Overview
Mario Kart: Double Dash (MK:DD) has been on the wanted list of every GCN owner since day one, before we even knew any details about the game. The shear brilliance of previous titles in the series was enough to convince gamers that another installment would be just as good. After years of rumours and fake pictures of the game, Nintendo finally showed off Double Dash just prior to and during E3 2003. While it shocked people for a brief period because of the dramatic changes to both the karts and game play, the worst was still to come when video game journalists’ criticised the game for its immensely slow speed among other problems. However, with further development time, changes were made and the game, still with the major makeover, was released. Is the 4th title in the series as good as its predecessors or is it game over for Mario and co.?

Gameplay
The idea behind Mario Kart is quite simple but its execution makes for some of the best gaming you can have, especially with other players. MK: DD takes many of the characters from the Nintendo world and pits them against one another in a race to the finish. To give the game some edge and excitement, an array of items can be used to aid you victory. Some of these include projectile weapons or even items that protect you from any obstacle that may be left on the road.

Unlike previous version, this time round, there are 2 characters per kart, which is the fundamental change in gameplay and also the reason behind the games name. One character drives and the other character uses items – it is a simple concept but works well and adds strategic thought to your gameplan. Characters can be swapped around any time, which allows you to preserve the best weapons among other things.
 

Not every character fits into every kart, larger characters will not fit into a small pram for example so you must choose your characters wisely and also keep in mind that each character has a special weapon. Every choice you make is not random in MK: DD, your choices are the result of thought and right choices mean success, for the most part anyway.

So, the whole concept is simple kart racing with items – its not very complex but it works and that’s what matters. There are a number of different types of races including Grand Prix mode for 1 or 2 players, which sees you racing in a cup comprising four courses. Each position corresponds to a number of points and the person with the most points at the end of the four tracks is rewarded with a gold trophy. Grand Prix mode is the core mode of the game and is used to earn rewards such as new tracks, karts and characters. Two to Four players can also race against run another on any track of their choice in the basic VS mode and there is a time trial mode to set your best times for 1 player.

The other mode, which doesn’t revolve around racing, is battle mode. Here you have three different game modes. The is the classic Balloon Battle where each character has three balloons tied to the rear of their vehicle and getting hit by an item, hitting an obstacle item, falling of the stage or being hit by someone with a star means you lose a balloon. Last player standing is the winner. This mode was a blast in Mario Kart 64 but doesn’t hold up as well in MK: DD due to the poor level design. However, there are a couple of unlockable levels, which are superior to the original four. The second mode, Shine Thief, is just a game of capture the flag where person holding the Shine when the time runs out is the winner. Naturally, there are several ways in which you will lose the Shine like being hit by an item et al. The final variation on battle mode is called ‘Bom-omb Blast’ and is just battle mode, however, only bom-ombs can be used and it is the first person to get three points.

It does only offer a few modes but the crust of the game comes down to multiplayer and it’s with multiplayer where the game will have you on the edge of your seat screaming for more. The one player mode are good for when you are by yourself and need to unlock some extras but can only be played for a certain amount of time before you have had enough. The main problem with MK: DD, its biggest issue if you will, is the lack of A.I. This is not to say it isn’t hard, for it can be very tough and often extremely frustrating. But the computer opponents will cheat rather then rely on skills, which is a problem that should be addressed with future instalments. To many times I have found myself in anger when I should be having fun. More tracks should have been included and I find there is no excuse for 16 tracks, which does seem a fair number, but in the end, is not. Apart from these issues, MK: DD is one of the greatest multiplayer games in Nintendo’s history and easily one of the best on the Gamecube.
 

Graphics
MK: DD is not going to win any awards for excellence in graphical design and execution, however, is runs smoothly and is bright and colourful. Character models are good, the various tracks are littered with chomps, womps and all things Nintendo and there is no slow down regardless of the amount of action on screen. A good effort all round with no major drawbacks.

Sound
Sound is also of a good standard, however, the music isn’t as catchy as previous instalments and the quality isn’t as high as it should or could be. It does the job though although it would be nice to have more tunes to whistle to as I drive along and release havoc on Wario’s arse as I send a red shell right into his backside. You can expect a range of sound effects, which are fine such as motors, explosions and the usual things you would expect in a game, which has a naked gorilla with a tie driving a purple catalac.

All in all, it is an effort that is on par but falls short of what the GCN hardware is capable of.

Overall
MK: DD is a great game and there is no denying its power to provide hours on entertainment for a group of family and friends. It has some flaws which should be examined prior to the release of its inevitable successor but as it stands, MK: DD continues the excellence that has been present in all instalments of the series and is highly recommended as a multiplayer game and worth a look for lone players. Buy it today.

Gameplay - 9/10
Graphics - 8/10
Sound - 8/10
Lifespan - 10/10

OVERALL - 9/10