Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

TrackMania DS brings the signature arcade-style racing of the TrackMania series to Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld, offering an accessible yet endlessly replayable experience. With over 100 built-in tracks, players can jump into the action immediately, either racing against AI opponents or chasing personal best times in solo mode. The main objective is straightforward: complete each track as quickly as possible, aiming to collect bronze, silver, or gold medals based on target times provided at the start of every race.

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Beyond the traditional Race mode, TrackMania DS introduces two new challenges exclusive to the portable version. In Platform mode, precision and patience are key—you must navigate through intricate obstacle courses without blowing your retries budget. Puzzle mode flips the script entirely, tasking you with designing your own map using a limited number of building blocks and checkpoints. Once your creation is complete, you race across it, blending creativity with driving skills in a seamless loop.

The controls are delightfully simple: accelerate, brake, and a horn button to nudge rivals or simply express yourself. High speeds (upwards of 400 km/h) and lossless track resets encourage experimentation; if you fly off the edge or want to shave seconds off your time, a tap of the reset button instantly places you back on course. This pick-up-and-play philosophy ensures newcomers and seasoned racers alike can enjoy the game without being bogged down by complex driving physics.

Graphics

On the Nintendo DS, TrackMania delivers surprisingly crisp visuals that faithfully evoke the vibrant worlds of its PC counterparts. The three distinct environments—Desert, Rally, and Stadium—are rendered with clean textures and bold color palettes. Desert tracks feature sunbaked roads and sandy dunes, Rally courses are set amid winding mountain paths and forested backdrops, and Stadium races boast neon-lit arenas that glow on the lower touchscreen.

While the DS hardware can’t match console or PC power, the game maintains a steady frame rate even when cars whip past at breakneck speeds. Track edges and environmental props pop with enough detail to aid navigation without overwhelming the system. Occasional pop-in of background objects is rare, and the dual screens are used judiciously: the top displays the main action, while the bottom touchscreen offers a dynamic map, lap times, and access to the map editor.

Speaking of the map editor, creating custom levels with the stylus feels intuitive and surprisingly precise. Tiles, checkpoints, and decorative elements snap into place, allowing for complex track designs on the go. Watching your map sketch come to life in 3D is a testament to how well the DS adapts TrackMania’s engine to a handheld, and it’s a visual treat to race on circuits you’ve built yourself.

Story

TrackMania DS doesn’t feature a traditional narrative or protagonist-driven storyline. Instead, progression is built around mastering each environment’s track sets and conquering its challenge modes. The “story” unfolds through a player’s personal journey: advancing from easy stadium sprints to intricate desert platform gauntlets, then tackling the spatial puzzles that test your creativity and driving finesse.

For many players, the most compelling narrative emerges from the community-driven aspects of the game. Constructing a series of linked Puzzle tracks can feel like authoring your own mini-campaign, complete with twists and ramp-laid surprises. Sharing these creations with friends or comparing medal times replicates the social storytelling of friendly rivalries and memorable racing moments.

Ultimately, the lack of a linear plot allows TrackMania DS to focus on its core strengths: speed, skill, and self-expression. Each unlocked medal and each newly designed track contributes to an overarching sense of accomplishment, making your racing résumé the de facto storyline and encouraging you to set ever-higher personal goals.

Overall Experience

TrackMania DS captures the essence of the series in a compact, portable package. Racing on the go never felt so polished—loading times are minimal, and the pick-up-and-play design ensures you can squeeze in a quick race during short breaks. The variety of modes and environments means that even after clocking hundreds of laps, there’s always a fresh challenge or secret shortcut to discover.

Replayability is further amplified by the built-in map editor and local multiplayer support. While the DS lacks native online connectivity for this title, head-to-head duels via local wireless create memorable showdowns, especially when you pilot tracks crafted by friends. Puzzle mode unlockables and hidden track components reward players who invest time in both driving and creative design.

For fans of fast-paced, accessible racing or anyone looking to experience TrackMania away from a PC, this DS adaptation delivers on all fronts. It balances streamlined controls, striking visuals, and robust content to deliver a handheld racer that’s hard to put down. Whether you’re chasing gold medals, building the next viral custom track, or simply enjoying high-octane loops, TrackMania DS offers an engaging package that stands out in the portable racing genre.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10