Nintendo DS Review: Mario Kart DS - Page 2

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.

Players who utilize the touch screen by glancing down to it will come out ahead every time. It truly makes the second screen invaluable to the game. In fact, you could race entirely using the overhead map. It shows not only the other players around you, but hazards, weapon boxes, and most importantly, where those shells are flying! Placing banana peels for opponents has never been this much fun.

When you first start Mario Kart DS you are asked to provide a nickname, your DS nickname is input by default. This name is used both in single and multiplayer games. You then have the opportunity to create an Emblem. This is a great feature as it gives you the chance to personalize both your kart and avatar while on the track.

It is easy to create this Emblem using your stylus given the paint interface. Think Microsoft Paint. There are about 30 predefined shapes and 15 colors to choose from. With the drawing tools I created a BGSU Falcons logo. When in multiplayer games you see this avatar above the head of your opponents.

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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