Diddy Kong Racing DS (Nintendo DS, 2007)

The idea behind Diddy Kong Racing DS is a good one: take Diddy Kong Racing on the Nintendo 64, one of the greatest games ever made, and port it to the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately, the final product falls short of its aspirations and the expectations of many. Diddy Kong Racing DS has the same basic elements of it's predecessor: an interactive adventure mode that allows players to unlock maps, challenges, and characters. The races, challenges, and boss races are fun, and the ability to upgrade your three vehicles is an enticing feature. All in all, this is a half-decent racing game. Sadly, this game has several blemishes that are impossible to overlook. The biggest problem that this game has is one that any person, regardless of whether or not they played the original game, will immediately notice. The game attempts to incorporate the use of the DS touch screen in ways that do not make sense and quickly frustrate any player. In all types of races, players can obtain a boost at the start of a race by using the stylus to slide, spin, or move across the lower screen. This system does not respond very well and even if a player does manage to get the initial boost, he or she now has his or her hand out of position to play causing much fumbling as the player frantically attempts to get back to the controls. Also, the game uses "balloon challenges" to advance adventure mode. These challenges make the player go through the track and attempt to poke balloons (up to 50) with the stylus while moving the screen with the stylus as well. This system also does not work very well. Other than stylus woes, the biggest problem is the differences from the original game. The vehicles do not handle well (especially when compared to the original game), the characters are different (no Banjo or Conker due to Microsoft's acquisition of Rare), the bosses have no voices (one of the comedic high points of the last game) and are easier, the tracks are different (tunnels exist where there should be none, the turns are slightly different, etc.), the items are hard to obtain in race (they must be hit dead center), and other aspects of the game added in (such as drawing tracks on which to race T. T.), while "creative," are superfluous and slow down gameplay. The replay value of this game is very low, as gamers are likely to turn to Mario Kart DS instead (a very successful attempt at a 64 remake and re-vamp). All in all, this is a hollow shell of a much greater game. Diddy Kong Racing veterans will turn off the DS and turn on the 64 to remind them why they had hope for the DS game, and first time players will put down the game, never knowing how good Diddy Kong Racing DS could have been.

Donkey Kong 64 meets Mario Kart is truly what this game is. Diddy Kong Racing challenges you with each track, while at the same time offering free roaming challenges, secrets, and exploration. The player must acquire a number of balloons before they will be allowed to advance in certain races, but if the player gets frustrated, they can upgrade their vehicles, and drive, hover, or fly around the island, where they will be able to discover entire new courses to race, as well as interactive side quests which appropriately adapt the blow and touch pad. This game is difficult at times, but there is always a strategy that makes this game a fair and worthy successor to the Nintendo 64 version. The game also adds a "wish track" feature in which you get to design your own race course. Because there is so much to do in this game, I give it 4/5.

If you liked Diddy Kong Racing for the N64 then Diddy Kong DS is a game for you.

The two games are almost identical besides some small changes (Banjo and Conker are no longer available characters). In any case there are different modes to play in such as adventure or single race. In single race you simply go at it and race against some computer players. You can of course still choose your character from a variety of Nintendo characters and also choose your vehicle (Car, Hovercraft or Plane).

Adventure mode is similair, however there is a basic plot line and you are not necessarily racing in every challenge. In general you go through several worlds racing to get balloons then beat some bosses. Throughout this you can collect coins to upgrade your vehicles.

Another good reason for adventure mode is to unlock everything for multiplayer and single race modes. In multiplayer you can do races or some other challenges as well, this game requires that there be only one person with a copy of the game so that everyone can play. The rest of the players can download the game from whoever has it. Ah yes the wonderful single cartridge play option!

In any case there is plenty of enjoyment to be had for all ages in this game.

I loved this game when I was a little kid! When I found out they had it for the Nintendo DS I was thrilled! I bought this game because I loved it when I was a little kid and I still do. The best thing about this game is the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection you're able to Single Race,Trophy Race,Token Tussel and even do battle tracks from the N64 version! There are few things about this game that I don't really care for. Those being... The racing and adventure part is extremely easy and on Wi-Fi Connection theres hardly anyone ever online so you'll be lucky to race against even one player online. But aside from those two things this game is definitely a favorite of mine out of a lot of DS games I own. The graphics are a million times better on the DS than the N64 version which is great! They added quite a lot of new features such as a Balloon Touch Challenge and 4 new characters and your able to make your vehicles different colors other than just yellow and even more features. I would definitely recommend this game for any Diddy Kong Racing fans!

world best game review of year

one of the awesome game of the year fun to play if your inrested in this game i got say well u just can't get enough of this & take my word for it this game is awesome to play if your gamer & u don't what to play this is it i recommend on this game it so worth playing 10 out 10 perfect
plus beleave gamers i got the worlds greatest to the worst & take from me i just love even the world dumdest game could be awesome on my book to graphic well don't see the problem with but all i can is a job well done sound hmmmm i hear just it perfecly the music i think i love videogame music i just can't get enough of it & the gameplay well as u see its like i all ready knew how to play when i got it at the store ready if u don't beleave what i say then take look at the game 4 yourself if u don't like it then don't play it plus the video game company work hard everyday to make it just the way we want game to be made u did me proud game comanys u win my vote

Graphic 10/10
Gameplay 10/10
Sound 10/10
Music 10/10

In other just an awesome game of the year 0_0 ;D :/