Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Diddy Kong Racing DS retains the core karting thrills of the original Nintendo 64 classic, offering players three vehicle types—karts, hovercrafts and planes—to tackle a variety of winding tracks across Tiger Island. Whether you’re weaving through mushrooms in Moo Moon’s dairy fields or taking to the skies above Arctic Forest, the handling of each craft feels distinct yet responsive. The primary objective remains the collection of golden balloons, which serve both as a progression gate and as in-race power-ups that can turn the tide of competition.

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The DS version introduces subtle but meaningful tweaks to the balloon weapon system: now, collecting a different color balloon does not automatically switch your current weapon. Instead, you must first fire off your existing ammo before you can swap to a more potent item. This change adds a layer of tactical decision-making, forcing racers to balance offensive and defensive plays rather than simply hoarding the biggest firepower. Additionally, the classic Silver Coin Challenge has been reimagined into a first-person, stylus-driven shooting gallery on Taj’s magic carpet, offering a refreshing break from high-speed laps.

Beyond the main adventure, Diddy Kong Racing DS offers a stylus-only top-down race mode, challenging players to guide their vehicle through tight corners using only touch input. It’s an optional diversion that showcases the DS’s touchscreen capabilities, though some may find it less precise than traditional button controls. The integration of Taj’s coin-based “wish” system encourages exploration and replay—coins found on each track can be spent on unlocking new characters, exclusive courses, a fully featured track editor, and various battle arenas for multiplayer mayhem.

Multiplayer stands out as one of the game’s most compelling features. Local wireless support allows up to eight players to compete with a single game card, while multi-cart play raises the bar further. Online Wi-Fi races accommodate up to six participants and let you display a custom decal that you design, echoing the personalization introduced in Mario Kart DS. The mixture of arcade-style speed, strategic item use and versatile vehicle options keeps multiplayer sessions lively, competitive and highly replayable.

Graphics

Visually, Diddy Kong Racing DS is a significant step up from its N64 predecessor. Character models are crisp and colorful, with each Kong and Kremling sporting more expressive animations that bring the island’s inhabitants to life on the smaller handheld screen. Environmental textures have been smoothed out, and track details—such as the rippling water in Lake Fungu and the towering palms on Timber’s Island—feel more vibrant and defined, even within the DS’s modest resolution.

The dual-screen layout is put to good use: your main action unfolds on the top display in bright widescreen, while the bottom screen shows a dynamic map, lap counters and remaining balloons. In-plane sections, the bottom screen seamlessly transitions to instrument-style visuals, displaying altitude or speed as you pull off aerobatic stunts. Despite some minor frame-rate dips in the busiest arenas, especially during eight-player skirmishes, the overall presentation remains smooth and lively.

Track design benefits from clever use of DS hardware effects. Reflections, particle splashes and occasional lens flares heighten the sense of speed without overwhelming the system. Menus and HUD elements are clear and intuitive, making it easy for newcomers to understand power-ups at a glance. While the DS can’t match the raw polygon count of home consoles, Rare’s art direction shines through in every environment—each course has its own personality and color palette, ensuring races never feel visually repetitive.

Audio complements the graphics, pairing upbeat, genre-bending music with distinct sound effects for each vehicle type. Engines roar differently in hovercraft versus plane sections, and every successful balloon pop or boss defeat is punctuated with a satisfying sonic reward. The combination of vibrant visuals and catchy tunes cements the game’s tropical, family-friendly ambiance.

Story

The narrative of Diddy Kong Racing DS remains faithful to the original: the malicious Wizpig has seized control of Tiger Island, sending its peaceful inhabitants into chaos. Timber the tiger, desperate to free his homeland, dispatches a plea to Diddy Kong—thus assembling a motley crew of heroes including Dixie Kong, Tiny Kong and even the renegade Kremling Krunch. This eclectic roster ensures that each character brings unique charm to the adventure.

Story progression is delivered through brief cutscenes and on-screen dialogue that never overstay their welcome. You’ll encounter Timber’s other friends—Bumper the badger, Tiptup the turtle and Pipsy the squirrel—as you unlock new areas. These side characters serve as both quest givers and gatekeepers, requiring you to collect golden balloons in races or defeat mid-tier bosses before granting passage further into the island’s depths.

Boss battles are more than mere speed tests; they feature simple puzzle elements blended with racing mechanics. Whether you’re dodging fiery hoops spun by Wizpig’s minions or outmaneuvering a giant Kremling contraption, each encounter feels like a milestone in the storyline. The final showdown with Wizpig itself weaves together plane, kart and hovercraft segments, providing a satisfying climax that rewards players for mastering all three racing disciplines.

Though the plot is lighthearted and predictable, it serves its purpose admirably—driving the gameplay forward and giving players tangible goals beyond just winning races. Occasional comedic asides and character banter also help alleviate repetition during long play sessions, ensuring that the tale of Tiger Island’s liberation stays engaging from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Diddy Kong Racing DS strikes a finely tuned balance between nostalgia and innovation. Fans of the original will appreciate the faithful recreation of classic tracks and characters, while newcomers can dive right into the road-blasting action without feeling lost. The added layers—balloon weapon strategy, Taj’s unique mini-adventures, and the wish-granting coin system—expand the game’s longevity and depth without overcomplicating the accessible pick-up-and-play formula.

The flexibility of vehicle types keeps races feeling fresh, as mastering planes requires a different skill set than drifting in karts or skimming on hovercraft. Combined with the many unlockables—ranging from secret characters to a track editor that encourages creative play—there’s always a reason to revisit completed courses. Multiplayer modes, both local and online, inject a social dimension that extends replay value beyond any single-player campaign.

Minor technical hiccups, like occasional frame-rate drops in crowded arenas, do little to tarnish an otherwise polished package. The handling curve is gentle enough for casual players yet offers enough nuance for die-hard racing enthusiasts to shave milliseconds off lap times. The stylus-based alternatives are a fun nod to the DS’s capabilities, even if they feel more experimental than essential.

Ultimately, Diddy Kong Racing DS delivers a robust racing experience that stands well on its own merits. Its vibrant graphics, engaging story beats and versatile gameplay modes make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a portable racer with personality. Whether you’re embarking solo on Timber’s call for help or battling friends across the globe, Tiger Island offers a joyous, adrenaline-fueled ride from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10