Rare brings forth a fun kart racer all its own with Diddy Kong Racing, featuring adorable critters that deserve to be made into stuffed animals. With Mario Kart 64 fresh in our minds, it is unsurprising to hear some giving DKR flak. But do not be mistaken, this is a fully realized hybrid racer-adventure. Its biggest surprise is an expansive overworld: A hub called Timber's Island with diverse regions holding an array of kart circuits as well as hidden collectibles and secret detours. Unlocking new courses requires Golden Balloons, shiny inflatables akin to Power Stars in SM64, collected through winning races. Be sure to choose the right machine prior to starting a race! The vehicle trio - car, plane, and hovercraft - transforms every track with alternate routes and boosts, impacting the racer immensely. 25 courses in all offers generous variety, from wave-slashed beaches to fairytale forests.

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The core gameplay loop within DKR's adventure mode is multi-layered. Upon securing first place in all four of a given world's courses, players must face off against an enormous boss in a 1-on-1 race. Win this contest to unlock a Silver Coin Challenge with an entirely new set of guidelines to conquer. This cart's multiplayer gameplay is also superb. Up to four players can race or battle on a split screen layout, resulting in an intense frenzy of racing goodness. Especially versus fellow human players, it will be vital to formulate the best placements for oil slicks or launch timing for missile attacks. Graphically, Rare pushes the N64 further than expected, with reflective surfaces, smooth character animations, and gorgeous, personality-packed environments. The only drawbacks our team noted are short track lengths, which may aggravate certain players but rarely overshadow the title's charm.

Printed in Issue #43, December 1997