DigitalSandbox

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Racing
• Rating: http://digitalsandbox.us/wp-content/esrb-everyone.gif” alt=“Rated E” />
• System: http://digitalsandbox.us/wp-content/gamecube_small.gif” alt=“GameCube” />
• Score: 4 out of 4

If your looking for a great game for your GameCube, look no further than the Mario Kart Double Dash. This is a great game that the whole family can enjoy. And when I say the whole family, I mean the WHOLE family. You can hold races with up to 8 players. This can be accomplished by either using 2 GameCubes and 2 TVs with 4 player per machine or using the dream configuration of 8 GameCubes and 8 TVs with 1 player per machine. Now tell me that wouldn’t make for a fun-filled-family-gathering.

The main features of this edition of Mario Kart are that each kart carries two characters (that can be switched on the fly). One character controls the steering and the other character handles the special items. The items are things that you can use to either knock another racer out (temporarily) or boost your performance. Each charcter gets one very special item that is unique to them so be sure to try out lots of different pairings. Since each kart carries two racers you have a choice in multiplayer mode. You can either compete against each other or work together (1 player drives, the other get the items).

There are also several modes to race in. Grand Prix is your traditional style racing with points awarded for where you finish. You go through a series of races against 7 other (8 total) racers to see who can get the most points. As you get more points and complete more circuits, you unlock newer, harder circuits to compete in. Time Trial just allows you to practice the open courses and try to set the best course time. Multiplayer mode offers Grand Prix and Head-to-Head style competition. They also have included a new Battle mode. When you get tired of racing you can switch to more of a demolition derby style game. The goal is to take out as many other racers as possible, but avoid being taken out by them.

The gameplay is smooth and easy to pick up. You can just start racing and after very little experimentation you have the main button controls down. The steering is actually pretty easy to get used (The Wife may diasagree with me on that point) to and the courses are loads of fun. There are lots of things to discover on each course (shortcuts, etc.) and some of them can be quite challenging. My favorite so far is DK Mountain in the Star Circuit.

http://digitalsandbox.us/wp-content/thumb-mariokartsample_01.jpg” alt=“Mario Kart Double Dash” />The graphics are flawless (click the picture to see a larger version). The cartoon characters are done smartly and not too childish. The course environments are detailed, but not distracting. The colors are bright and cheerful without being over-bearing. The animations are great as well, like when you get shot out of a cannon and the rear character flaps in the wind while holding on for dear life.

Since each character has their own strengths and weaknesses and you can pick two per car (out of a possible 16), the replay value is very high on this game. Sure Mario and Luigi work great together, but what about Bowser and Diddy Kong Teaming up or Wario and Mario. Each combination is going to bring something different to the table. You can also pick different cars for each pairing which have their own strengths and weaknesses. Combine that with the awesome multiplayer options and you have a game that you will want to play again and again.