I must say, this is an addicting game, but it's much too like the Mario Kart games for the Wii and DS. Basically you can choose different tracks to race on, you can choose your own character, you choose your own vehicle, and race. Just like Mario Kart. But, it's fun and addicting! Parents, there is no language or anything iffy that you should be concerned about in Diddy Kong Racing. Just clean, fun, and addicting racing!
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Diddy Kong Racing DS
(2007, Video Games - Racing, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
DS racing action bogged down by repetition.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Diddy Kong Racing DS was written by Chris Jozefowicz
Parents need to know that this racing game has some cartoon violence, but very little objectionable material. The bright worlds and cartoon characters will appeal to young players under age 8, but the game may be too difficult for them to fully enjoy. This game has an online racing component, and Common Sense Media does not recommend online play for anyone under the age of 12.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what makes racing games fun. Do you like to play by yourself and beat the computer and your previous times? Or do you prefer to race against friends and other people? Do you like racing games with lots of action and weapons, or realistic simulation? This game adds a story level and puzzle play -- do you like that? Parents might want to remind children that the racing that occurs in video games should not be modeled in real life.
More on Diddy Kong Racing DS
What’s the Story?
DIDDY KONG RACING DS is a modified version of a Nintendo 64 game of the same name. Players guide Diddy Kong or one of his friends in races through colorful worlds to defeat the evil Wizpig.
Players roam about an island setting, delving into connected worlds (a dinosaur world, water world, snow world, etc.) that hold races, collection missions, and boss battles. Players drive a kart or pilot a hovercraft or airplane. Players can collect coins through their races and spend them on upgraded parts for the vehicles to improve things like handling and top speed. Friends can race against other players using one game card or multiple game cards if everyone has a DS, or players can challenge friends and strangers via online contests.
CloseIs It Any Good?
Unfortunately, a lot of the upgrades and multiplayer events are hard to use because they can only be accessed after quite a lot of repetitive play in the one-player mode. The game asks players to run though the same courses and complete boss battles many times.
The difficulty levels ramp up rather quickly. In the one-player game, players must come in first to advance and the races can get difficult after the first couple of worlds. The controls, including some awkwardly handled touch-screen features, only make matters worse. The emphasis on story and adventure add some interesting twists to standard kart racing conventions, but the racing itself suffers as a result.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 02/05/2007, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for mild cartoon violence)
ESRB rating: E (for mild cartoon violence)
Our Members Say
See all 10 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Addicting and fun, but much like Mario Kart DS and Wii
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Fun game for children
My six year old son plays this game. He really likes it and is quite good at figuring out video games, but this one can be difficult for younger players at times. He does get frustrated a little. It might be easier for older children.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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