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How Metascores Are Calculated
85
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Race and battle with up to eight karts at once, regardless of whether or not everyone has a Game Card. The all–star cast includes Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, Bowser, and Toad. With courses drawn from every Mario Kart game - Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash - players may tour many of their favorites as well as all-new tracks and battle arenas. The game has a new dimension of fun, since players can battle others around the world by connecting to Nintendo's new wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, via Wi-Fi. With over 30 courses and all the crazy items and frantic speed players would expect, this game is a Mario Kart fan's dream. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
GameSpy
The online shortcomings are annoying, yes, but very minor, and they are more than made up for by the amazing single-player content and local WiFi gameplay.
 100
NintendoWorldReport
The best features of past Mario Kart games are back, and when combined with the new ones in Mario Kart DS, the end result is the most impressive game to ever hit the Nintendo DS and also the best game in the Mario Kart series.
100
GameShark
The sheer number of options make this game outstanding.
100
Gaming Age
The game’s graphics are silky smooth and the track designs are fantastic.
100
G4 TV
Mario Kart DS shatters those expectations by being the best kart racing game ever released--handheld or otherwise.
100
AceGamez
One of the most exciting racing experiences for the DS so far and it's a game that will be played long into the future of Nintendo's latest handheld.
100
Thunderbolt
Super Mario Kart is still the best Mario Kart ever, but Mario Kart DS is remarkably close to edging past the original in almost every way.
100
3DAvenue
A must have game for the Nintendo DS and is possibly even good enough to make you go and buy a DS unit for it.
100
Gamenikki
Mario Kart DS takes the best of all of the Mario Kart games and puts them together in a game people will still be playing when the next generation of Gameboy comes out.
98
GameBrink
Undoubtedly the best game in the Mario Kart series, which considering the MK legacy is quite an achievement.
96
Jolt Online Gaming UK
We cannot emphasize this enough – if it’s not on your Christmas list, there’s still time. If you don’t get it from Christmas, don’t worry – just buy it your frigging self. If there were ever a game that was worth buying a console purely to play, this is it.
95
GameZone
Lives up to its legacy of having inventive courses, stellar multiplayer, and more replay value than any other racer in its class.
95
Next Level Gaming
The best DS game to date. It is like having the best from every Mario Kart game and bundled into one great package.
95
Da Gameboyz
One addictive game. With a great single player experience this game gets bonus marks for a great multiplayer experience as well.
95
GameBiz
With a deeper single player mode, great LAN capabilities and free online play, it will offer hours of enjoyment for you, and your mates.
95
Gamers Europe
In an age of increasing style over substance and companies trying to extract cash from gamers left, right and centre for new "services", it’s truly heartening to see a game done absolutely right, and the setup around it also done absolutely right. Great stuff, Nintendo.
95
WHAM! Gaming
The depth of what appears to be an initially incredible simple and one dimensional game is astounding as always with Mario Kart DS, and the delivered promise of online opponents only adds to the overall incredibly rewarding experience.
95
Nintendojo
It is darn near perfect in most ways, and the online mode adds more than it takes away. LAN mode racing is among the year’s greatest gaming experiences. You may well be looking at a contender for game of the year across any platform.
95
Play Magazine
Probably the best Mario Kart game since the original. [Dec 2005, p.75]
95
Deeko
The embodiment of pure kart racing goodness, an almost faultless paradigm that is undeniably the finest kart racing game created to date.
95
eToychest
Reason alone to own the DS platform. All of the fun that has been intrinsic to the series is intact, and the much-anticipated online component simply seals the deal. This is best game in the series by far, and perhaps the best kart-style racing game ever to come along.
95
IGN
It's hard to imagine how Nintendo's going to improve on what they've done for this stunning portable rendition. There's so much gameplay and depth in this design, moreso than the series has ever had in the past.
93
BonusStage
While it may take some time to get used to the new controls, after getting this down you should have as much fun with the single player content as any other Mario Kart title, if not more.
92
GameSpot
Mario Kart DS represents a significant step forward for Nintendo's much-loved racing series, and not only because it's the first to feature online play.
92
N-Insanity
If you have the ability to use the WFC and own a DS, I can’t stop recommending purchasing MKDS.
92
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Never before has Mario Kart offered so much content, that's so easily accessible and can be enjoyed by so many people. [GamesMaster]
92
My Gamer
If you own a DS, you need to own Mario Kart DS. This is the kind of game you shouldn’t have to give a score too. Just go out and buy it.
92
Just RPG
The gameplay is rock solid, the replay value is very high, and graphics and sound are very sharp and detailed.
91
Gaming Target
The “killer-app” for the DS. With it's finely tuned gameplay and insanely high production value, this title will make a worthy addition to any DS library.
91
Game Revolution
It goes the distance with its plentiful single-player content, provides intelligent, affordable local multiplayer and actually lets you race online.
90
Total Video Games
Away from the online Mario Kart DS is the biggest game in the series with a huge range of new and classic tracks, battle mode and all-new missions to conquer.
90
PALGN
Mario Kart at its absolute finest. Miss it at your peril.
90
Nintendo Power
Mario Kart DS will be in your DS for a long, long time. [Jan 2006, p.104]
90
Cheat Code Central
A gift from the Nintendo Gods. [CCC's "original review was removed due to what [they] consider to be trolling and erroneous information."]
90
1UP
Everything about MKDS comes together into a surprisingly compelling package, a portable racing game on par with anything ever to appear on a console.
90
Yahoo! Games
From the creative track design to the expertly balanced difficulty levels, nearly everything about Mario Kart DS screams quality.
90
GamePro
With a veritable buffet of racers, courses, modes, and multiplayer options, Mario Kart DS is a must play for any Nintendo fan and a requisite for any DS owner.
90
N-Europe
I’m not giving this game the full score because of the little WiFi errors I experienced and the availability of only one online mode. But don’t get me wrong. Apart from this, Mario Kart is one hell of a game. It’s the best Mario Kart of all-time and an essential DS purchase. You shouldn’t be allowed to own a DS without it.
90
Sydney Morning Herald
Four-player online races are smooth and fiercely competitive.
90
Computer and Video Games
Sure it might not be the best looking version (although it's damn pretty and make no mistake) and, okay, certain modes have been done better before, but it's hands-down the absolute most complete Mario Kart package yet.
90
VGPub
A downside: there is no way to communicate with your opponents in game or in the lobby, so you can’t really get a gauge for who you’re playing, which can lead to the looser disconnects that everyone loves so much.
90
EuroGamer
The beauty of Mario Kart DS is that it's really, genuinely practical to play with other people, wirelessly or online.
90
Electric Playground
The graphics are phenomenal, some of the best so far for the handheld system. The controls in the game are simple enough for anyone to jump right into, and the variety of gameplay will keep most players coming back for more.
90
Armchair Empire
Regardless of whether one is playing the game alone, or online with a few other people there is a ton of fun to be had with this game, and it should be in every DS owner’s library.
90
Ferrago
The brilliant title that we've all been waiting for, making the DS that extra mile more appealing and helping seal my growing contempt for the PSP even though I'm not in the least bit a "fanboy".
90
Pelit (Finland)
A really fun driving game with lots of tracks and things to do. A fine example of Nintendo quality. [Jan 2006]
90
NTSC-uk
MKDS is a classic reminder that Nintendo created the character-based racer and is still leagues ahead of competitors when making them.
90
Games Radar
It’s pretty clear this is a test lap for Nintendo, and once the kinks are worked out you'll see more gamers gearing up for a race through the Mushroom Kingdom.
90
Adrenaline Vault
It is refreshing to see the DS stand up and do some things that can't be done on the GBA, allowing it to stand out as its own system rather than being used to play GBA titles on.
88
Gamer 2.0
With a flawed, yet fun, online mode, a great deal of single player modes, and enough courses to choke a horse, Mario Kart DS is almost infinitely replayable.
87
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Online Mario Kart has one fatal flaw--you'll have to accept that you aren't actually the world's greatest Kart player. And even if you are the world's greatest, you can't rub it in, what with no chat options.
85
Game Informer
While I'd love to see this series move forward, this title is an excellent tribute to [its] heritage. [Dec 2005, p.187]
85
Cincinnati Enquirer
A classic Nintendo racing game cocktail with a twist of Wi-Fi.
85
Extreme Gamer
Mario Kart DS is as good as ever and now you have the bonus of being able to play online. Pure brilliance, keep the Mario Kart games coming.
85
Stuff
The game looks terrific on the tiny screens. There's a nice mix of new and old school tracks. Making a Wi-fi connection is so simple, even Diddy Kong could do it (and he's Canadian!).
80
GamerNode
People who want a light hearted racing game will love MarioKart DS. The more hardened racing fan may think it is too simple, but MarioKart DS makes up for this with its entertaining game play and different game modes.
80
Computer Games Magazine
For any fan of racing and/or handheld games, this is a perfectly laidback combination of user friendly racing and noncommittal handheld gaming. [Mar 2006, p.93]
80
Gamestyle
A general mish-mash of the best bits of Mario Kart combined with a slew of new features in one overwhelmingly complete title.
80
Edge Magazine
Instantly familiar, and instantly entertaining, Nintendo could hardly have picked a better title for its wi-fi debut. [Christmas 2005, p.106]
80
Modojo
Loaded with goodies and irresistible to resist, Mario Kart DS is fun in its purest form.
75
Detroit Free Press
The wireless capability of the handheld DS machine is a good thing. And I had fun when I was able to complete races, even when I placed dead last.
75
Nintendophiles
But what about all those who can't get online? Sadly you're out of luck, because the single player is fairly repetitive and the cheap computer players don't help it.
75
netjak
While it has some ups and downs, Mario Kart DS proves that Nintendo is coming online with a vengeance. Gear up, strap in, log on, and take off. It's gonna be one heck of a ride.
70
games(TM)
Mario Kart DS is a polishing of the Mario Kart concept and little else. [Christmas 2005, p.99]
Martin N. gave it a10: 4 Boys gave it a10: DJ T gave it a10: Zack P. gave it a0: Hexen M. gave it a9: Oliver E. gave it a10: Alexander M. gave it a10: |
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