Can't compete with Mario Kart DS (Diddy Kong Racing (DS))

Member Name: pcornall

Product:	Diddy Kong Racing (DS)
Date:	09/08/08 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Novel racing vehicles

Disadvantages: Multiplayer lacks edge, becomes quite tired quite quickly

So you've played Mario Kart DS to death and you know all the tracks like the back of your hand. The online multiplayer is getting a bit boring and you need something new to try your hand at.

Diddy Kong Racing goes someway to giving you something new to play. It's obviously similar to Mario Kart in many ways involving you racing against various nintendo style opponents. You even get to collect boxes which give you special items or powers in a similar way to Mario Kart.

However, it doesn't match MK in terms of sheer playability. The races and modes are linked through a central area you can drive around and find new tracks and competitions. As you progress you unlock new areas of this map and various challenges.

Also, new to the genre is the fact that you race in different types of vehicle, so in addtion to the usual car, there is watercraft (kind of like a hovercraft) and a small plane. This adds a bit of novelty to the game and is fun at first.

It's almost impossible to play this game and not make constant comparisons to MK. The problem is that the tracks aren't as good or imaginative and the multiplayer is no-where near as exciting. The objects you can collect from boxes are limited (boosts and missiles) and at times I felt I'd rather just be playing MK. The story-mode aspect of it can get a little boring after a while too, especially if you're just looking to dive into a few races to waste 5 minutes on the DS.

Certainally, if you like cartoon racers, this is a decent little game. It's not awful and it is playable. It's just not in the same league as Mario Kart.

Summary: Good for a short change from Mario Kart, but no substitute.