Mario Kart DS brings the iconic Mario Kart franchise to the just as iconic Nintendo DS system. Despite returning to having only one controlled character at a time, it brings back Double Dash's unique character karts. These karts have some of the most creative and bizarre designs in the series, ranging from Toad in his little mushroom car, Waluigi's EXCAVATOR, Dry Bones' FUCKING TANK, and more. DS also let you replace character emblems with a custom drawn emblem by you! Mario's red M is no more, now it can be Peter's P, or your P, you know your uh this feature would not return in future installments.
The game controls rather nicely for a Mario Kart game, and feels fun to play, which is a sigh of relief after Double Dash feels like every track is an ice level. There is an advanced technique dubbed "Snaking" that exploits the drift system and pretty much dominates in the world record scene. This game has a very solid lineup of characters. Unfortunately, the model quality isn't the best resulting in stuff like DK's teeth being glued together and having him stuck grinning. Even when younger I thought that was uncanny.
Mario Kart DS introduced four new cups, Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning, which consisted of tracks from past Mario Kart games. While not the first to do this (Super Circuit had every SNES track) these four new cups would become the standard for bringing back old fan favorites. Unfortunately, DS has a rather weak selection. While later games would not try and hide bias towards the N64, this game had each cup contain one per game. This isn't a bad idea, but the final result ended up with us getting some of the lamer N64 courses, a handful of annoying SNES tracks, and GCN courses that feel like massive downgrades that outright remove shortcuts and 2 Baby Park laps for whatever reason.
Thankfully, the course lineup makes up for it with some awesome new courses. Delfino Square, Tick Tock Clock, and Airship Fortress take locations from past Mario platformers and turn them into great race tracks. DS also brings us Waluigi Pinball, a level with a creative aesthetic and fun layout that might be my favorite in the franchise. Also present in this game are a fun Battle Mode and the ever popular Mission Mode. Missions are fun single player distractions but I don't think it's something I'd actively jump out of my seat for if they made a comeback.
Overall, Mario Kart DS is a solid handheld entry in the franchise, and one I have rather fond memories of.
The game controls rather nicely for a Mario Kart game, and feels fun to play, which is a sigh of relief after Double Dash feels like every track is an ice level. There is an advanced technique dubbed "Snaking" that exploits the drift system and pretty much dominates in the world record scene. This game has a very solid lineup of characters. Unfortunately, the model quality isn't the best resulting in stuff like DK's teeth being glued together and having him stuck grinning. Even when younger I thought that was uncanny.
Mario Kart DS introduced four new cups, Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning, which consisted of tracks from past Mario Kart games. While not the first to do this (Super Circuit had every SNES track) these four new cups would become the standard for bringing back old fan favorites. Unfortunately, DS has a rather weak selection. While later games would not try and hide bias towards the N64, this game had each cup contain one per game. This isn't a bad idea, but the final result ended up with us getting some of the lamer N64 courses, a handful of annoying SNES tracks, and GCN courses that feel like massive downgrades that outright remove shortcuts and 2 Baby Park laps for whatever reason.
Thankfully, the course lineup makes up for it with some awesome new courses. Delfino Square, Tick Tock Clock, and Airship Fortress take locations from past Mario platformers and turn them into great race tracks. DS also brings us Waluigi Pinball, a level with a creative aesthetic and fun layout that might be my favorite in the franchise. Also present in this game are a fun Battle Mode and the ever popular Mission Mode. Missions are fun single player distractions but I don't think it's something I'd actively jump out of my seat for if they made a comeback.
Overall, Mario Kart DS is a solid handheld entry in the franchise, and one I have rather fond memories of.