Mario Kart is the greatest game not only on the DS, but the greatest Kart-styled racing game ever released on any system
First, we'll start with the gameplay. You're probably thinking 'Been there, done that!' Well, let me tell you something, you most certainly haven't. Although we found 16 tracks for a game satisfactory, Mario Kart DS's new 32 track combination makes you feel ripped off with only 16. It features 4 popular tracks each, from each of the previous games (listed above) and 16 entirely new, highly creative and original tracks. The compilation of the old tracks is called the 'Retro Tournament', with the Shell Cup, Banana Cup, Leaf Cup and Lightning Cup, with one track from each old game in a cup. All your favourites are here from Moo Moo Farm to Yoshi Circuit to even Baby Park. Then there's the new 'Nitro Tournament' with the basic Mushroom, Flower, Star and Special Cups. New tracks include a new Bowser Castle and Rainbow Road as well as Airship Fortress, Tick-tock Clock and Waluigi Pinball (which rocks!).
But the races aren't the only part of the gameplay. There's also an entirely new mission-based adventure mode with 54 missions ranging from Very Easy to Time-Trially Excruciatingly Difficult. There are 6 levels (worlds) each with 8 missions each, then at the end of each level, you must beat a boss. There are different ways of beating a boss; either beat them in a race, knock them of the edge or hit them in vulnerable areas. Although many kart-games have a short and tedious adventure mode (Crash Team Racing), this games mission-based mode is a lot more than just a distraction.
One last thing for the gameplay, each character now has 3 different karts, each with different stats. Each car is very well suited to their character and each one has brilliant design. There are 12 different character, 4 which need to be unlocked.
Now, graphics. These are MUCH better than every other one except for maybe Double Dash. Mario Kart DS lags just a little behind DD when it comes to texture, but all in all, they are spot on with stunning environments, smooth edging and fluent graphic interpretation. Each characters looks much better than on 64 and there are even new weapons to the game, including Bloopers, Bullet Bills and Bomb-Ombs. All in all, the graphics are just a bit less than DD but much better than the others.
Sound is pretty well in this game, with no fuzz or squarish robotic sounds. Although, the only talking is the characters making snide remarks or exclamations, it still is well done. I mean, no-one talks a lot when they're driving in a mini-kart being chased down by shells and angry Nintendo mascots suffering from road rage anyway. The actual sound effects are excellent, with propulsion sounds when shells are being blasted off or the creeping sound of the walking trees in one of the new tracks. The background music is always suitable to the theme of the track and is generally upbeat with perfect clarity.
The new multiplayer functions were obviously well thought out, as now you can battle it out with computer bots, rather than having to neglect that field of play when no-ones around. Also, you can play either single or multi cartridge, but with single you can only the play the first eight tracks. Mario Kart DS is the first game on the DS that goes online, racing up to three other people across the globe or in your local area. However, many people drop out halfway through a race, which can be extremely frustrating. But like I always say, we wouldn't be complaining about it if it weren't there in the first place. So just appreciate what's there.
Overall, Mario Kart DS is an excellent blend of old and new, with 32 tracks, 6 battle stages, 54 missions, 36 karts, 12 players and a hell of a lot of fun.