Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (Game Cube, 2003)

Mario Kart: Double Dash (Gamecube)

The most fun I've had while playing a racing game!

I loved the original Mario Kart games, and this one has to be the best in the series. There are tons of racing options (16 levels x2 because you can unlock mirror mode), tons of unlockable characters and cars, an unlockable Ultimate Race mode where you must race all 16 tracks one after another.

Where this game really succeeds is in multi-player mode. You can play against up to 4 friends in the classic battle mode, shine thief mode (like hot potato), and Bob-omb Blast. There are 6 Battle Mode tracks to choose from, all with their own unique characteristics.

You can also play on the same team and race through Grand Prix mode (the person on the back of the car controls weapons and the ability to punch opponents), or play against up to four of your friends in Grand Prix mode.

The Single player Grand Prix mode offers quite a challenge due to the fact that you must beat 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc to unlock Mirror Mode and the final cheats. The basic Cups are here and each one (Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup and Special Cup) offer 4 different courses. There is also the All Cup Tour where you play all 16 course in random order (This get's extremely tough in 150cc and Mirror mode). Due to the fact that you have to race through each set of courses at 4 difficulties, the Replay Value of this game is very high.

Pros:

- Tons of Characters
- Tons of Maps
- Tons of Unlockables (Characters, Cars, Tracks, Multiplayer Maps)
- Character specific Power Ups
- Replay value is incredibly high (Even more so if you have friends that enjoy Mario Kart)
- Not Super Hard, but not Super Easy either
- Graphics are great
- Each Map has it's own shortcuts and secrets
- The 2 characters per car set-up and the ability to fully utilize your second player in 2 player team mode
- Power Boost during sharp turns
- The celebrations (Not bad... for a baby)

Cons:

- Rainbow Road (I fell a lot when I first played the game)
- The Blue Tortoise shell
- The music can get a little repetetive
- The trophy presentation screen, when you pan in, the pink thing looks like... well you'll figure it out.

Final Verdict:

Rent or Buy?:

Are you serious, this game is a definite buy. Mario Kart: Double Dash ROCKS. Plain and simple. I bought it 2 1/2 years ago and I still play it at least once a week.

PLEASE VOTE IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL. Thank you.