Nintendo DS Review: Mario Kart DS

Mario Kart, the often imitated but never duplicated kart racer is back, as strong now as it was in its debut 13 years ago. This time the DS's dual screens add much to the already polished game.

Arguably the most highly anticipated DS game this year, Mario Kart DS is now on store shelves. From what I have seen though, it is keeping the stock boy busy. Everyone wants a copy.

Mario Kart DS is the first Wi-Fi enabled game on the Nintendo DS. That might be the main hook, but certainly is not the only reason to pick up this hot title.

The web site statistical tracking is similar to Bungie.net (Halo 2). While not as involved, it is more then I expected. However, I would like to see even more statistics tracked. Tony Hawk's American Sk8land (the only other Wi-Fi DS game at present) shows a lot more information and is a 3rd party title. Mario Kart DS should have a stronger showing online.

The Gaming Hub integration on NintendoWiFi.com is astonishing to say the least - especially since Nintendo has no track record for this type of online play. The website is a joy to use.

Unlike the PSP, the Wi-Fi software is on the DS game cartridge, not in the handheld's memory. What this means is that your copy of Mario Kart DS is paired to your DS the first time you setup Wi-Fi in the game. If you take the game to a new DS, you would have to erase the Wi-Fi settings and start over.

Nintendo Wi-Fi supports most wireless routers and supports WEP (Wired Equivalency Privacy). I was able to connect at McDonald's (no WEP) and in my apartment (128-bit WEP) with equal ease. You have three slots available to save different Wi-Fi settings.

If you do not have a wireless connection you can use the $35 Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. You will need a PC running Windows XP and a broadband connection. With Tony Hawk's American Sk8land out now, Animal Crossing: Wild World, and Metroid Prime Hunters on the way, the USB Connector may be a good investment if you do not have wireless Internet in your home.

The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is not Mac compatible. At least that is the official line. It comes with software drivers written for Windows XP. Whether you can use it on a Mac remains to be seen. I would like to see the issue of Mac compatibility addressed by Nintendo.

Game play is handled on the top screen with a well-designed HUD (Heads Up Display). Sometimes the choice of font can be a problem on a small screen like the DS or PSP. The text is big enough and well defined so you don't have to guess. Game play is fast and smooth - online and off. There are no lag issues to worry about here.

Once on the track you see where Mario Kart DS becomes its very own Mario Kart title. The bottom touch screen not only displays a handy overhead map, but also on the left a column shows what place you are relative to all other opponents. You can also see what weapons they are carrying. If you tap the screen it turns to an overall map of the track.

Article Author: Ken Edwards

Ken Edwards is the Gaming Editor at Blogcritics, and calls Breaking Windows home. Ken works part time for Student Publications at BGSU as the Webmaster and System Administrator. He is also a freelance web developer.

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