Mario Kart DS (2005)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Mario Kart DS: The Definitive Mario Kart Experience

Released in 2005 for the Nintendo DS, Mario Kart DS is the fifth installment in the Mario Kart series and the second to be released on a handheld console. It was a critical and commercial success, selling over 35 million copies worldwide and becoming the best-selling Nintendo DS game of all time.

Mario Kart DS features a roster of 16 characters, each with their own unique stats and abilities. There are also 32 tracks in the game, 16 new tracks and 16 retro tracks from previous Mario Kart games. The game introduces several new items to the series, including the Blooper squid that squirts ink onto the screens of other players and the Bullet Bill power up that transforms the player into a giant, fast-travelling bullet on autopilot.

One of the most significant new features in Mario Kart DS is the addition of online multiplayer. This allows players to race against each other over the internet, adding a whole new level of excitement and competition to the game.

Mario Kart DS also features a variety of single-player modes, including the Grand Prix mode, where players race through a series of cups to earn trophies, and the Time Trial mode, where players can race against the clock to set the best possible time. There is also a Mission mode, where players must complete a variety of challenges, such as collecting coins or defeating opponents.

Mario Kart DS is a well-crafted and polished racing game that offers a huge amount of content and replayability. It is a must-have for any Nintendo DS owner and is widely considered to be one of the best Mario Kart games ever made.

Gameplay

Mario Kart DS is a kart racing game in which players control one of 16 characters and race against each other on a variety of tracks. The game can be played in single-player mode or multiplayer mode, with up to four players able to race against each other.

The game features a variety of different modes, including the Grand Prix mode, where players race through a series of cups to earn trophies, and the Time Trial mode, where players can race against the clock to set the best possible time. There is also a Mission mode, where players must complete a variety of challenges, such as collecting coins or defeating opponents.

Mario Kart DS introduces several new items to the series, including the Blooper squid that squirts ink onto the screens of other players and the Bullet Bill power up that transforms the player into a giant, fast-travelling bullet on autopilot.

Characters

Mario Kart DS features a roster of 16 characters, each with their own unique stats and abilities. The characters are divided into three weight classes: light, medium, and heavy. Light characters are faster and more agile than heavier characters, but they are also more likely to be knocked off their karts. Medium characters are a good all-around choice, with a balance of speed, agility, and weight. Heavy characters are slower and less agile than lighter characters, but they are also more difficult to knock off their karts and can push other karts out of the way.

The 16 characters in Mario Kart DS are:

  • Mario
  • Luigi
  • Peach
  • Daisy
  • Rosalina
  • Wario
  • Waluigi
  • Bowser
  • Donkey Kong
  • Toad
  • Toadette
  • Koopa Troopa
  • Dry Bones
  • Shy Guy
  • Baby Mario
  • Baby Luigi

Tracks

Mario Kart DS features 32 tracks, 16 new tracks and 16 retro tracks from previous Mario Kart games. The new tracks are all well-designed and offer a variety of challenges, from the winding roads of Peach Gardens to the underwater tunnels of Delfino Pier. The retro tracks are also a welcome addition, as they allow players to revisit some of the classic tracks from the Mario Kart series.

The 32 tracks in Mario Kart DS are:

  • Nitro Grand Prix
    • Luigi Circuit
    • Peach Gardens
    • Dry Dry Ruins
    • Yoshi Falls
    • Delfino Pier
    • Coconut Mall
    • Wario Stadium
    • Rainbow Road
  • Retro Grand Prix
    • Mario Circuit 1
    • Choco Mountain
    • Toad’s Turnpike
    • Koopa Troopa Beach
    • Royal Raceway
    • Wario’s Gold Mine
    • DK’s Jungle Parkway
    • Rainbow Road

Items

Mario Kart DS introduces several new items to the series, including the Blooper squid that squirts ink onto the screens of other players and the Bullet Bill power up that transforms the player into

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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