The final version of TrackMania DS has arrived and even though Impulse Gamer was lucky enough to have a look at the pre-release version, the final version is amazingly even more impressive that left us flabbergasted. This could be considered the ultimate car racing title on the DS!
With that said, this is
the best racing game
ever on the Nintendo DS
which not only features
solid gameplay but some
of the smoothest
graphics to have ever
raced on this popular
console. Developer
Firebrand should be
applauded for this
exclusive DS conversion
that if I could be so
bold is as good as the
PC version but best of
all, it’s for the
portable world of
consoles.
The game contains three
different game modes to
get you incited, however
where the title does
shine is through the
amazing ramps, loops and
jumps as you race at
insanely fast speeds.
There’s even some great
puzzle levels to assist
with the gameplay. The
developers have truly
added a unique and
realistic sense of speed
to the game that is
actually quite rare on
the DS. Whether you're
racing at insane speeds
or making loops, the
realism is quite
impressive and at times
does give a sense of
vertigo.
The control system of
the game has received a
revamp in order to
maximise the playability
of the title as gamers
use A to accelerate, B
to brake and the D-Pad
to control your car.
Even though the control
system is quite basic,
it works like a charm as
you attempt to navigate
your vehicle in this 3D
gaming universe. This
simplistic control
system is great for
novice gamers, however
more advanced gamers
will be appreciate the
amount of control these
simple controls do
actually give.
The game also contains a
track editor which
allows you to save up 60
different tracks that
you have designed which
is great for sharing
your tracks with other
Nintendo DS gamers. The
editor is quite easy to
use, thanks to the
stylus as you drop, drag
and create some
awe-inspiring tracks.
Graphically, for a
Nintendo DS game, the
game is quite visually
impressive and features
some great background
environments and a
detailed draw distance
that assists in drawing
you into this racing
world. Check out the
above screenshot to see
the impressive draw
distance.
The texture details on the cars are quite detailed and colourful, match that with great polygon models and a few special effects here and there and TrackMania DS is almost perfect in this category. There are also a variety of different gaming worlds from outdoor settings such as deserts to lush green lands and even some stadium courses.
In conclusion, after seeing the preview version of this game, the final version is far superior and that was a great game. Definitely one for those interested in a decent racing game with a solid track editor. Perfect controls, great graphics and a game that can be played by everyone.
Fun from start to finish!