best handheld racer money can buy, period.
The Karts control pretty much perfectly and certain attributes such as traction, speed and weight (etc.) vary as they would from character to character AND from kart to kart. Yes, you can change karts now; each character has about 3 varying up the races even more.
New features extend further. Single player mode has a new ‘missions’ section. Basically you complete certain tasks within the allocated time limit such as driving through gates, head to head matches and even boss fights. It’s a good diversion from the mainstream gameplay but it isn’t too challenging and you’d be done with it in a matter of hours.
And of course, the main new features here are the multiplayer capabilities. It’s quick, easy and you only need one cartridge if you want to play with nearby friends. If you, however, are ever overtaken by the need to verse someone in a different continent, wi-fi makes that all possible.
The additional weapons are awesome, namely the Bullet Bill. The spiny shell however needs special mention. It doesn’t skid along the ground anymore, but flies above the track until it reaches the leader at which point it will drop on their head and explode that sucker making a blast big enough to send any nearby second or third placers tumble out of control. It works really well.
The new tracks are also awesome.
The graphics, while not pushing any standards, does run at a particularly smooth and impressive frame rate with a good draw distance. The dual screen is also used well to indicate a map (like the one on the SNES but better). The map shows everything: racers, items, icons, just be careful to keep your eyes on the road and not on the bottom screen to see if your shell hit.
The sound is what you’d expect from a Mario Kart game.
If you have friends who own DS’s or if you have a wi-fi connection, you are the ones who are really going to benefit from this game.