With its content, options, and fixing of redundancy, its a solid DS update to a classic kart racing game.
Years later, and after Nintendo has sold Rare to rival console manufacturer Microsoft, Diddy Kong Racing surprisingly makes a rare (pun-intended) re-appearance of a classic N64 title for the DS. But how does it stand up?
The updated graphics sure doesn't hurt, along with cutscenes, but probably the most interesting addition is the various touch screen controls. Some of the redundancy of the first game, like racing the same tracks over again, have been replaced by rail-like balloon-popping games, touch screen boss challenges, and a whole mess of interesting ways to use the touchscreen that I wouldn't have thought of.
Of course the entire game doesnt end up smelling like a rose, though. Some of the touch screen options arent so good ... like the aformentioned boss battles, or having to start a boost in the race by spinning objects on the touchscreen. Even more dissappointing is that the two characters from the race roster who actually went on to have their own games, Banjo and Conker, are mysteriously missing -- replaced by Dixie Kong and Tiny Kong, undoubtably because Microsoft has a problem letting Nintendo use anymore of their characters. Likewise, Diddy Kong now sports a rather large Nintendo logo on his baseball cap, as if to say he's now the sole property of Nintendo.
But the bad stuff really ends there. Wi-Fi play is enabled, there are TONS of purchasable unlockables which go on to give you even more customizablility options, more ways to customize your kart than even Mario Kart DS offered, and 4 secret characters which you can clamor to unlock.
All and all, Diddy Kong Racing DS is simply a solid remake of a classic kart game, utilizing everything you'd hope it would to achieve a nostalgic but yet fresh take on a game that fans and anyone looking for another kart racing game for their DS will enjoy.