Mario Kart DS review

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If you're the only one with a copy of the game but still want to get in on some Wi-Fi goodness, the other option is to recruit random people off the server who are waiting to play. Once you're online, only 20 of the 32 courses are open for business, and certain items are gone too.

Keep in mind that Wi-Fi is a supplemental feature, and as such doesn't need to be immaculate. Local multiplayer supports all the new weapons, racers and tracks you fought so hard to unlock. Half of the courses are totally new; the other 16 are pulled from the annals of Kart history, making this the ultimate introduction and compilation of the franchise.

This Kart also comes with a Mission mode where you zip around small areas with one quick goal in mind. How much can you do while strapped to a go-kart? Not a lot. Most of the missions are busting crates, grabbing gold coins or some other derivative task. It's not a bad way to hone your drifting or cornering skills, and as an extra it adds a lot of value to a game that's already begging for hours of play.

More info

GenreRacing
DescriptionThe online experience is limited, but it can't bring down what may be the greatest victory lap for the Kart series
Franchise nameMario
UK franchise nameMario
Platform"DS"
US censor rating"Everyone"
UK censor rating""
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.