Diddy Kong Racing

"Mario Kart 64 clone? My butt it is!"

One of the things I don't understand about this game is why people seem to be ripping on it. Of course there are several similarities between Diddy Kong Racing and Mario Kart 64, they're both racing games after all. However DKR has several things MK64 lacks. DKR has bosses, item upgrades, varies vehicles. It's even got an overworld to explore and a story for cryin' out loud. When's the last time you've played a racing game with all of these?

Gameplay: 10/10
The game play is the best IMHO. It has the basic racing game controls, but as it's easy to learn it's difficult master. Especially those hovercrafts. There are also plenty of hints you pick up along your adventure to enhance your skills. It can be rather frustrating at times, but if you don't practice you won't get used to some of the tricks.

Story: 7/10
The terrible Genie Wizpig was released from his lamp somehow and he's taken over Timber the Tiger's island. Timber asks his long time friend, Diddy, to help him and the other animals in the crusade to get rid of Wizpig. Taj the good Genie is willing to help out as well and is seeking a champion racer to take on Wizpig. When you come in first, Taj will give you a golden balloon. These items are necessary to stop Wizpig and to unlock other worlds. Sure it's not the best story there is, but considering this is a racing game, I'd say it's pretty good.

Graphics: 5/10
Not much can be said about the graphics. The graphics are all right, but they could be a lot better. Some characters are more defined than others and that's rather disappointing, but don't let that keep you from at least trying the game out.

Sound: 7/10
I'll admit that the music is a bit childish in some levels, but it's crisp, clear and fun to listen too. Some of the tunes are actually pretty catchy and you may find yourself humming them at work or wherever.

Replay: 10/10
The game itself is challenging enough to keep you coming back, but there are several multiplayer games that you can play with friends or against computers. One of them involves snatching eggs from a lava pit and hatching them in your assigned nest. It's tougher than it sounds, trust me. I've also heard from my friends who've had this game for years that there are producer times to beat and secret worlds to find. Also at the end of each level there's a trophy race which closely follows the format of MK64. He (or she in Pipsy's case) who has the most points at the end of the races wins the trophy. It pretty fun as the characters are smarter and faster than in the other challenges.

Overall: 8/10
There you have it folks. I can't think of why anyone would call this game a MK64 clone. I've only played MK64 once, but I sure don't recall there being any bosses or half the stuff that DKR has. This game is great and a must for racing game fans. It has special challenges like collecting eight silver coins in a race and coming in first (yet another thing I don't recall MK64 having) and the bosses always seem to have a trick or two up their sleeves for you. Don't bother with renting this game, buy it! It'll last you a while and it's fun!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/02/01, Updated 12/02/01