Nintendo DS Lite Game Review: Mario Kart DS

When the DS was released, Nintendo brought new possibilities to the realm of handheld gaming systems. Both some of the greatest and some of the worst portable games were developed as a result. However, among the best came Mario Kart DS to continue the popular series of Mario Karts. Of all Kart releases, MarioKart DS seems to most strongly resemble the design and function of Mario Kart 64, the Nintendo 64 edition.

When comparing Mario Kart DS with previous releases in the series, it is clear that many of the tracks are taken from the SNES and N64 games. Even so, the DS version can be found with a few novel tracks. Overall, Mario Kart DS offers the same race options as many would expect- single races along with grand-prix circuits, each consisting of four tracks. There are still three speeds (or difficulties, in a sense) for each circuit. The next, and perhaps most popular option in most of the Mario Kart series is the Battle Mode. Despite a few new items and moves, this Battle Mode is a mere replication of Battle Modes in previous versions of the game. But it does, without a doubt, retain all of its entertainment value. However, always innovative in nature, Nintendo has added a somewhat revolutionary function to this handheld game- the ability to play online multiplayer races! While currently limited to Nintendo-supported wireless routers and other locations (which can be searched for on Nintendo's Wi-FI website at www.nintendowifi.com), the online option is ever-expanding and the possibilities for portable systems like the DS seem to be growing.

Graphics of the game, when considering the limitations of the system it's played on, are fair. They strongly reflect the general look of Mario Kart 64, with a slight step backwards. Smooth animation results in an overall enjoyable experience. The audio is exactly what you would expect from a DS- better than the Gameboy but still projecting a hint of graininess. But even after hours of play, the soundtrack does not get too irritating to the point where the volume must be lowered.