GameCube: Mario Kart Double Dash
October 29, 2008 - 9:54 pm - Posted by Sean
Kart games are always fun, but Mario Kart Double Dash for the Nintendo GameCube perfects the formula, and is truly a joy to play.
Each kart can hold two characters, one to drive and one to hang off the back and employ weapons. While the second character doesn’t make a huge difference here, it does add a few subtle nuances to the strategy.
Pairing up characters introduces weight factors, gives the ability to “juggle” power-ups, and lets you team up with a friend. Characters can switch places on the fly, and each can hold a different power-up.
The tracks in Double Dash are absolutely gorgeous. There’s a tropical paradise, jungle, castle, and a desert track. My personal favorite is the track that winds through a giant cruise ship – it’s incredible!
Most courses tend to be wide open, so it’s not difficult to stay on the road. Even if you do crash or get hit by a weapon, you’re back in action almost immediately.
All your favorite weapons are here, including the bananas, heat-seeking shells, and the lightning bolt that makes all the other racers tiny. You receive three shell projectiles at a time and can shoot them in a rapid-fire fashion.
All the characters and most of the tracks are available from the start, and the new Mario, Luigi, and Bowser “baby” characters are absolutely hilarious.
The races are extremely fun and unpredictable, and the “Battle Modes” are also worth checking out. Double Dash is a must-have for GameCube and Wii owners.
You didn’t mention that the player on the back can lean left and right, which has an influence on cornering and can help with powerslides. I was the star gunner in my dorm.
Speaking of playing this game in the dorms, this the only game that ever got me involved in an illegal room entry…
@Luke: There are so many cool features with this game, it would take forever to cover them all, at least in one single post.
As for your comment “an illegal room entry”… you’ve got to fill me in on the full story. I have so many memories of the dorms, especially lobby 211.
Let’s just say that when your RA wants to borrow something from you, “Sorry, it’s in my friend’s dorm and he’s gone home for the break already” isn’t much of an excuse.
How many nights spent playing this game with 3 other people for hours and hours? My all time favorite GC game. Wind Waker being a close second of course.
@Tony: I like all the Mario Karts, even the original on the SNES. My only issue is with the Wii version as the AI is not fair at all when you get hit with various items when in the lead and you get knocked back so far.
Now Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, I love when games have that cell-shaded cartoon look. A perfect example is XIII for GameCube.