The most solid & enjoyable pure racer on the DS... and it was one of the first ones out!
Gameplay- 9- First off, this game controls very well. Each car has a noticable difference in controls and as you play through the Evolution Mode (a series of 35 multi-race challenges) can make the car handle exactly how you want it to. Also, you can definately feel a difference in the sense of speed from a Hummer H2 to a Lambroghini. Put the game into in-car mode to really have a blast.
There are 3 different basic modes to be played. Arcade allows you to play different tracks with different cars. Unfortunately, it appears that there is no way to use your improved cars in this mode from Evolution, which is a downer, because in Evolution, all the races are multi-tiered into 3-6 races.
As mentioned twice, there is an Evolution mode, which is basically your story mode. You start of on one test race which can be a little difficult, if you aren't on par with the handling of the Saleen racer they start you with. But once you get past that, you can unlock many cars, tune them up in your garage, and further your garage till you have all the cars you want.
There is also a multiplayer mode, but it is a bit weak in presentation. The single player game, though, is more than solid to make up for it.
Graphics- 7- The car models look really nice, amazing that it was a release date DS game. In motion, everything does look good, but most of the road side items (light poles, trees, plants, etc) are 2D. These may be in 2D to keep up the frame rate, but it does take something from the overall look of the game.
Sound- 6- The cars should great, but many other sounds, like passed motorist & crashing noises are monotonous & repetitive. There also is only generic racing music, but its actually pretty good, not just crappy techno beats that all sound exactly the same.
Value- 8- There is a LOT to unlock here and, if your into the game & able to oer look a minor flaw here & there, you will be entertained for hours
Tilt- 9- Love this game, it deserves a good tilt