, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Okay, so I got this game quite a few months ago and it is my very favorite. I wasn't so sure about it at first since my neighbor and all his guy friends had the game, but I play it all the time and it's definetly worth the price. Every Friday, I play with my friend who lives an hour and a half away and it even tells you when they are online (on the game)! BUY THIS GAME! Challenging, fun, and much, much, more :D
Best game for little boys
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: July 26, 2007
Author: Amazon User
My boys (6 and 8) love the different environments and characters this game offers. I think their favorite part is the playback option. They can watch the race that they just finished. It is not too easy for the older one. He is able to win new levels for them both to enjoy.
Mariokart's Done It Again!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: October 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User
This is one of my favorite NDS games. I've played 5 Mario kart games (Ds,Double Dash, Super Circuit, Wii, and 64)and this is my favorite. The graphics are great for a Nintendo Ds game. The best part is how many tracks are in the game. There's like 24!!!!!!!!!! Everyone will love this game. I usually hate racing games, but somehow this one got to be one of my favorites. I think there's about nine characters in total. There are so many karts to choose from. Don't waste anytime! Buy this right away!!!!!
This game is the best!
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: December 30, 2005
Author: Amazon User
I got this game for Christmas, and it is really fun! I love the way you can play classic tracks and unlock other characters. There are over 30 tracks, which is also cool, and there are all new tracks to do. However, it may be really aggravating just trying to unlock characters or karts. I think racing is really aggravating, but the game is really fun and awesome. There is also a new Mission Mode, and there are two battle modes, Balloon Battle and Shine Runners. A neat thing about the Balloon Battle is the fact that you can blow into the microphone to inflate your balloons. The easiest characters to unlock are Daisy and Dry Bones. Another cool thing is the fact that you can create your own emblem to use on your kart. This game is better than any other Mario Kart, so get it if you have the chance!
Best one yet!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: December 26, 2005
Author: Amazon User
This is by far the Best DS game ever. It's the best because of how it works. The Grand Prix is neat. You start by choosing wich size engine, then you choose the original characters from Mario Kart 64. After that, you can choose Nitro or Retro. Nitro are the new courses (which are ok) and Retro is the old classics form SNES, N64, GBA and NGC. Unfornunatly, some of the retro courses have changed. For example, At Mushroom Bridge, you can't go on top of that thing on the bridge. You can now do battle mode with computer players, which I have enjnoyed. The mission mode is pretty fun, until level 3. It gets really hard. What I'm really upset about, is that the Wi Fi, I can't get it to work. I tried following the instructions, it's just to confusing. Otherwise, this is a great game
Graphics:9.5/10
Gameplay:10/10
Retail Value: 9.5/10
Control: 10/10
Overall: 9.9/10
Mario Kart action meets DS features.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 1
Date: January 08, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Mario Kart:Super Circuit just didn't do it for me. Maybe it was the graphics, or the tracks..I'm not sure. What I am sure of is that this game is great. Grand Prix mode has a lot to it and can get quite challenging (150 cc) and VS mode allows you to practice on any track or tracks you want. Multiplayer is a ton of fun, with frantic racing as well as the Balloon Battle and Shine Runners games. UP TO 8 PEOPLE CAN PLAY WITH ONE GAME CARD! Multi-card play is also supported. Of course, the cardinal feature that everyone is talking about is online play. Nintendo did a really great job with the interface, the only things to be desired are the ability to match up to people of your choice and a lobby area where gamers can chat. Aside from those things, the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection makes it easy and fun to take your game online. This is the best DS game I have played so far, and I think it is a must for all DS owners.
Did I mention the great 3D graphics?
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