I found that the game is quite interesting! I mean it stays true to the old version in that everything is nearly the same however the feeling of having been able to return to my favorite N64 is overwhelming at times.
I did a review of it too (like Meteos Disney Magic-- tristangames.blogspot.com )
Diddy Kong Racing DS is the second Nintendo Racing game from the N64 to hit the DS. The game retains many of the same things that the original had. It still has the awesome levels, music, and vehicles. The Racing Adventure mode is still present and is intact, with a few minor additions.
What the game introduces is sort of a mixed bag. Many of the new aspects of the game are great, however other parts could have either been forgotten or ignored. The new features that are included are: new unlockable item/vehicle upgrade/level/battle arena featurette, two additional game modes, multiple boss races, genie, and remixed music. I adore the additional race modes for they add an extra sense of touch to the game. However, the high costs of reaching them seem pointless [which I will get into later]. The touch racing mode [coined balloon collection] is a great mode. What it entails, is that you, the player, is on a flying carpet that flies through the level. Your goal is to touch as many balloons as possible within the time limit. You have the chance to get coins as well. This mode is really quite entertaining as it is a challenge to try to get all 40+ balloons in one lap. One of the other major features that I like is the new music. When listening closely, several of the levels sound like they have people singing the songs or making noises (especially Hot Top Volcano), the music is louder than it is in Mario Kart DS which I am grateful for! The weapon upgrade system is probably the final feature that everyone will like. Now in the races you get the chance to get either three of the same color balloon (for different levels of traps, projectiles, or boosts) or to trade whatever level you have and upgrade it to a better weapon (such as multiple homing projectiles versus one). This works well too and adds more fun to the game.
The game has several flaws sadly. The Hovercraft is probably one of the most annoying flaw. It seems that it is hard to control without a Control Stick and the handling of it is harder than trying to steer a 24 Wheeler on the Arctic Ice Sheet in the middle of a Blizzard Cyclone, it is just that hard. This affects gameplay drastically on the Island World for nearly all of the races force you to use the hovercraft. Another aspect that is quite annoying is the unlockable system and the balloons. There are a ton of unlockables all coming at high prices. Levels require one to continuously go to other worlds and then come back to do the next level of races (such as balloon challenges). Not only that but even after that you have to go against the boss again in another heated race. And even more unbelievable is that even after that you have to race once again and then race the boss once more! The unlockables will require one to do these races even more for they come at high prices too. The unlockables would have been better if they were given to us at the onset (such as the battle arenas for multiplayer and levels!). You even have to unlock the WiFi mode!
All in all, looking passed those faults, the game is fun for those who want to spend more time on WiFi Connection. It is great for those who miss this classic. I love it for the voices, the music, and the airplane! Personally this was one of the wisest purchases on the DS.
SCORE: 9
