Summary

Classic Mario Kart gameplay, cleaned up graphics, new extras, and the new WiFi feature make this game a MUST for all DS owners. BUY THIS GAME! Don't have a DS? okay, buy this game AND a DS. it's well worth it.

Sound

Classic, happy mario songs that fit the environment perfectly. also, the character reactions after passing an opponent or gettting them with an item are cute.

Gameplay

The old theory of "if it ain't broke, why fix it" applies here. The gameplay is just as fun and addicting as it was when the series first debuted on the SNES. Small tweaks and additions make this game hands down the best of the series. A good variety of characters with unique strengths and weaknesses are well balanced. There are a wide variety of unique tracks some which are very outrageous. Some of the courses can be pretty frustrating like the Rainbow Road course where you can easily fly off the track into space if you don't make that turn. Another "fun" stage is the pinball stage where you can get smashed by a giant pinball. Now even though there are some stages that are frustrating, it's okay competition-wise cuz it pretty much frustrates anybody so that levels the playing field. The same power-ups from the previous games are there like the banana peels and turtle shells. they've also added some new stuff like the "ink" and the "bullet". The additions are really cool. All these powerups are the things that make mario kart so much fun. It gets VERY interesting when you're all battling for the finish line with these power ups. Now, this game is great with just the single player aspect. The AI is pretty good and the game still has good replay value. however, what brings this game over the top is the WiFi. If you have a wireless router in your home, then you can easily connect to the internet and play others. Nothing, and i mean NOTHING beats playing another human player. within a minute or two you can easily connect to a 4 person race. unfortunately, 4 is the limit for online play but that is still enough to make it fun. Don't have a wireless router? No problem. go to a local McDonald's and use their WiFi hotpoint to play. Don't feel like going to McDonald's. no problem. find another friend with a DS and they don't even have to own a copy of Mario Kart. It is this WiFi aspect that sets this game apart and hopefully will spawn a LOT more DS games that will utilize WiFi.