Racing Games on the DS: Going Fast, And Then Some

Most Nintendo DS gamers would agree that one of the best racing games on the platform (in fact one of the best games regardless of genre) would be Mario's karting outing on the console, Mario Kart DS. With a plethora of characters, tracks, pretty graphics, fun mini games, fast gameplay and Nintendo WFC multiplayer to boot, has any other racing game matched such gaming goodness?

Not really. Perhaps it's the lack of memorable characters. Mario Kart DS featured an entire cast of fan favourites while games such as Diddy Kong (who?) Racing featured the apes from the Donkey Kong franchise. Who likes playing as an ape all the time? I'd rather be a certain popular Italian plumber.


Even games such as Need for Speed Pro Street and Race Driver: Create & Race, where graphics and realism are two equally important selling points, are hard-pressed to be as memorable like Mario Kart DS. There's one thing of creating very nicely rendered cars and there is another matter of viewing the same cars through the small screens on the DS.

In the words of the late Joker (Heath Ledger), "Why so realistic?"


And then there are the mediocre titles, which do nothing to provide a better video game exprience. Hot Wheels: Beat It may be sitting at the better end of this low spectrum but don't be fooled by the initial FMV sequence as the in-game audio is horrendous. All the crackling and popping will have you thinking that your Nintendo DS speakers have gone bust.

Go down one level and you'll have shovelware. I can't really think of any except for Homie Rollerz and that game is just plain drivel.

So, with racing games being as they are on the Nintendo DS, can we expect a better game to that of Mario Kart DS? Maybe perhaps a sequel. Now I'd buy that!

Fancy Poker on the Nintendo DS?

I picked up poker, more specifically Texas Hold 'Em, during the recently concluded Chinese New Year season. It's not surprising since gambling is a quintessential part of CNY and poker so far has netted yours truly the most money, compared to other forms of card games such as blackjack and rummy.

Anyways, like any other n00b, I find myself in need of practice. One excellent way would be to practice on the Nintendo DS with Clubhouse Games, otherwise known as 42 All-Time Classics in Europe. It has all three card games that I love and many more.

I wonder why publishers change the name of games for different regions. Is it due to a copyright issue, or the title "Clubhouse Games" is too vague for Europeans?

Now, did you know that Clubhouse Games is the international version of Darademo Asobi Taisen (cover above)? According to Wikipedia, both versions had different games that were exclusive to them. Unlike Clubhouse Games, the original Darademo Asobi Taisen did not have WFC.

This was "rectified" later with the release of Wi-Fi Taiou: International Daredemo Asobi Taizen. This newer version has also all the games featured in Clubhouse Games, and I must say, a very nice cover as well.

If you need something a little bit more robust, there's the new World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets.

Another game with a strange name, but I actually would recommend getting Clubhouse Games instead. With its variety of games, casual players can continue playing other games should they get bored of poker. And don't forget that it features WFC connectivity as well.

All four titles mentioned here are available at Play-Asia. Click on the titles, or the screenshot for more information, or for purchase details.

Merry Christmas and Gift Recommendations!

Christmas time is probably an exciting time for gamers, not only they might get games underneath the Christmas tree, but other stuff as well such as consoles and LCD TVs and stuff. On the other hand, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ (least you forget), and what matters is the giving, not the receiving. So don't forget to spread the cheer all around you!

Should you feel yourself in a pinch, and you have not bought a gift for someone, here are some suggestions (abeit casual gaming style)...some of the items below were previously reviewed on this blog, for games, take a look at the links on the left:

1. Nintendo DS Lite
   Probably the best handheld video game console you can get for your money and have change for several great games! Available in several colours at Play-Asia.com (here)
   
   
2. New Super Mario Bros
   For the old-school gamer who likes his games in new digs, New Super Mario Bros combines the excellent gameplay of its predecessors with totally new graphics for some real fun! Available at Play-Asia.com (here)
   
   
3. Winning Eleven DS
   Your friend a football (or soccer, so they say in America) nut? This will keep him/her happy for days and with WFC/local WiFi play, that person will be a happy camper. Available at a super low price of USD 19.90 at Play-Asia.com (here)
   
   
4. Mario Kart DS
   Like Winning Eleven, this is a personal favourite of mine. Featuring tight gameplay, a host of characters and game modes (Grand Prix, Battle, Time Trial, etc) as well as WFC/local WiFi play, this games delivers in more ways than one. With excellent replayability, it's available at Play-Asia.com (here)
   
   
5. Tetris DS
   Tetris is probably one of the more well known casual experiences on handheld consoles and this is an update for the timeless classic. Recommended by a friend, it's available on Play-Asia.com albeit the Japanese version, but who need to take note of the language in a game about moving blocks? (here)

There are alot more games and stuff that you can look for your gamer pals, the Play-Asia bargain bin (here) is a good start but one does not really need to venture online for a good bargain. Go to your local game shop, stuff like controllers, memory cards or even CD/DVD racks (you might not find these in a game-shop but IKEA does help) make thoughtful gifts for your gamer friend.