Diddy Kong Racing
Reviewed by Colin Healy
Diddy Kong Racing, the fastest selling video game ever, is truly a great
game. There is a huge adventure mode, which should keep you busy for
awhile. Also, if you access all the tracks in adventure mode, you get to
play all the tracks in tracks mode. While the game is not great for 3-4
players, (the screen for each player is to small) it is great for 2 players.
2 player games are better in Diddy Kong Racing than Mario Kart 64 for
one reason: In Mario Kart, many times the winner wins by luck. In Diddy
Kong Racing, if you win, it is always by how good a player you are. Before
I continue, I should say that I am a 14 year old, so my viewpoints may be
different then a 11 year old or a 17 year old.
Graphics 8 out of 10
The graphics are very good, as they show what the N64 can really do.
They are cartoony, however, so some older gamers may not like this.
There is practically no glitches with the graphics in the game, and
they are crystal clear. There are many different settings for the
tracks, and each one's graphics are great. The colors are excellent,
especially when you get a boost from a zipper or blue balloon.
Music and Sound 10 out of 10
The music in this game is simply wonderful! The tunes are very quirky
and fun. The music perfectly fits the game when you are racing.
Occasionally the music may be fuzzy, but this is pretty much rare
(no pun intended.) The sound you hear from a boost is perfect. The players
voices are fun, but it's hard to understand what Pipsy is saying. Once
again, for older gamers, the music may not be to your liking because
the music fits the cartoony feel of the game. The music gets faster
when you are on your third and final lap of a race. This adds a sense
of urgency to game, which makes it more fun. Music is probably DKR's
strongest point.
Game Challenge 7 out of 10
While some really hard games may get really annoying, DKR does not.
If you can't beat a certain track, just go to another one. i beat the game
in about a week, and I consider myself an average gamer. the challenge
depends on whether or not you play a lot of racing games. If you do, you
should have not problem with Diddy Kong Racing.
Game Play-Fun 8 out of 10
This game is FUN! You never get tired of playing a track. The music adds
to the fun of the game. Really, without the music, this game wouldn't
be as fun. Younger gamers will especially think it's fun, with it's
cartoon-like atmosphere. The races are usually close in adventure mode,
so they go right down to the wire. This and the Al's intelligence certainly
add to the game's fun.
Rumble Pak 6 out of 10
No big deal, really. The sound effects and graphics certainly let you feel
the game. A rumble pack, in my opinion, is not necessary. If you are a
good racer, and never bump into things, the rumble pack is practically
useless. Then again, I never did like the Rumble Pak.
Frustration
No frustration here. Like I said before, if you can't beat a track, go to
another one!
Replayability 9 out of 10
This game probably has the best replayability of any 64 game, especially
if you play with a friend. You can always try to get a better time in Time
Trial, so the fun never ends.
Game Value 8 out of 10
In my opinion, no N64 game is worth the prices they sell 'em at. Just get it used.
Overall 8 out of 10