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Mario Kart Online at last!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: November 16, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I'm terrible with sport or sport related games. Yet despite that I have a love for the Mario Kart series simply because it's always been just pure fun! This game is no different, and improves on the formula by including the long awaited online play, and best of all, there's no charge for it! (Pay attention Sony, Square and M$, free online!)
The game play really hasn't changed all that much from the GBA edition, the player selects one of a handful of classic Mario characters and then chooses between two carts, then participates in a series of themed race tracks. The game has two modes, nitro, and retro. Retro collects a handful of fan favorites from previous games. Disappointingly a couple of them seem pretty similar to the new tracks, but there's still enough different to get excited about.
I haven't really learned the tricks to this game yet, the ones you have to master if you want any hope of competing on even ground in 100cc and 150cc, like how Double Dash had the skid maneuver which allowed you to build blue flames that would boost your speed... 100cc and 150cc is where things get really hard, and mastery of this clever racer does take some doing. I haven't toyed with the online stuff yet, but it's there and it's free, and you can't beat that.
The game does not appear to make much use of the touch screen that I have found yet but I think that's a good thing, as the second screen is somewhat of a distraction in this case. The game therefore plays almost identically to the SNES original.
Graphically the game surpasses anything that I've seen on the DS so far, and is on par with the N64 edition. It's nice to the pixilazation the DS is notorious for brought to a minimum, it's barely noticeable. Best of all there are no framerate issues, and minimal clipping. Nintendo did a great job here.
The music is kind of age old traditional midi, and not as good as the GCN edition, but its still one of the better sounding DS games.
In all no DS owner should pass on this! Though not much has changed game play wise, and some of the tracks may be just rehash, its still one of the better installments of this series!

The First True DS Killer Ap

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: November 18, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Alright folks, I'm not going to waste your time describing all of the ins and outs of this title. Suffice it to say, if you've played any MarioKart title on any system out there before, and have enjoyed it, stop reading this right now and go out and get this game (and the DS to play it on if you don't already have it). This game takes everything great about the franchise and concentrates it into pure addictive fun in portable form.

For those of you who were dissapointed with the Gamecube version (speaking for myself here), fear not- the controls are much more in line with the (previously my favorite) N64 version. That is, you have the defensive tools at your disposal- holding items behind your cart to cover your rear, the 3 rotating shells make their appropriate return, the slide gives you a little "jump" action, etc. Before I got the game, I was concerned that it would be hard to pull off powerslides with the D-pad as opposed to analog control, but it is quite easy to execute them (perhaps a little too easy, as you don't start to spin out if you hold in one direction for a while). As others have stated, the bottom screen adds a whole new level of strategy as you can time your drop behind items for maximum efficacy, and see when something is coming for you, where coins are located, etc. As far as playability is concerned, everything is spot on (the GBA game was decent, but this is like night and day).

The N64 version stole much of my college education time, and this little tiny cart is likely to steal even more, post-grad. Just think- you don't even have to get out of bed to play a course or two. If only I had friends that had DS's...I guess I'll have to go make some online! Highly recommended.

superb!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: November 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User

for $35, this game provides many hours of entertainment. you can go wrong! once you win gold trophies for all 4 cups, then you get a mirror class that will allow you to play all 32 race courses as the mirror mode. you can even play with other people via WiFi, although I haven't tried that. There are race courses that let you race inside a pinball machine and inside of a clock. There are total of 32 race courses in this game. plus the mirror mode, you get 64 race courses. the price you pay, it is like fifty cents per race course. what a bargain.

pros: nice stereo surround sound. nice graphics. new weapons. can play the "retro" SNES, N64, GameCube courses.

cons: play the game intensely with eyes about a foot away from the screen can strain the eyes. the graphics sometimes can be a bit pixelated. the "A" button and the "X" button a bit hard to press simultaneously.

If Nintendo publishes a Mario Kart DS Track II, then it will be one more purchase I make on Amazon.

Fantastic!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: November 19, 2005
Author: Amazon User

A must-have game for any DS owner, and a reason to buy a DS if you don't have one already.

The Best of the Mario Karts

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: November 19, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I only got this game cause my little cousin had it and he begged me to try it. The graphics were amazing and it was easy and fun to boot. I've always had a hard time with racing games being too short, this one was not there are 32+ tracks and plenty to do. Multiplayer is fun...blow into the mic if you don't want to lose in one hit...I had to figure that out. Also I've played every mario kart game to date and this is the best overall. Save for Mario 64 DS, this is one game to try on DS.

The Best DS Game YET!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: December 01, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Mario Kart has been Nintendo's most successful racing franchise for the last 14 years. Starting on the SNES along with F-Zero, Mario Kart has been known for item-based Kart racing. During the first generation it was pretty simple level maping and some cool and fun multiplayer racing and death matches. Today it has evolved into a much larger game, but still remains true to its origins. This is the first successful racing game on the DS and the first DS game to support the Wi-Fi Connection. Keep reading for a more in depth review of the game.

Graphics - As you can see, the graphics are beautiful on the top screen. The mapping does help a lot, especially when certain items block the view of your top screen and you can only rely on your GPS. Each cart and character is mapped to fit the character's personality, as well as their trademark. Weapon effects, motion blur, and subtle smoke and drift effects really heighten your sense of speed and fury. Level mapping is probably some of the best I've seen in a very long time. Both new and old levels have been remapped and are very creative. No two levels really look identical, whereas a large majority of racing games only have a dozen or so tracks and split it up into parts and mirrors to lengthen the game. This looks as good, or even better than the N64 version of the game, even though it doesn't quite stand up to the GameCube version. - 5/5

Gameplay - The gameplay is fantastic in the game. Framerate is awesome, motion effects are smooth, and controls are effective adn responsive. Wi-Fi Connection connects very quickly if you have one of the designated routers, and the actual online interface is easy to use and fun. Framerate is strong on all three multiplayer options: online, Wi-Fi multiplayer, or single-card Wi-Fi multiplayer. Single player has tons of levels, great weapons (and some nice new ones), and some new small details like boxes containing items that are instantly usable (even in conjuction with held items... i.e. mushroom). Once again you also have races at 50, 100, and 150cc. Every aspect of the game is flawlessly executed. - 5/5

Sound - This game sounds great. When turned up on full blast, you can really hear the power of the DS and the game sounds even better with headphones. With the headphones on (some nice good noise cancelling ones preferbly) you really feel the chaos around out... the shells flying past your car, the 2 or 3 or 4 cars drifting behind you in the same ideal line as you, the sense of speed as you zip by the other racers; it all sounds amazing. - 5/5

Replayability - Endless. You have single player, where you can continually try to get higher ranks on your Gran Prix, or beat your ghost on Time Trial. You have single card multiplayer up to 8 people, so if you have copy of the game, 7 of your buddies can download play you in a race to see who's the best, so there is no excuse not to have them try it. You have multi-card multiplayer for your friends that have it and want to challenge you on the spot. You also have the Wi-Fi Connection which connects anyone with a wireless high speed connection (search online for compatible routers) and a copy of the game. There are matchmaking rounds as well as friends rounds, and you can choose how hard your opponent is. It makes it both fun and fair, as well as extremely satisfying. Everything plays up very well on the Wi-Fi Connection, and I was plesently surprised on how well everything was. It did take Nintendo almost a year to set up, but it was well worth the wait. I haven't had a chance to try out Tony Hawk's American Wasteland, but I'm sure the online is just as acute. - 5/5

If I had any complaints with the game, it is that it doesn't use all of the functionalities of the touch screen or the mic, but the fact that it is ONLINE well than makes up for it.

BOTTOM LINE: If you have a DS, you must get this game. Its a great holiday gift for anyone of any age, gender, or interest.

Mario kart is back and it is stell the best game ever. and the DS game is the best.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: January 27, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Mario kart is back and it is stell the best game ever. and this DS game is the best. i love this game it is just so much fun you cant put it down. love the DS and love this game. a must have.

Nintendo does it again!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: February 08, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game sums up why I own a Nintendo DS. It's simply amazing! Before going on, I must warn you, do not buy this game for the online feature alone. While it may be fun, it certainly shows that this is the Big N's first online attempt. More on that later...

Graphics:
Probably the best the DS has produced thus far. It won't blow you away, but it's nice to see those miniscule details. My main complaint is that the shells don't spin, they're simply just moving. Not a big deal, but still... Also, Donkey Kong's teeth are 'stuck' together. Just a little wierd.
9/10

Sound:
Not unique or anything, but let's just say that it is hard to play the game without the sound on. The game mimmicks surround sound. Nice effect. You can hear anytime a shell or person is comin' for you, whether in front, behind, left, or right. The characters' voices are well done, from Mario's 'Lets-a-go!' to Dry Bones'...well, whatever sound he makes... It's quite humorous to hear someone when they have been 'shrunk' from lightning.
8/10

Gameplay:
Amazing! This game is probably the best Mario Kart to date. There are initially eight characters and two karts (each), with three unlockable characters. There's a total of 32 racing courses, 16 courses coming from the Super NES, Gameboy Advance, Gamecube, and Nintendo 64. Of course, Battle mode returns, along with a new mode called 'Shinerunners' (similar to battle, you just have to collect these stars within a time limit). Also, another mode called Missions is available. Fun mode, but short lived. Now on to the online feature. On the main screen, an option for Nintendo WiFi Connection is available. (On this mode, though, you can only race, you cannot battle.) It is impressively easy to set up. Good job on that Nintendo! However, the only way to play someone again is to have their 'friend code'. And, the only way to know their code is if you know the person, for the code is on their system. Sadly, these are not exchangeable on the Nintendo Forums, although there are sites specifically designed for this purpose. Once a race is established, it is completely lag free. Strangely, you cannot see their 'flames' from turbo-drifting. And item dragging has been taken out. Why? No clue.... The real meat of the game is in local multiplayer. Even with only one game card, it is still incredibly fun, although the person without the game can only play as 'Shy Guy', and only 8 tracks are selectable. If all the players have the game though, the options are limitless! You'd be surprised how fast the hours go by with this game!
9.5/10

Overall probably the best game for the Nintendo DS. Don't hesitate to get this game, you will not be dissapointed.
9.5/10

Excellent DS game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: August 27, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Mariokart 64 got me hooked first, to the point where i wanted to buy the gamecube just for mario kart double dash!
Mariokart DS plays very well, the graphics are detailed and precisely done. I love the addition of old/new characters/stages! 5/5 stars!!
PLUS online play makes it much more fun and interesting!

Lots of fun, although not too easy to master it.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: January 22, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Great game, lots of fun and racing challenges for youngsters and adults alike. I bought 3 new games for my 7-year old daughter (Princess Peach and Dogz too) for X-mas, but this game was her favorite despite the fact, that she was having hard time winning races. As a mattter of fact, she didn't get 1st place yet in any of the races, and I thought she would be frustrated and decided to quit. However, she likes the game and continues to challenge it. I just wish, the game had different levels (like novice) of play, so it would satisfy first comers and attract them to play on higher elevel.

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