Diddy Kong Racing

"Diddy Kong Racing" lives up to the billing that lies beneath its cellophane skin: "A wild racing adventure." "Diddy Kong Racing" attempts to take "Mario Kart" to the next level. It is a cross between "Mario Kart 64" and "Mario 64." Competitive racing combines with adventure/role-playing so one can enjoy racing for something more than a trophy.

The racing aspect of the game parallels "Kart" in numerous aspects. The control stick functions, length of races, ability to use power-ups, number of competitors and basic design of the tracks is pretty much the same. To these tried and true formulas add two vehicles (plane and hovercraft along with the car), bosses at the end of levels, another dimension (tracks rise and fall instead of remaining relatively flat) and the collection of balloons to further your way along the adventure (much like stars in "Mario 64"). This adds that extra appeal to the game. Not only are the races tough but there's also that sense of progression that is so fulfilling in adventure games.

The quality of the game itself is quite good. The courses are elaborate and they take advantage of the N64's abilities. Everything runs smoothly and the racing has a realistic feel to it. Additionally, the music is very impressive. It's definitely racing music and each area has its own music to go along with its own distinctive look. Of note, the winter area plays a sort of Christmassy mix which is really well done. I couldn't ask for anything more in the overall play and feel of the game.

"Diddy Kong Racing" seems better oriented to the single-player option. The multiple-player racing isn't as good as it is in "Mario Kart." It just lacks the same competitiveness. Courses are designed to be practiced and played time and time again until someone can race them well. There aren't as many obstacles as in "Kart" and the game is designed to encourage skill and practice over unfair power-ups (there are no ? marks, just power-up items that are known before they are picked up) and other ways of fostering competitiveness.

In sum, "Diddy Kong Racing" is a great game. It's fun, exciting, frustrating, intense and addicting. The adventure aspect of the game adds a lot. For more than one player, the racing may not be as great as it is in Mario Kart (64 or Super Nintendo) but it's still fun. The real strength of the game is in the adventure option. Diddy Kong needs my help and I'm more than willing to oblige.