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News 
Andrew's Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Impressions
- Posted By Andrew
Weatherton, 05.15.2003
Nintendo is really backing this game, it has 12 kiosks throughout the show (that I've seen), 8 of which are a part of a huge grand prix LAN. But enough with the stuff I'm sure you've already heard about or simply don't care about... I'll do a rundown of the stuff that you probably actually want to know.
There IS power sliding, albeit without the mini-turbos as of yet. Though a quick chat with a Nintendo rep. told me that the developers may be planning to add the advanced technique. Sliding simply maintains one's speed through tight corners. Karts tend to top out at about 130 mph and this speed feels about the same as MK64's 80 kph.
The three courses available at the show, Luigi Grand Prix, DK Mountain, and Mushroom City remind me of Luigi Raceway, DK Jungle Parkway, and Toad's Turnpike (complete with moving cars) respectively.
THE CHARACTERS YOU CHOOSE HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR KART'S PERFORMANCE. I had suspected this and asked several Nintendo reps who confirmed my belief. The only thing that changes your kart's stats is the actual kart you choose. If one were to chose two small characters such as Baby Mario and Baby Luigi then he or she may chose ANY kart they wish. If large characters are chosen then the kart options diminish (larger players are limited to larger karts).
The larger karts have higher top speeds but lower acceleration and vice versa. With the large variations in course types I believe that one kart may be best for one course but not for another. However, on the courses offered I found that my best times were achieved with the DK kart.
I got much better at MKDD after playing about 30 races, but I simply don't see the learning curve that MK64 offers. Many of the courses have players randomly bouncy around on rough surfaces with relatively little control. Also, the current implementation of powersliding serves to keep players from slowing down around corners but does not offer the chance for an MT. Additionally, the controls in general are not nearly as tight as previous MK's.
As far as items go, MK DD!! has the same assortment available as MK64 except for the special, character-specific items. Some of these are considerably more powerful than regular items. For example, Baby Mario's special item is a giant Chomp that pulls his kart along at high speeds (and essentially steers for the player) while demolishing anything in its path. As far as the "old" items go, some small changes have been made. For example, shells no longer protect karts with by making a ring around them. Now, the second character juggles them in the back seat (which I think is a waste). Also, red shells can now be shot backwards.
Source: NGenres
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