The multiplayer really brings it home, along with great value; yet another Mario classic.
GAMEPLAY: If you're new to the game, you'll find the easiest difficulty just right. You should be able to take home the gold, but it won't be a stroll in the park. You'll have to make good use of items and have overall good driving skills. By the time you beat the 8 Grand Prix's (4 races each) you will be ready to take on the next difficulty. It will present you with a new challenge, and you'll need to master the art of Drifting/Power Sliding. Gaining a boost around the corners is key to victory. Even though you play the same tracks, it'll still give you a thrill. The third and final difficulty will really test your skills; you'll have to make minimal flaws and play smart to defeat your foes. Once you finally triumph, only one challenge remains: beating your buds who are equally as skillful and determined. The multiplayer allows up to 8 to play wireless, and 4 via WI-FI. This is where you make-it or break-it. Your multiplayer record will show how you fare against the best in your class and the best in the world. You may find yourself breaking into laughter or breaking into tears, but you won't be able to put it down.
GRAPHICS: The graphics are quite good for the DS, they get the job done. Characters, vehicles and especially courses are colorful and innovative. The 3D look is very well done, and you will be amused by the characters reactions to events on the track.
SOUND: The sound isn't particularly outstanding, it is always there, cheery and upbeat, but nothing jumps out at you. I don't usually notice if I have the sound on or off, it would have been nice if there were little sounds when you passed someone or hit them with a shell.
VALUE: Mario Kart has great value, tonnes of unlockable characters, vehicles, courses and missions. You will be rewarded after completing each Grand Prix, and once you're done that, there's plenty more to play. You race the best times recorded by creators of the game, try the battle arena or take up some peculiar and crafty missions. You may need to practice and practice to beat that ghost time, or try a mission over and over to get that 3-star rating. Whatever you do, it's an easily replayable game, constant with new unlockables.
TILT: I liked Mario Kart a lot more than Diddy Kong Racing, probably because of the items and drifting. Even if you are in last down the home stretch, never give up hope, a good item can pull you through to first in a split second. I really love the levels, each has a unique twist that brings out strengths and weaknesses in each character. The multiplayer is what really draws me in. It's always a challenge and even more satisfying to win, and even more disappointing to lose.
I've only had the game for two days, but I've logged close the 15 hours, mostly from the intense multiplayer battles at lunch or after school. I still have plenty to unlock and I look forward to it.