Product ReviewsDiddy Kong Racing DS (Nintendo DS, 2007)

A passable remake

Many of the gameplay changes to make the game "easier" feel rather hamfisted and take much of the game's freedom from it. The addition of Dixie and Tiny to make up for the missing two characters due to copyright was a good idea, but the story wasn't. Evil Wizpig taking over an island? RACE HIM! Players were perfectly happy with the story of the adventure mode being vague, trying to make it make sense just makes it seem incredibly stupid instead of just vague. Also; Tiny Kong. If you're gonna include her with two other normally-proportioned monkeys, don't give her the proportions of a human. She looks weird. But at its core, it is still Diddy Kong Racing, and still a fun game to play. The inclusion of multiplayer without requiring multiple game cards is a nice touch.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: thenoumena

Amazing Nintendo 64 Remake for the DS! Diddy Kong Racing DS.

I loved this game when I was a little kid! When I found out they had it for the Nintendo DS I was thrilled! I bought this game because I loved it when I was a little kid and I still do. The best thing about this game is the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection you're able to Single Race,Trophy Race,Token Tussel and even do battle tracks from the N64 version! There are few things about this game that I don't really care for. Those being... The racing and adventure part is extremely easy and on Wi-Fi Connection theres hardly anyone ever online so you'll be lucky to race against even one player online. But aside from those two things this game is definitely a favorite of mine out of a lot of DS games I own. The graphics are a million times better on the DS than the N64 version which is great! They added quite a lot of new features such as a Balloon Touch Challenge and 4 new characters and your able to make your vehicles different colors other than just yellow and even more features. I would definitely recommend this game for any Diddy Kong Racing fans!Read full review...

A great remake to a great game

If you liked Diddy Kong Racing for the N64 then Diddy Kong DS is a game for you.

The two games are almost identical besides some small changes (Banjo and Conker are no longer available characters). In any case there are different modes to play in such as adventure or single race. In single race you simply go at it and race against some computer players. You can of course still choose your character from a variety of Nintendo characters and also choose your vehicle (Car, Hovercraft or Plane).

Adventure mode is similair, however there is a basic plot line and you are not necessarily racing in every challenge. In general you go through several worlds racing to get balloons then beat some bosses. Throughout this you can collect coins to upgrade your vehicles.

Another good reason for adventure mode is to unlock everything for multiplayer and single race modes. In multiplayer you can do races or some other challenges as well, this game requires that there be only one person with a copy of the game so that everyone can play. The rest of the players can download the game from whoever has it. Ah yes the wonderful single cartridge play option!

In any case there is plenty of enjoyment to be had for all ages in this game.Read full review...

Welcome to memory lane!

Pros: they make use of the ds touch screen
Cons: they should add a difficultly setting
I would buy this game

Oh the nostalgia is so over whelming. Diddy Kong Racing basically got an upgrade with some changes being good while others being bad. One change that really stood out is that the game was made much easier. In any case it makes the game a little less challenging. They could have easily added a difficultly setting like easy, medium, and hard to fix that. Because of this I actually prefer playing the old one despite all the nice and new touch features added in.

I give this game 8 stars out of 10!Read full review...

Diddy Kong Racing DS

The idea behind Diddy Kong Racing DS is a good one: take Diddy Kong Racing on the Nintendo 64, one of the greatest games ever made, and port it to the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately, the final product falls short of its aspirations and the expectations of many. Diddy Kong Racing DS has the same basic elements of it's predecessor: an interactive adventure mode that allows players to unlock maps, challenges, and characters. The races, challenges, and boss races are fun, and the ability to upgrade your three vehicles is an enticing feature. All in all, this is a half-decent racing game. Sadly, this game has several blemishes that are impossible to overlook. The biggest problem that this game has is one that any person, regardless of whether or not they played the original game, will immediately notice. The game attempts to incorporate the use of the DS touch screen in ways that do not make sense and quickly frustrate any player. In all types of races, players can obtain a boost at the start of a race by using the stylus to slide, spin, or move across the lower screen. This system does not respond very well and even if a player does manage to get the initial boost, he or she now has his or her hand out of position to play causing much fumbling as the player frantically attempts to get back to the controls. Also, the game uses "balloon challenges" to advance adventure mode. These challenges make the player go through the track and attempt to poke balloons (up to 50) with the stylus while moving the screen with the stylus as well. This system also does not work very well. Other than stylus woes, the biggest problem is the differences from the original game. The vehicles do not handle well (especially when compared to the original game), the characters are different (no Banjo or Conker due to Microsoft's acquisition of Rare), the bosses have no voices (one of the comedic high points of the last game) and are easier, the tracks are different (tunnels exist where there should be none, the turns are slightly different, etc.), the items are hard to obtain in race (they must be hit dead center), and other aspects of the game added in (such as drawing tracks on which to race T. T.), while "creative," are superfluous and slow down gameplay. The replay value of this game is very low, as gamers are likely to turn to Mario Kart DS instead (a very successful attempt at a 64 remake and re-vamp). All in all, this is a hollow shell of a much greater game. Diddy Kong Racing veterans will turn off the DS and turn on the 64 to remind them why they had hope for the DS game, and first time players will put down the game, never knowing how good Diddy Kong Racing DS could have been.Read full review...

Diddy Kong Racing DS

Diddy Kong Racing from the N64 returns for the Nintendo DS. The game plays the same on the DS as on the N64. There are some differences in the way the game starts. It's been a long time since I played on the N64 but, after playing for a while on my 3DS I got the hang of it again. The game that I won looks great. This game was well taken care of with the game case, manual and cart looking brand new. I highly recommend this game if you've previously played it on the N64 or if you're just looking for a new racing game to play.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: kkinast

A fun but overly-simplified throwback

I was a big fan of the original Diddy Kong Racing on the N64, and was really excited to have a miniature version that I could take anywhere I pleased. Diddy Kong Racing DS faithfully recreates the Adventure Racing game I knew and loved, adding some excellent and welcome new things, but at the cost of simplifying the game way too much.

For starters, every track and battle arena has been faithfully restored to its original glory once again, all the characters (with the exception of Banjo and Conker) return, and the Adventure mode is just as long as it used to be. However, the Silver Coin Challenges (which were nail-bitingly challenging and fun) have been replaced by ultra-simple touchscreen balloon-popping challenges, which is disappointing. The computer AI in the actual races seems a bit dumbed down, too, kind of ruining the experience.

However, this isn't to say that the game is all bad. There are a set of new tracks, several new characters, and a stellar online mode, plus a decal creator and tons of purchasable unlockables. The visuals are excellent, too, and the weapon system has been reworked, allowing you to pick up only item balloons of the same type while chaining powerups.

Don't get me wrong: If you loved Diddy Kong Racing on the N64 and you want to play it again, though a slightly easier version, you'll enjoy the DS version, especially the online features. But I found the over-simplification of some of the N64 version's best challenges to be a slight bit disappointing.Read full review...

Nice Graphics and Racing Game - Pretty Sweet!!!

This is a great remake of the video game Diddy Kong Racing for N64. It has similar features and courses like the N64 version, and it is great for a quick race on Wi-Fi against other players from around the whole world. From Beginner to Expert this is a well-rounded game for any player! I would definetly recommend this game to anyone who is looking for a great Christmas Present for any Nintendo DS Owner.

Enjoy!Read full review...

Exactly what my son wanted!

My 6 year old son has had his original Diddy Kong Racing game for a long time. It was time to get a new one, so I did. He loves it! No more game crashes or anything! :)

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: lukiegames

Loved it, but how does Diddy DS compare up to 64?

At first I was sceptical about purchasing a remake of a 1997 game I already owned; for a relic of console like Nintendo 64. Don't get me wrong I loved the game a decade ago and still find it to be fun now, but why not make a second instead!?

cons: Like most racing games for handhelds, keep in mind the controls are going to be of the most annoyance. This is for the lack of a an analog stick that helps keep the controls feeling three dimensional.

pros: Aside from the extra added mini games and customization, Diddy Kong Racing is and always will be fun to play with your friends!Read full review...