Does the best racing game on the DS live up to it's previous versions? Well...it's hard to say.
User Rating: 8.5 | TrackMania DS DS
Now, there's no doubt in my mind that TM is the best racing game on the DS. It's got massive tracks, great controls, and an incredible track editor, yet, there's a little too much missing and changed. Now, if you've already played TM you probably know what you're dealing with here, and if you haven't, here's what you've been missing. Some extremely fun tracks, an interesting variety of cars, and the best editor you've ever seen in a racing game. Now, the cars themselves can be separated into 3 separate categories. The first car is about speed, the second is about control, and the third is technique. I like to say, funnest, a bit harder, yet still cool, and I'm just playing this for points. Now, it's like this in every TM game, so no huge surprises here, but the thing I didn't really like about the game is the horribly toned down physics engine. I'll forgive it a bit since it's on the DS, but they could have done a bit more. Another thing I personally didn't like was the fact that they took out snow, which was one of the cars/environments. And the last thing that killed the score a bit is the shop. Now, it is a virtual shop, using in-game credits called coppers. In previous installments of the game these were used for making massive tracks, but in the DS game, they are used to purchase tracks, skins, and track parts to be used in the editor. I dunno, it just seems a little lame that you need to "buy" stuff to keep playing, though I guess it does keep you into it. Now, just a bit on the editor, then I'll break it down for you. The editor is a lot like the PC version, with 360 camera, height control, rotate, the works. It works perfectly with the DS touch screen, and anyone with a bit of either creativity, or possibly insanity can make some really enjoyable tracks. So, let's break it down.
Graphics: 8 - Not much to be said here. I'll forgive it a bit because it's on the DS, but they could have done a bit better. Not bad though.
Gameplay: 8 - Simple controls make it easy to pick up and play, yet the horrible physics engine and "shop" make it a bit of a dissapointment.
Sound: 9.5 - Hey, the sound works. Not bad music, and pretty cool sound effects. Really compliment the game itself.
Extra features: 10 - Track editor can, at times, be a bit hard to use, but with a few practice maps, editing your own tracks can be an extremely fun experience.
Pros: A pretty damn good "port" of TM. Not too bad of graphics for the DS standards. Insane track editor. All the madness and zero gravity of past TM games.
Cons: Extremely toned down physics engine can be frustrating at times. Shop wasn't such a good idea.
Final words: If you want a true TM experience, get the PC version. TM United if you wanna pay, or TM Nations if you just want a taste of what TM has to offer. If you're really craving TM on the go, get this game. It's sure to be a hit with racing fans of all types. 
