Simply the best justification for not picking up a PSP.
Mario Kart has many redeeming features that separate it from the pack and justifiy the hate-ige that I dish out on the PSP. The PSP offers players a 3D world that matches that of the PS2, unfortunately, a lot of the games for the PSP, you can play on the PS2. That’s not to say that Mario Kart is exclusive either, however, unlike most PSP games, Mario Kart supports community via its online service in ways PSP doesn’t. One of those ways is by providing a player with a “phone number” that he or she may give out to close friends. This kind of competition is then shared amongst friends and co-workers alike. But that doesn’t leave out strangers though. In the words of our leader, Jeff Gerstman, Mario Kart’s online option screams “Do you want to play online against other dudes, yes or no?” the concept of online play to Nintendo is “your friends list is truly a friend list.” Only people who know you intimately will have your friend code that they can access at anytime. Sharring of this friend code is like sharing a phone number.
Each friend code varies from game to game. This variation can be seen as a good and bad thing. In a good way it gives players the freedom in knowing that their games are protected from unwanted access. In Xbox live, if someone knows your Gamertag they can bother you no matter what game you go to. If you happen to be foolish enough to share your friend code online via Gamespot forums or other places, rest easy in knowing that you only give out a friend code for one game and not for all the others. The bad part is, no conformity over different games. The point is, Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection is a system where actual friends can hang out. Playing against strangers is nice, but playing with a girlfriend or best friend is something that cannot compare to any other experience.
Enough about the WFC for a moment, lets focus on the gameplay.
Mario Kart DS has some nice gameplay elements that are reminiscent of the N64, however, they maintain a certain choppyness that was in the Double Dash version of the game. As MK Double Dash proved, power sliding is important. The way in which Nintendo implements this returning feature though makes everyone wish that the DS had a joystick. The lack of a stick makes power sliding a lot harder on the thumbs, but it is noted that the DS D-pad is quite sensitive and will react fairly quickly. The choppiness comes from the lack of traction some cars have with the road, making a turn that seems like it could be slid into turn out to be a major face in the wall. After getting use to the controls (best way is to play a lot of time trial and the missions) you are ready to tackle the single player.
Sporting tons of tracks (Still haven’t beaten it yet) the single player includes tons of original tracks and some returning ones from the SNES, N64 and even the Gamecube version. Each track is rendered in glorious 3d and for the 2nd time in the game’s history, so are the characters. The frame rate holds solid throughout and the AI are smart enough to baffle even the craziest of MK enthusiasts.
Sound design is brilliant. It supports the DS’s surround sound speakers and if turned up loud enough, players can actually here cars whizzing behind them and beside them. It is an amazing feat to say the least. The music is excellent and doesn’t distract too much. The bottom and top screens are both helpful. Although the bottom has no stylus function, it shows a very accurate map that helps if a player’s vision is impaired on the top screen. In most cases it is possible to finish a race just looking at a map screen. The new weapons in single player are all welcomed with the exception of one. The blue shell. The blue Shell has been upgraded and given the “ultimate screw job” title. This shell marks the doom of the first player and there is no way of stopping it, absolutely none. People who say they have are lying.
One feature that stands out is the mission mode in single player. These missions are very important because they teach you the basics of how to drive and handle karts. Each mission has about 8 objectives and one boss battle. These missions range from “collect the coins” to “jump through hoops backwards” The amazing thing about these missions is that you are ranked for how well you complete them, not just for completing them. Making mission mode a fun thing to do and replay.
Next up is multiplayer.
Think the best battle mode from the N64 and the best battle mode from the Gamecube and you got what this multiplayer is all about. Apart from giving players the ability to race on almost every track (some tracks omitted fro list for assumed networking issues), the DS give players the chance to face off in Balloon battle, or shine hunts. These battles are great and get a room lively and talking.
Mario kart DS is a great way to sit and play. Online is awesome and so is the offline. I give this game three thumps way up.