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Double The Fun | | Thomas from Melbourne, Australia says (4/Apr/2004): | Take the crazy fun from all past Mario Kart games and then multiply it by two. This is what this game is about. Allowing you to take control of not one but two characters. This is one of Nintendo's finest. This could possibly be the Gamecube's greatest multiplayer.
Mario Kart: Double Dash is all about teamwork. No longer do racers ride solo. They have to team up and work as a team. Not only that, the decision of kart has to be made, which makes things more interseting. As well as that, each character has a unique weapon that only he or she can use. Although this may be alot different than the past Mario Kart games, it simply just falls into place nicely.
As usual there are different levels of difficulty in the game. 50cc, 100cc and 150cc, as well as mirror mode which can be unlocked, not forgetting the inclusion of being able to unlock hidden characters, karts and even speacial cups.
Nothing much has changed in Grand Prix mode. You race on four different tracks (or 16 in a hidden tour) and are awarded points at the end of each race. The points system has changed a bit from Mario Kart 64 and no longer do you have to finish 4th or better to qualify to the next race. Co-op mode is when two people using seperate controllers wish to race as a team. Each person controls a different character. Team work is required here.
Battle mode has been made a whole lot more enjoyable. There are now three modes in which to choose from. Battle mode still has a place in this version of Mario Kart. Each player begins with three balloons attached to thier kart. Throughout the game you try to knock, hit, etc. the other players in order for them to lose their balloons. A handy new feature allows others to steal other peoples balloons, either by boosting into them with a turbo, sliding into them or sending them flying when you have a star active.
Shine thief invovles a Super Mario Sunshine shine being placed on the battlefield. It is a race to see who can get to it first. When someone has retrieved it a timer will appear on the screen. If the player who is in possesion of the shine can keep it for the time remaining, they win. If the lose it by getting hit, struck by lightning, etc. they lose it and its a race to see who can get to it first. The game ends when a player holds it for the allocated time.
Bob-omb blast is my favourite. In this mode everyone can get their hands on bob-ombs. Its a battle to see who can hit four people the fastest. Points can gained and lost by getting hit or hitting someone. It is crazy.
Finally, what is the game like graphicly and gameplay-wise? Firstly, the graphics are astounding. Very few mistakes and they reach the gamecube's standards. Gameplay is a bit of a let-down. This game is absolutely fun to play with others, but alone, after everything has been unlocked, nothing screams attention for you to keep playing it. Plus the fact that in 50cc and 100cc the speed that the karts go is slow and is just not right, adds to it.
Other than that this game is a must for gamecube owners. Don't let this one go by, you'll regret it.
| what are all you thinking??? | | Lori S from Layton, Utah says (17/Jan/2004): | What kind of people complain about this game? Its great! Matt J said it was a waste, and not as good as the original just a repeat. But if it were going to be entirly new it wouldn't be named Mario Kart! Duh! Being able to pick your kart is the best new feature on this game. And know you can hold two items at once, not to mention the characters specials (Baby mario and Baby luigi's special is my personal favorite) All around great game. If you love racing, go out and get this game, you'll love it!!!!!!!!!
| Good game, just not long enough | | Daniel from California, USA says (26/Nov/2003): | This was a great game. All the way through it was fun, and very addicting. You really have to finish the entire game before posting on this though. You can unlock 2 new battle mode stages, 4 new characters, many new cars, extra cups, this game never stops giving. You can unlock 2 new cup modes, you have 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc, like 64 version, not to mention you can unlock Mirror mode, which reverses all the tracks, really screws you yp after you've won em all forwards!. I give this game a 8, simply because it was about 13 hours of play to beat, and for 50 bucks, you gotta get more, not to mention there weren't enough shortcuts, and one of my favorite things for 64 was flying off Rainbow Road into the middle of NOWHERE! then landing on another road and being half a lap in front of everyone, however you don't see that type of fun in this one... All together, I LOVED like 5 of the new tracks, the rest were just old skool stuff that was...satisfying. Pretty good game, I give it a 8.
| Great game...Can't say much more than that! | | Iceman from Illinois, USA says (9/Dec/2003): | This game is great. I have no idea what some people mean when they say that it is lacking. Something that I have read a lot is the lack of the ability to jump in Double Dash. C'mon...now think about it. Was it really logical that you could jump in a go-kart in the others? What real go-kart do you know that you can jump in. Now, I know this is a game, but they have made it a little more realistic in some aspects in Double Dash. The graphics in this game are superb. I remember seeing ideas of what people thought this game was going to look like. I have to admit that I was not expecting this, but I really like it. The characters have movement. You can see what each item does and why it works like it does. I like that certain karts have different abilities along with different characters as well. The levels are tough and feature many hard turns and dangers. There are not very many straight-a-ways that make it really dumb like some games. I've only had the game for a couple days now, and I am addicted...and so is my roomate and the other guys in my dorm. I can't wait to play 8 players when one of my friends gets his broadband and game. The ability to unlock other stages, courses, characters, and cups is a great addition to the game. I know the original SNES was cool, especially cause there was nothing like it before, but this game is definately a step in the right way for Nintendo. It brings back the fun to racing go-karts. There is none of the killing or whatever else that is in many of the racing games of today. If you ask me, I am glad that Nintendo is targeting more of the younger generation with good clean games for them to play. They have enough stupid stuff for them to get involved in already than to also play games about it. I like the fact that the game is easy to get used to as well. This is also nice for younger players. This game is very fun, and I definately recommend it to anyone who liked the old ones or is looking for a new fun game. Go out and play it today!
| An all around good game. | | Vampy says (22/Dec/2003): | Some of my friends think it's stupid, but I like it. The graphics are good, the double-drivers thing is cool, and the new courses are fun to race on. True, I had quit a few similarities to the old versions, but I still love it! You should give it a chance. And don't listen when people try to tell you it's too baby-ish, because it's not. So okay, it's not Halo, but it's more fun than lots of games I could name:) Warning: Once played for 20 minutes or more, can get addictive ;) Bottom line: BUY IT! It really is worth it. Besides, guess what this one has that the others don't? You get to unlock stuff! Yup. It's really fun:)
| Greatest Mario Kart Yet | | Sparx from Ohio USA says (22/Nov/2003): | This game rocks! The new weapons are great, especially the character specials. I can't really see anything wrong with this game. Racing 1-8 people together is really awsome. Still the battle mode levels could be tweaked a bit, but nothing to frown too much about. The computer enemies still "cheat" to win but it was expected. I mean who can get three blue shells shot at you in a row. Anyway I had no trouble beating the cups. I think everyone loves the challenge of Double Dash. Everyone could beat Mario Kart 64 but you have to be a good racer to get all 1st places on all cup mode alone on 150cc (even though I still think 100cc is harder). Hope Nintendo makes another one, but until then go Yoshi, Diddy, Toad, and Koopa.
| This game is great, Why complain? | | John from Schenectady, NY, USA says (31/Dec/2003): | This is to that dolt who spent 5 hours in line for a goddamn game console. First of all what kind of loser spends that kind of time in a store. Second of all if it honeslty took you three hours to beeat the entire game I'd have to say your a frekin loser and play console games far to much. Does the phrase social event mean anything to you? This game is obviously a huge step up from it's 1990's partners on the prior game systems. Theere is yet to be a racing game that is this much fun. Especially if you have that magic word "friends" its a great group game thats why I bought it. And I dont spend 500 hours a week playing it either. Its a good screwing around game. Sure the multiplayer battle mode is lacking with its boring open space stages, but the difficulty of the cooperative mode makes it a hell of a lot better game. The game is based on some luck but then again what game isn't, Also I think you'll find that if you play it long enough you'll see that you pick up your skill level and win a lot more, making the game a skill game with some luck involved(Which is exactly what racing is). The coop mode is killer and if you "HAVE FRIENDS" this game is a definnant bye. the best part is working simulataneously with the same cart dodging shells and wasting enemies.
As for the graphics they're fine for the game. What exactly are people trying to expect from a game based on mario? Do you actually want him to look like a hairy, 1950's mobster plummer? Come on good games are based on the game play and not the graphics. Besides I don't know what your complaining about the gameplay is smooth and I have yet to encounter any glitches in the system. No disapearing walls or missing corners, everything is just where it should be. on a final note this is definately not a kids game. My 10 year old brother who I consider to be a pretty good Gamer sucks at driving mario and his pals around. The games difficult enough to be for mature gamers and is deffinately worth the buy. Don't listen to those reviews from PS2 or Xbox enthusiasts.
| Challenging and an excellent multiplayer game! | | CyberSterk from Norway says (18/Nov/2003): | Double Dash is the game I've enjoyed the most since the SNES version. The 2-on-1 kart consept has taken the game to a new height (if possible). 2-player GrandPrix is the one thing I've missed the most on MarioKart64, so I'm glad they decided to bring it to the GameCube. Single player has lots of challenge and fun, and multiplayer will get you on your toes. This is a game which will be remembered!
| ITS BRILL!! | | Joe from England says (18/Nov/2003): | Kart racing game for 1-8 players featuring classic Nintendo characters
Pick a partner and race through wild courses as you compete in tough circuits
Choose from a huge cast: Luigi, Peach, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Wario, and many more
Link the game with eight other players using a broadband adapter and race each other
Bonus disc includes 6 playable demos and 7 mini-movies
The Mushroom Kingdom just got a whole lot more hectic as Mario & Co. double up for furious kart racing! The latest in the acclaimed Mario Kart series is here, and this time you won't be racing alone! Each kart holds two racers, so choose from Mario, Luigi, Peach, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Yoshi, Birdo, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Koopa, and Paratroopa. Pair them up any way you see fit. The character in front handles driving duties, while the character in the rear doles out damage with six normal items and eight special items that only specific characters can use. Racers can swap places at any time, so switch it up on the fly to make the best use of your items as you tear around curves and over huge elevation changes. Not only that, up to eight players can participate in a linked game using a broadband adapter to hook up game systems and multiple televisions!
| The Return of True Kart Racing Fun!!!!! | | Adam from Beeton, Ontario, Canada says (20/Nov/2003): | It's been some time since the days of Mario Kart 64, so Double Dash is more then a welcome sight. The game is beautiful and plays even better. It feels like a perfect mix between the past Mario Kart experiences. It feels slightly slower then Mario Kart 64 but that's probobly realistic since since this time around there's two people in one kart. The two people kart system is flawless in design and strangely feels almost natural. It also adds a little more depth to the challenge of choosing your characters. Another plus is that you can do Grand Prix mode cooperatively with one person driving and the other riding shotgun. Overall it is an intensely fun game that will provide hours of multiplayer entertainment in the years to come.
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| | John T. from ohio says (3/Dec/2003): | Mario Kart Double Dash is, by far the best game I've played in the new consoles. The game feels like the old school Mario Karts, but with enhanced features. New features include the abilty to use two racers at the same time and unlock many secret tracks and cars. This game is fun, not just for young kids, or RPG geeks, but for everyone who wants to pick up a controller.
You must play this game, it will suck hours of your life, and you will like it. This game will then suck hours of your friends lives, and they will like. I say, if you don't play this game becuase it is childish, then perhaps you should pack up your video game systems and sell them on ebay, buy a cane and talk about the old days.
| A great game that even my gran loves it!!!!!! | | Lawrence Sang from Usa says (14/Dec/2003): | WHen it first came out I thought lets buy it. I havn't played those games for ages! When I first played it I didn't what to expect. Then when I went deeper into the game it got more addictive ( because of this game I have to wear glasses)
The graphics are amazing, the characters are lovable and even better the karts look better. Even though it has a few more extras then the previous mario kart games I still thought it was exactly the same. But it dosn't matter I can past these cold rainy days by happily enjoying the game for hours!
| Correction | | the dragon from Milwaukee is bad! from Adelaide, Australia says (28/Nov/2003): | I believe this game is excellent in most ways for example the graphics, the sound, the playability and so on. There is one thing the game lacks and that is good multiplayer battle levels. If you're looking forward to playing the game and having fun on the multiplayer battle levels well it's not like previous Mario Kart games. The battle levels are lame and boring and I believe that they could have done a better job in creating fun battle levels. The worst one is the gamecube one which is just a square. If you have a LAN cable it wouldn't be good for battle because the battle levels are so bad and they would also be too small to enjoy with 8 people
P.S. Oi the dragon from Milwaukee, there is so an extra cup after you finish the first three so get your facts staight!!!!!!!!
Tuhh, you obviously are one of those dumb people that just assume things before fully being sure.
| My wishes finally fulfilled!!!!!!! | | Rich from Portland, OR, USA says (21/Nov/2003): | Mario Kart: Double Dash!! How brilliant is this. Two characters per car in a quite outstanding sequel to the last games. In my opinion, the graphics are unmatched in any Mario Kart game, although some aspects don't hold up quite as well. The courses are quite fun, although they somewhat lack in creativity and imagination. Not to say that this makes it any less exciting, but I had expected a little more. The only real dissapointment that I found was that you can not jump. That aspect could really come in handy, although two people per vehicle would probably make it really hard to jump turn. On another note, I didnt really like the battle mode courses, until I unlocked Luigi's Mansion. It is true N64 style, and a great looking course. Overall I feel that this is my favorite Gamecube game so far, although the original for Super NES is my favorite game ever, but this is great, and I will definately play it far longer than two weeks, like all my other games. I predict it will be in the top games for up to a few years, based on the many player combinations, and fun factor. Mario Kart will always be the best there is!!!!!!!!!!!
| Excellent Racing Game | | Beaker from Manitoba, Canada says (22/Feb/2004): | Double Dash is an excellent game overall. I admit that I miss the N64 version somewhat, as it had a few more ways to take shortcuts (or maybe I miss that it was easier?), as well as some levels that were just plain excellent. Some of the 'shortcuts' in this version are not shortcuts at all, but will actually set you back and behind the other players!! 150cc on Double Dash is definitely a lot harder than 150cc on N64, which is rewarding for those of us who breezed through the N64 game. The new characters are fun, as well. Two things I wish they had: the ability to play 4 people vs each other in Grand Prix mode (you can't do this on Double Dash; you have to team up with another player), and also, I wish that when you were choosing karts, they listed the capabilities of each kart regardless of whether there are one or four people playing. Battle mode is EXCELLENT and WAY better than N64- the shine thief and bomb game are fantastic and absolutely HILARIOUS to play in groups!! The idea of unlocking new levels is also really rewarding. I don't regret buying this game at all. It's really fun, has excellent graphics, beautiful scenery, great new ideas, and is an overall good time. I highly HIGHLY recommend it!!!
| One Problem | | A gamer from Dayton, Ohio U.S says (26/Mar/2004): | I LOVED THE GAME!!! The graphics were good, it's an improvement over the N64 version(which I don't know how that's possible:) )
But to me, there was one problem: TO ME, the game was a little too short.......I know some of you fans and die-hard fans will most likely say thats not true, but it to me. I know there are bonus things such as carts, extra cups and 3 difficulty levels, but still.Yet I do think it's a little too short, I still recommend this game to anyone!!! It's not my favorite, but it's a very good game!!!:)
| The best version so far!!!!! | | taylor george from Birmingham , Alabama USA says (29/Nov/2003): | DD is the best version so far it has all the game features needed plus some extras to make it as competitive as possible. Some people find the lack of over defensive items a set back, however I have noticed this makes the game much closer. I could'nt find anyone to play with on the first 2 versions b/c no one wants to get crushed everytime you play. I'm really good and still other people can get their shots in or even win a round because of DD's chaotic action. It makes the replayability score go through the roof and i for one thankyou nintendo staff.
| Wicked game | | A gamer from Essex, England says (28/Dec/2003): | Although it isn't the best game, it isn't far from it. A lot of people say the battles are aweful. Not me. The Bob-omb battle mode is so COOL! I've only just got the game for Christmas, and I reckon with 3 of me mates, I could stay on there so long that my PS2 would get a little dusty (It would take a while though, PS2's are good as well!) I gave it a 9 because you cannot play Single Races against the computers. If you want to face the COMs, you have to do a Grand Prix. It dissappointed me a bit. The same for Mario Kart 64. On the GBA version, Super Circuit, they did allow single races against COMs. Apart from that though, MKDD is a good game, in my opinion.
| Great Freaking Game | | BAaron says (23/Nov/2003): | game is ten times better than any of the last ones. everyone should play this. it is a great game that involves many different tracks and riders and karts and tricky tricky tricky courses. the most fun abou the game is that you can't stop playing it. it is so addicting that i didn't eat for 2 and 4 weeks and man. o man..well, i hope everyone enjoys this great speacial fun of a time with twists curves loops trains snow ice monkeys. look out for i t a . but whatever you do. buy this game
| Pros and Cons | | A gamer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin says (24/Nov/2003): | It seems unfair to say "it was a great game, but." Nevertheless, despite the greatness of Mario Kart: Double Dash, there are certain things about the other Mario Kart games that we wish were still around. I never played the SNES version, so I cannot make that comparison. The GBA one was possibly the most annoying, and unfair of all. My true MK test is the glorious N64 version. Nothing beat sabotaging a group of enemies on the ramp in Wario Stadium with a banana strand or lightning bolt, so they'd all fall a half lap behind you. Ha! Here, the strands are gone. replaced by the cumbersome giant banana that only DK and Diddy can use. You can no longer hit the breaks to keep from slipping out on a banana peel. You can no longer "hold" items behind your cart to protect you from incoming attacks. The battle stages that were once glorious in the N64 version are now just plain ol' square fields. There is no longer element of hide-and-seek, or the thrill of the hunt as there was before.
Most of the improvements on the title are for the better, though. The enemy AI is markedly improved. Enemies seem to crash with reckless abandon. Their recovery time is suspect however, especially the heavyweights. If you fall off the track, you'll find that you don't go from first place to last within 2 seconds, as you once did. In previous games the characters were pixels or model scans, here they are far more animated and beautifully rendered than ever before. The spoken character dialog is a lot less annoying, and at times, quite hilarious. There's a lot more strategy in choosing characters. The tracks may seem like rehashes in some cases, but insane tracks like the Wario Coliseum more than make up for that. The higher speed tracks are remarkably brutal, but I guess we wouldn't have it any other way. Random Mario baddies also line the tracks, like goombas, piranah plants, and the most annoying villains in Mario Sunshine -- those round beach ducks that flip you high into the air, just to hear you scream. I'm glad that Toad made his way into this game somehow. Now only if only I could unlock him.
Multiplayer can be loads of fun, but next time, I'd like to see eight or more mammoth battle stages, complete with multiple floors, hidden paths, stage specific goodies, and of course ONLINE PLAY! C'mon Nintendo, bite the Bullet Bill.
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