Mario Kart DS Part 2

Not only does this game have the traditional grand prix mode, there is also a new mission mode in which you work your way through several mini-games of different levels. Each level has a selection of mini games and once these are done, a boss stage must be completed to unlock the next level. Each mini game completion is graded and hours can be spent trying to complete the games to the ultimate 3-Star standard.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Mario Kart DS is the multiplayer options. There is the wireless single-card games in which you can race up to 4 people on a selection of tracks. This is entertaining and is a nice change from having 4 split-screens on the TV. Alongside this, there is the WiFi connection.

Mario Kart DS is one of the first titles available to play on the new Nintendo WiFi connection. This allows game owners from all around the world to challenge one another, regardless of of their whereabouts. If the game itself isn’t difficult enough for you, then your sure to meet your match playing on the WiFi connection. I took my time in completing the game and found it was perhaps a notch up on the difficulty ranking from previous titles, and then there was the WiFi mode. I was no match for a selection of karting prodigies from several different countries.

The graphics are up to scratch with Mario Kart 64 and the sound is the usual catchy and upbeat tunes we’ve come to expect from the series. The controls are nothing new but fit the cause well. It takes a while to get used to but is really very adequate. A quick tip for all those struggling with the boost starts, hold down the accelerate (A) button from around when the timer says ’2’.