Game: Diddy Kong Racing DS

Console: Nintendo DS

Developer/publisher: Nintendo, Rare

Genre: Kart racing

Number of players: 1-8 via Wi-Fi

Rated: E, for everyone

Game play: The object is to obtain balloons and unlock more tracks by taking first place while racing. The game includes karts, hovercraft and airplanes to use on the different courses. Each character has strengths and weaknesses, so you must choose a character to suit your driving style. Play through the game to unlock bonuses and additional characters.

The good/the bad: Oddly enough, the creators chose not to improve the graphics from the Nintendo 64 version. The game has an almost blurry look. Knowing how good the graphics can get for DS titles, this is quite disappointing.

Normally, kart-racing games are too easy because the "cartoon feel" throws off your perception of how difficult it is going to be. The real challenge is when you're racing against real people instead of the computer.

Any game that has Wi-Fi challenges is OK in my book. It's nice to be able to play against someone else; I just wish you could play against more people at once.

The racers seem to chug along as if they weren't in a race at all, but out for a Sunday drive with the folks. How about some airbrakes for the airplanes and brakes for the hydrofoils so you don't run into quite so many objects?

Tips: Return to the Genie's lamp to partake in the bonuses you have unlocked. If you are having trouble in a particular race, consider switching characters. Use the stylus to gain the edge on your opponents for a burst of speed at the beginning of the race. Be sure to try out the Wi-Fi mode to see how others play on different levels; they may take a different route to reach the goal.

My take: Instead of coming out with a new game, the creators chose to remake an already good game, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In this case, however, this game has not aged well.

The add-ons feel rather lame and minor game quirks should have been fixed. An example of this is when your kart gets stuck in water and slowly floats to the race track, eating up valuable time. Another example is the "balloon challenge bonus," which is irritating because while popping balloons with the stylus, you must also move the camera at the same time. The game does not tell you about this option beforehand. How is this "bonus" fun, exactly? You have to get it perfect and know exactly where all the balloons are placed.

I suggest kart-racing fans pick up a copy of Mario Kart DS instead. Diddy Kong is just not something that fans of the 64 version need to rush out and pick up to play again. It's the same game as the 64 version, with not even a fresh coat of paint but just a few add-ons. I would wait, buy it used and give it lots of patience. I was expecting more when I picked up this remake.

Jeffrey Davis, of Honolulu, is a video-game enthusiast.