E3 2003 –
Hands On
Nintendo’s presence at the
E3 in Los Angeles
this year was all about connectivity. Whether hooking a Game Boy Advance through
the GameCube, or linking several GameCube’s together via a broadband adapter,
the idea is to get players to interact with each other.
Mario Kart exemplifies that
experience.
This is, essentially, an
arcade racer. But it is far from a solo effort, and in fact, is exactly the type
of game that will draw racers from almost every age group. Even hardcore
first-person shooter fans will find this game bright, colorful and innocently
fun.
Here is the outline of the
game, in a nutshell: this is kart racing with up to eight racers with each
vehicle holding two occupants – one to drive and one to attack and divert your
opponents.
The game features Mario,
Luigi, Peach, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Yoshi, Birdo, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong,
Diddy Kong, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Koopa and Paratroopa. You can pair them up any
way you see fit, and because each character can wield certain, special and
unique items, you can swap them around (driver and attacker) at any time.
Then the idea is simple –
pick a race course, and go. The player interface is simple and easy to use, and
players will find powerups along the course that can be used to increase their
chances of winning, or attack the other drivers.
This is arcade-style racing
brought home to the console platform, and it is a delightful experience.
The graphical elements are
bold, three-dimensional, lush and colorful. The sound is solid as well. But
Mario’s appeal has never diminished, nor does this style of game play. This is a
fun-filled title that offers challenge, laughter and solid entertainment value.
Mario Kart Double Dash is a great ride though the real winner is the game
player.
