Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS, 2005)

Mario Kart has and always will be a multi-player game. This review will focus on evaluating the multi-player aspect of the game. I've played all forms of the multi-player exhaustively. MKDS, in my opinion, has messed-up the winning formula that was established in Super Mario Kart and then perfected in Mario Kart 64. MK, as much as it is a MP game, it is also a kid's game. MKDS ruins this formula by having a low learning curve for single player, and then having a very high learning curve for MP due to snaking, PRB, and other item techniques. These elements cause the game to lose its casual, young player audience. Let me explain more on the learning curve.

The learning curve of the older games is obvious. The game is straight-forward. As one plays, the player improves his ability to take turns, use the simple items more efficiently, and do nifty tricks, such as the start-up rocket boost. This is great. Anyone can pick-up Mario Kart, and start racing right away. MKDS still has this element, too. It plays identically to the other games in many, many ways. If your gaming group never learns the advanced techniques, you very well may think I'm crazy that there are design flaws in the game. However, the techniques do exist. Allow me to continue, once a player learns how to do the snaking technique to even moderate mastery, he will be able to outdo all of his friends and younger siblings without even trying. This is a design flaw because Mario Kart is more about having fun rather than winning. The game Shouldn't have a large learning curve.

It shouldn't because the players it is designed for are not hard core gamers. They're kids and other non-hardcore gamers. I recall playing against my sister who recently acquired the game. She is a long-time fan of Mario Kart. Rightfully so, Mario Kart is a classic game. In any event, we played, and I found that my ability to "snake," an advanced technique, across the track at a rapid rate made it impossible for her to win. Or Even Enjoy The Game. How fun is it even if I stop "snaking" for her to continue playing knowing that I'm not playing at my best ability? MK64 didn't have this ability. Granted, I still usually won, but it wasn't by a complete landslide. And, I still didn't win Every time. MKDS is another story in that the learning curve is so high that unless someone literally Practices the game, that he or she can't compete. That's an absurdity. Practicing to play Mario Kart? The thing is, that's exactly what people are doing.

They hone their skills at home and then turn on the MKDS WiFi connection. Mario Kart online sounds like an amazing thing. Unfortunately, it is severely lacking. (For anyone curious, MKDS Online Does NOT have Battle Mode. This was a huge disappointment for me as battle mode is a favorite of mine. Also of note, MKDS Download and Play allows Battle Mode, but the Block Fort map is NOT available on the DS Download and Play. This is another huge disappointment. Moving on.) MKDS Online suffers from the same flaw as the rest of the MKDS MP modes. The learning curve is so high, that you literally have to practice advanced techniques known as Snaking and PRB before you can enjoy a game of Mario Kart. Of course, this criticism is only for the MP aspect. The single player aspect is fine.

The SP is great, and makes this title worthy of purchase. Unfortunately, if you're looking for that special MK multi-player experience, avoid this game. You will be disappointed.

Have a good day,

Matt