Diddys cool racing (Diddy Kong Racing (N64))

Member Name: kero-chan

Product:	Diddy Kong Racing (N64)
Date:	20/07/00 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A fresh slant on racing fun

Disadvantages: Difficult

N64 Mario Kart was disapointing. Very disapointing. The original Mario Kart was inspirational, one of the most finely tuned games ever.

However, all was not lost for the Nintendo faithful, as Rare produced this charming little gem of a title. Merging the gameplay of a racer with presentation closer to a platform game or a beat-em-up, it produces a fresh and enjoyable title.

Those who played Mario 64 may recognise the way in which this game is made. Buy racing through the races, you earn balloons. Getting to the later races requires a certain number of balloons. Each stage can be played in a number of ways, such as a flat out race or collecting special coins and finishing each way provides an extra balloon.

Each race is set in a new course. The courses are grouped into collections of stages, each with a certain theme such as ice or beach. Each area also have a hugely challenging boss who must be beaten in a special race inorder for you to progress to the final boss character. Even better, each area also has a special key hidden in one of it's courses which provides a special battle stage!!!

The other hugely inventive idea is being able to play in multiple vechicles - theres a Kart, a plane and a hovercraft. Playing as each opens up new paths through levels, and offers a new playing experience. It really opens up in multiplayer, where each player can have a different vechicle.

Bad points- it's very tough. If thats bad is up to the player, personally I like a challenge, but it's worth noting for younger gamers.

Summary: