Mario Kart DS confirmed for system launch
Series racer to augment Nintendo’s touch-up drive
It has been revealed that Mario Kart DS will launch alongside the console in Japan and Europe, with a US version set to follow early next year.
The news comes as something as a surprise as Nintendo has been somewhat quiet about the project, naming it at E3 though seemingly reluctant to show it. Indeed, at recent press events in Japan and the US the game was nowhere to be seen, prompting speculation that it might have slipped down the priority list somewhat.
However, it seems that Nintendo merely decided to concentrate on some of its third-party offerings instead, such as The Urbz and Spider-Man 2.
The news comes as something as a surprise as Nintendo has been somewhat quiet about the project, naming it at E3 though seemingly reluctant to show it. Indeed, at recent press events in Japan and the US the game was nowhere to be seen, prompting speculation that it might have slipped down the priority list somewhat.
However, it seems that Nintendo merely decided to concentrate on some of its third-party offerings instead, such as The Urbz and Spider-Man 2.
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Comments
Joji 4 Nov 2004 12:00
1/10
Excellent, Mario Kart DS at launch. Best news I've heard today. Don't mind if the game disappears for any tweaking needed since it's a must buy for DS.
Someone said something about driving on Ridge Racer DS a while ago, we know that with driving games you need good control. I just hope Mario Kart and other driving games don't all opt for stylus control just because it's there as an option.
From the screenshots if the stylus screen is the map like Asphalt DS that's the better option. Ridge Racer DS looks good enough but I doubt I'd play it with the stylus, even though the option is welcome.
Do remember you developers out there, there are other options besides the stylus, DON'T feel pressured to use it all the time.
Someone said something about driving on Ridge Racer DS a while ago, we know that with driving games you need good control. I just hope Mario Kart and other driving games don't all opt for stylus control just because it's there as an option.
From the screenshots if the stylus screen is the map like Asphalt DS that's the better option. Ridge Racer DS looks good enough but I doubt I'd play it with the stylus, even though the option is welcome.
Do remember you developers out there, there are other options besides the stylus, DON'T feel pressured to use it all the time.
Kaxxx 4 Nov 2004 12:33
2/10
I cant imagine it having any use for the stylus really, and if it does hopefully it and others have an option for using it or not.
Its great news for the DS and i really thought it would be well down the line after release before we seen this one being released. A must buy.
Its great news for the DS and i really thought it would be well down the line after release before we seen this one being released. A must buy.
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tyrion 4 Nov 2004 12:50
3/10
I think it is obvious that with Nintendo's emphasis on touch functionality, Mario Kart DS was de-emphasised as it probably doesn't use any touch functionality.
Come to think of it, apart from the possible use of wireless to run multiplayer races, this first party game embodies the type of games that we first thought of when "two screens" was all we knew about the DS. You know, the type of games Nintendo has gone out of their way to try and convince us won't be the only games on DS. You know, "second screen, it'll just be a map" type games.
Not to say this won't be a good game. It's one of Nintendo's flagship products, it was obviously going to appear on DS. It's just the sort of game that won't benefit from touch screen or microphone driven play. With Nintendo trying to emphasis the differences between DS and PSP, this game does nothing for their cause.
Come to think of it, apart from the possible use of wireless to run multiplayer races, this first party game embodies the type of games that we first thought of when "two screens" was all we knew about the DS. You know, the type of games Nintendo has gone out of their way to try and convince us won't be the only games on DS. You know, "second screen, it'll just be a map" type games.
Not to say this won't be a good game. It's one of Nintendo's flagship products, it was obviously going to appear on DS. It's just the sort of game that won't benefit from touch screen or microphone driven play. With Nintendo trying to emphasis the differences between DS and PSP, this game does nothing for their cause.
Ditto 4 Nov 2004 13:37
4/10
I don't think that the recent Mario Kart games have been very good. The DS version won't be on my shopping list. I don't think this game (from what I've heard) makes very good use of either the touch functions or the two screens. The second screen displays map and position functions that really need to be on the main screen so you don't take your eyes off it.
I have the same gripe with Hunters.
I have the same gripe with Hunters.
ohms 4 Nov 2004 13:44
5/10
I don't think games should have to use the touch functionality.
Wireless multiplayer is making use of the DS's unique functionality too, in probably the best way for Mario Kart. The map also serves it's purpose, as it's the only way you have of knowing where the other players are.
Wireless multiplayer is making use of the DS's unique functionality too, in probably the best way for Mario Kart. The map also serves it's purpose, as it's the only way you have of knowing where the other players are.
Joji 4 Nov 2004 14:15
6/10
But that's kind of the point I was trying to make. Some games wont need some options if not all that the DS has. If they can be used in a decent way to further play then so be it. There's no reason why one game shouldn't use the mic and normal control as an example. Mix and match the options if you will, because there is still more there than PSP.
I don't agree with your opinion on the recent Mario Kart games, they have been good I reckon. Despite the usual Mario Kart gripes if you forget the negative you'll swim into a sea of fun and forget you are there. I did this over the weekend after completing all the GP modes of MK:DD, and it was a hell of a lot of hell and fun too.
GBA MK I own and is also feels like the SNES game but more lush. Again it's a lot of fun if you are prepared to enjoy and accept it for what it is. For me the DS version will be treated the same, with the added value of busting other players with red shells via wi-fi. This bring a whole new edge to MK that we should have had with MK:DD. Would be nice if you could access more extra tracks for download too.
I don't agree with your opinion on the recent Mario Kart games, they have been good I reckon. Despite the usual Mario Kart gripes if you forget the negative you'll swim into a sea of fun and forget you are there. I did this over the weekend after completing all the GP modes of MK:DD, and it was a hell of a lot of hell and fun too.
GBA MK I own and is also feels like the SNES game but more lush. Again it's a lot of fun if you are prepared to enjoy and accept it for what it is. For me the DS version will be treated the same, with the added value of busting other players with red shells via wi-fi. This bring a whole new edge to MK that we should have had with MK:DD. Would be nice if you could access more extra tracks for download too.
Joji 4 Nov 2004 14:17
7/10
But that's kind of the point I was trying to make. Some games wont need some options if not all that the DS has. If they can be used in a decent way to further play then so be it. There's no reason why one game shouldn't use the mic and normal control as an example. Mix and match the options if you will, because there is still more there than PSP.
I don't agree with your opinion on the recent Mario Kart games, they have been good I reckon. Despite the usual Mario Kart gripes if you forget the negative you'll swim into a sea of fun and forget you are there. I did this over the weekend after completing all the GP modes of MK:DD, and it was a hell of a lot of hell and fun too.
GBA MK I own and is also feels like the SNES game but more lush. Again it's a lot of fun if you are prepared to enjoy and accept it for what it is. For me the DS version will be treated the same, with the added value of busting other players with red shells via wi-fi. This bring a whole new edge to MK that we should have had with MK:DD. Would be nice if you could access more extra tracks for download too.
I don't agree with your opinion on the recent Mario Kart games, they have been good I reckon. Despite the usual Mario Kart gripes if you forget the negative you'll swim into a sea of fun and forget you are there. I did this over the weekend after completing all the GP modes of MK:DD, and it was a hell of a lot of hell and fun too.
GBA MK I own and is also feels like the SNES game but more lush. Again it's a lot of fun if you are prepared to enjoy and accept it for what it is. For me the DS version will be treated the same, with the added value of busting other players with red shells via wi-fi. This bring a whole new edge to MK that we should have had with MK:DD. Would be nice if you could access more extra tracks for download too.
Ditto 4 Nov 2004 15:27
8/10
I agree with your comments regarding the controls methods.
I just couldn't get on with the GBA version mainly because I'm so used to the Super NES versions :p.
The Gamecube version had a lot of potential, however in my mind it was let down by the poor battle mode tracks (they were too small, and poorly designed with no-where to "hide") and a lack of a "jump" button in order to dodge red shells. I found that once a red shell was on to you (which happens far too much due to the new item schemes) you were pretty much doomed - no way of dodging it due to a cobination of the course design and the lack of "jump"ing.
On the other hand, when Double Dash goes down to Player's Choice it will be an excellent value-for-money game.
I just couldn't get on with the GBA version mainly because I'm so used to the Super NES versions :p.
The Gamecube version had a lot of potential, however in my mind it was let down by the poor battle mode tracks (they were too small, and poorly designed with no-where to "hide") and a lack of a "jump" button in order to dodge red shells. I found that once a red shell was on to you (which happens far too much due to the new item schemes) you were pretty much doomed - no way of dodging it due to a cobination of the course design and the lack of "jump"ing.
On the other hand, when Double Dash goes down to Player's Choice it will be an excellent value-for-money game.
Joji 4 Nov 2004 15:44
9/10
Not sure if you are aware but even though the jump was removed you can avoid shells etc by have a shell your self. When playing MK:DD it will tell you onscreen at the bottom if a shell is on it's way, and if you have an item yourself you can release it and the incoming shell will hit your item instead, if timed right. (I know it does alert you in GP mode anyway but battle mode I'm not sure about)
Not sure if this works in GBA MK but I suppose you could try it, but I believe you can jump in that.
Not sure if this works in GBA MK but I suppose you could try it, but I believe you can jump in that.
ohms 4 Nov 2004 15:58
10/10
Adam M wrote:
The Gamecube version had a lot of potential, however in my mind it was let down by the poor battle mode tracks (they were too small, and poorly designed with no-where to "hide")
Definately, even though Mario Kart 64 wasn't as good as the original, it had the best Battle Mode maps, and therefore was played to death, and still get's the odd play today. I don't play Double Dash anymore tho, singleplayer tracks were cool, while the only good multiplayer map it had was 'Luigi's Mansion', but it can't touch 'Block Fort'.