Mario Kart DS shines on a system in need of a killer app, because of Originality and the introduction of Online Play.
Minus: Online Play slightly laggy, Staff Ghosts too easy.
The Nintendo DS, launched in 2004, has been dying for a killer app for as long as it has been in stores. At the launch, arguably the only game worth buying was Mario 64, and that was still less of a classic than the original. Now, it seems Nintendo have got a super game on their hands, combining everything we love about Mario Kart with some tasty new features out of the box, including Nintendo's coveted first venture into Online Gaming.
Graphics are on par with Nintendo 64's effort, Mario Kart 64. Indeed, playing Mario Kart DS gives a strong feeling of nostalgia, especially since 16 of the 32 tracks in the game are old Mario Kart versions, even some from Double Dash!!, the Gamecube effort. Tracks like Baby Park hold up well, as do the SNES tracks, and the GBA and N64 tracks are done well too. The new tracks steal the show, with Figure 8 Circuit, Airship Fortress and a brand new Rainbow Road showing us just what the system can do.
Ninendo's trademark cheeesy music for Mario Kart returns.Tunes range from pleasant to brain-bustingly annoying, as is par for the course for the series. The Sound FX are something to behold. Engine noises are neatly done, explosions handled well, and audio in general done well.
No series bar Mario Kart could get away with the minimal updates through the years. Each versions comes with a couple of new tracks, a new mode or two and one or so new characters. The new Mission Mode in Mario Kart DS sets players off to collecting coins or driving through gates in a certain order. Once the eight missions in a level are completed, a boss battle arises and you have do things from knocking the boss of a platform to getting him with shells. There are eight Levels and nine Boss Battles in all.
Seemingly he biggest draw-card for Mario Kart DS is the Online Play. Players can link up wirelessly to the internet and play across the world against people from other countries. The mode lags a bit, and the frame rate is erratic, but the mode is generally well executed.
All in all, Mario Kart DS gives all DS owners a fun and expansive Multiplayer Party, and is far superior to the last handheld effort, Super Circuit. It handles well and Mario Kart is on a roll. Bound to be a best seller.