Apr 03, 8:39 am
I want to say thanks again to the people at IGN. Not only for having us Frag Dolls over for a lovely match (with video here) the other week, but also because without them, we wouldn’t have each taken home the 1st place prize of a $50 gift card to Best Buy. I took my much earned gift card and finally treated myself to a copy of MarioKart DS. Oh, and my girly side couldn’t resist buying Pride and Prejudice on DVD. hehe.
Since getting Mario Kart DS, I’ve been on a mission to get gold on all cups at all speeds (Mushroom, Flower, Star, Special Cup; Shell, Banana, Leaf, Lightening Cup; 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc). And with a busy schedule like mine, you would think I would have little or no time to play. But that’s what’s so great about the DS and all pretty much most handhelds. You can take it out anywhere and get in a quick game almost any time you want. Waiting for a concert to start? That’s at least 2 cups (8 races). Stuck in the car with your parents? At least all 8 cups. Sitting on the toilet? well, you get the point. I’ve unlocked a handful of things so far, but I still have a long way to go. Judging from this list and how much time I have, I should be done in oh… 6 months or so. Unfortunate, I know.
I’ve mentioned this before, but my favorite thing about this game is the old skool courses in the Retro Cup, complete with original music I might add. But I really wish they had also included some more classic courses - ie. Koopa Beach and Wario Stadium from N64 and the Ghost House and Rainbow Road from SNES (complete with short cuts). Speaking of Rainbow Road on SNES, I had never experienced such Mario Rage and hated characters like Bowser and Donkey Kong as much I did playing that race on 150cc. I had gotten GOLD on every course at every speed on the SNES EXCEPT the Special Cup at 150cc. It was always the case that I would do well on the previous races, but when it came down to the last course, which was Rainbow Road, that damn Bowser or DK who would knock me off with their overgrown bodies!! Sigh, such frustration at such a young age. I also haven’t really been digging the way the balloons are set up in Balloon vs. mode. What happened to the good old days on N64 when there were just 3 balloons per cart? Regardless of a few minor details, I am totally in love with this game. It lets me reminisce and relive the old Mario Kart days and at the same time it’s new, it’s challenging, and in a nutshell, it’s fun.
