Old school console charm. Fresh update to a classic.
How else can I describe a game that takes 14 years of franchise history and elegantly wraps it in some of the most fresh, rewarding, addictive, and memorable gaming in recent history ...
Ok, maybe that's a stretch. But nonetheless, playing this game as I have for the last 2 months on my DS, have I harkened back to the day I plopped the original SNES version into my console for the first time. That feeling of cool summer mornings wasted away while my brothers and I compete toe to toe for the title of the lone badass mario karter.
A game that can bring back that emotion, has won me over. Hands down.
Balanced. Plain and simple. Regardless if you know the secrets to boost or evading that dreaded red shell ... this game can help even the sorriest karter level the playing field. Luck plays more of a role than you can imagine. It's not just mad skills.
Free network play. Imagine connecting to a global network of karters who are available to get owned ... it's easy and a complete blast to be kickin ass from the toilet.
The sound. Each level has a song, all replicated in their original forms from their consoles of origin. Elements in the race have associated sounds that will haunt you in your sleep. Believe me when I say , I awoke from a nightmare where the haunting was the dreaded flying blue-shell. arrrrgh.
The amount of detail and attention put into the sound is impeccable, and quite memorable. Classic material here.
The levels. All faithfully replicated from their original versions. Quite a treat.
The only thing holding my score back is the fact it's a re-make of a classic. There's no revolution going on here in terms of the advancement of the art of gaming. More like ... a compilation. The best of what they've got.
That said, if you own a DS or DS lite, do yourself a favor and go get Mario Kart DS. Even if you're not a 30 something who's always looking for the emotional hooks to relive his childhood you could do worse by not entertaining this distraction.
Guaranteed.