Mario Kart DS is a recently released Nintendo DS title in which was the very first to introduce Wi-Fi cpabilities. The game was one of Nintendo・s most anticipated games, and is the 5th intallment to the series. It was released on November 14th, 2005 in the U.S. On November 15th, 2005 in Canada . On November 17th, 2005 in Australia . On November 25th, 2005 in Europe . And on December 8th, 2005 in Japan . With a ESRB rating of E for Everyone. Which is overly understandable.

The graphics are pleasing, though they reminded me of Mario Kart 64. Not much of a step forward, but they do just fine for every aspect of the game. Even the environments. Yet I must mention this, not everything in the game is 3D, some of the stuff is 2D. Most of which is in the various courses which come from Mario Kart Double Dash. Yet the menus are just so nice looking, and peice together perfectly.

Graphics

The gameplay of this kart racer is highly adaptable. Several modes, several karts, several characters, several weapons, and several options. The characters include the following: Lightweight- Toad, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Dry Bones(Unlockable), and Shy Guy(Only used in multiplayer). Middleweights- Mario, Luigi, and Waluigi(Unlockable). Heavyweights- Donkey Kong, Wario, Bowser, and R.O.B.(Unlockable). Each of which have their own karts, and own statistics. Of the many tracks available, not all of them are availiable through Wi-Fi, though, I cannot remember every track by heart, so I will tell you this. The game features 16 new tracks, and 4 tracks from the SNES game, 4 tracks from the N64 game, 4 tracks from the GBA game, and 4 tracks from the GCN game (Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Curcuit, and Mario Kart Double Dash). In the total of 32 tracks, are not available in Wi-Fi. And again, like in every other installment to the series, the battle mode shall never left to be forgotten. Yet again, and again, and again, we are given so few areas to play upon. These include Block Fort(Mario Kart 64), Nintendo DS, Palm Shore, Pipe Plaza(Mario Kart Double Dash), Tart Top, and Twighlight House. The battle modes themselves include Shine Runners, and Balloon Battle, which all of you should know of. While racing the top screen displays a third person perspective of the vehicle, while the bottom screen displays the map, standings, and items carried by every player. Though, by touching the bottom screen in game will toggle the map. And show a view of the entire track.

Gameplay

The controls are very simplistic, A to accelerate, B to brake, etc. There isn・t much to be complained about when it comes to controls. The menus are compatible with the Touch screen, aswell as the D-Pad. These controls should be easy to adapt to for any gamer. X for weapon, hold R and any direction to power slide. You know, simple stuff.

Controls

This game is easy enough for even the newest to the world of gaming, and never gets repetitive. It・s a very new title, and a big title at that, so don・t be expecting anything any lower than $39.99. Fun game, easy to get into, and the Wi-Fi adapter shouldn・t cost much more than $40. Yet, its worth it. I give this game an overall rating of 8, out of 10.