Mario Kart DS Hints XIV (DS)

The acclaimed Mario Kart series has gone wireless, letting players race and battle with up to eight karts at once, regardless of whether everyone has a game card. An all-star cast that includes Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, Bowser and Toad will round out a truly all-star lineup of more than 30 courses, drawn from every Mario Kart game. Additionally, these very popular characters have certain advantages and disadvantages, and players need to choose carefully who they want to race with, against all of the different types of competitors.

Players will tour courses from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, not to mention brand-new tracks and arenas. With all the crazy items and frantic speeds players have come to expect, this game is a Mario Kart fan's dream. The title has a new dimension of fun, since competitors can battle others around the world, by connecting to Nintendo's new wireless gaming service, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Although it had different release dates, like November 2005 for North America and Europe as opposed to December 2005 for Japan, the game gained critical acclaim for offering players the same fun adventure found on all of the other titles in the Mario Kart series. Critics praised the title for the individualization of its characters and for the diversity of tracks on which players could race one another. Moreover, the wacky weapons the karts are fitted with provide an even more enjoyable experience.

HINTS

Sky Garden: Shortcut
When you get to the second green bridge, look to the left and see a cloud that goes across to the other track. Hop over it to get to that course, then hop back off to avoid falling down.
Note: This may require some practice.

Tick-Tock Clock: Extra Speed
Just before you get to the finish line, you will see two big wheels spinning. Go on the one that is spinning towards the finish line (on the first lap go on the right one, on the second lap go on the left one, and on the third lap go back on the right again). This will allow you to race slightly faster.

Waluigi Pinball: Shortcut
After you shoot up the slot at the beginning of the race, get a mushroom and wait until you see the first ramp on the track. As you come towards it, use the mushroom to ramp off, and go over your opponents on the track. This should get you ahead a few places.

Here's a Japanese ad for this game: