Diddy Kong Racing brings me back to the good old days when I was told by my mom to take the trash out and I saw a shooting star for the first and only time in my life. Standing there in front of the dumpster I wished for the new Diddy Kong Racing game that just came out. Shortly afterwards, my wish was granted and as a child I sucked at this game so bad but it was well worth it. Diddy Kong Racing is the Rare version of Mario Kart Racing consisting of Rare characters like Diddy, Conker and Banjo. The game offers a cool competitive counterpart to the Mario Kart game with an actual world you can explore and different race tracks you can venture to. If believe that Mario Kart was the only real good racing game of it's time, you are sorely mistaken. Diddy Kong Racing opened a new door to racing with an exciting racing environment unlike the Mario Kart series.

Graphics: 9
Eye-catching is probably one of the best words to describe this game's graphics. Each race track was detailed and offered variety. As you raced each track the scenery would change as you progressed back to the start line. Personally, I liked that the race tracks were, for the most part, big but they also offered cool changes in scenery and it felt more like a world instead of a racetrack. To add to this, each level felt new and unique which really helps to keep your interest up in the game. There's also a cool world you can roam around in that you could explore that took you to all the different race tracks of the main game.

Comparing to Mario Kart 64 I'd have to say that I prefer the race track designs and scenery of Diddy Kong Racing over Mario Kart simply due to Mario Kart's limited designs. Mario Kart's levels never really offered anything different as you progressed except that a few race tracks offered some change, however, Diddy Kong's race tracks offered quite a bit of difference between most tracks. In Mario Kart, Rainbow Road just felt like it would drag out forever but there aren't any real scenic changes as you raced around your lap. I also felt that the items in Diddy Kong Racing seemed more detailed.

Sound: 10
In this game I really enjoyed the music. I found that each race track song fit perfectly into the race track and it really helped get you into the game. The sounds and music was something that helped bring you to the edge of your seat while fighting your way to first place. Who wouldn't like something that grabs your attention and pulls you in? If I were to compare this to Mario Kart 64, I'd have a really tough time deciding which I liked better. Mario Kart also offered many cool songs that helped bring you to the edge of your seat. These 2 games really stack up to each other in this category. I also enjoy the fact that the boss songs added a level of excitement that Mario Kart did not have so there was something more to look forward to in Diddy Kong Racing.

Addictiveness: 10
Can you play for only a few minutes? I wasn't able to. There were times I'd find myself on the game for hours without a break even if I'm stuck playing the same course repeatedly trying to come in first place. The game is just addictive and to a new player you might find yourself checking the time after 5 minutes and see that 3 hours has passed. This was how my world was back in my younger days. The addictive aspect also pulls you in with having the ability to play as a Plane, Hovercraft or Kart. It's cool that you can play the same tracks using different vehicles. This was something that was done way before Mario Kart did.

Other aspects of the game also pull you in. You can battle friends with the game's battle mode or you can play a race. Playing this against friends increases the competition and makes it even more fun. I've always liked playing with friends or using a multilayer aspect because it's much more difficult to play other people than it is to play NPC. The cool aspect is that the game offers plenty to do and see which makes the game a lot of fun. You can't go wrong with a game like this.

I can also see this game being a great choice for a Vizzed competition. You're able to race and compete against other players with the multiplayer feature as well as there being time for the time trial game. I think this could be a lot of fun and get people into playing this game more. I don't think too many people see the value in this game especially since everyone is used to playing Mario Kart.

Story: 6
Surprisingly, there is a little bit of a story for this game. The cool thing about this game's story has you venturing to the different worlds to compete in each of the races. When you've raced in each door of the world you're able to fight the boss. Eventually, you're able to able to fight the Evil Wizpig who is trying to take over Timber Land. The cool thing about this is that you don't expect a story from most racing games because there usually aren't any. Compared to Mario Kart, there is no story there.

Depth: 8
Diddy Kong Racing offers a lot for players to explore and unlock. With all the features in Diddy Kong Racing you will stay entertained and have tons of things to do.

1. Many scenic tracks that lay the main foundation of the racing game, These offer cool designs, extra routes, cool items and some are playable with different vehicles.

2. There are 3 different vehicles you are able to play as.. airplane, car or hovercraft. Hovercraft are the only vehicle you can use on the water tracks but you can usually play as airplane or cars on most other tracks. This is pretty cool and it's not offered by any other games.

3. Different colored balloons offer different items to be used in your racing. Green will give you traps. Blue will boost your speed. Red allows you to fire rockets and the rainbow balloon allows you to create magnets. Much different from randomized item drop from Mario Kart.

4. You will encounter different bosses as you play the game. This is also unique and stands out from the Mario Kart game.

5. You're able to unlock other playable characters which wasn't available in Mario Kart until the Game Cube release.

6. Multiplayer mode allows you to race friends and family

Difficulty: 8
To someone who is first starting out you may be overwhelmed by the A.I. in certain areas of the game. It's not necessarily easy to play but once you've practiced and earned some experience under your belt, the game becomes increasingly easier to play. Some bosses offer you a good challenge and winning isn't always going to happen. You may be faced with trying the same track or boss many times. On top of that you're going to lose against the final boss several times before you finally figure out a strategy to defeat him. You're also going to need to get used to the different balloons, especially if you're someone who was always used to Mario. Balloons give you items but they aren't randomized like they are in Mario Kart. You will need to be a little more selective with what you choose and how you use what you have, otherwise you may fall behind.

Overall: 10
Overall, I enjoy the game. I like the game's graphics and I think they did a really great job when working on them. Tracks are somewhat scenic and provide a good sense of variety. The game's music is nothing less than good. There is a great sense of the track taken into consideration when applying music and sounds. I like that it helps pull you in a bit, especially when fighting the bosses. The game is absolutely addictive, at least for someone who has never played it. You will definitely strive to finish the game. There's a cool little story behind the wheel of the game. It gives the game a sense of purpose and adventure on top of the racing.

When it comes to the depth, there's many things you can do. This helps in maintaining the addiction if you're playing. Nothing is too repetitive except for maybe losing on the more difficult tracks. To some the degree the game is a little difficult and it will take some getting used to with the game's controls. You have to learn to operate the car, hovercraft and airplane which all 3 have a different feel to each. Each track also adds to this so some difficulty will take time to get some experience under your belt.

If you play Diddy Kong racing, it's worth it. Compared to the Mario Kart it isn't as popular but I think it's just as good if not better than Mario Kart of the N64. There were several things included in this game that helps make Diddy Kong Racing stand out but unfortunately there isn't many games of the series either. I think that if Rare had kept a game like this going they could have competed with the Mario Kart series head to head. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I'd give Diddy Kong Racing a 10 because it's worth it.

Cool review, Fireproof, as usual. The fonts make the categories stand out, and helps catch my eye. Also, I loved this game as a kid. I may have known little about the cameos like Conker and Banjo in there, but it was still cool

Fireproof : Legitimate review. Of course, lots of your reviews are. And...this is the reason you get the 'Most Words in a Day' Jersey. Keep up the good work, Fire. And good luck.

Once again, this is another amazingly done, awesome review by you. This is just amazing and I really like your reviews very much, this is so easy to read and I like how you make the font for the category of the graphics stand out, it makes it organized and easy to read. You are really good at making reviews, this is just amazing and I think that you have a serious talent for them.

As usual, your review has tons of great detail, great explanations and also lots of amazing information, explanations to your reasoning which i really important and you always do a a great job at. I think your reviews are awesome, lengthy and definitely worth the read, so keep up the great work and keep writing more awesome reviews, I never get bored of them and you are constantly impressing me with your reviewing skills

Fireproof : Why a rating of 10, If not all of the catagories are ten? I don't get it..... That makes this review a whole lot less proffesional in my opinion.

But still good review I enjoyed it, I was well detailed and fun to read.

imamonster : A majority of my reviews/posts were constructed during a time when I first began to post in this community (Beyond asking for help). When I was making these reviews, I noticed that I didn't really define what the great games were versus the lesser good games. My younger self loved many of the games when I was playing them in the past but it wasn't until I was a teenager that I enjoyed Strategy games above all else. I try to separate the differences between now and then but it doesn't always fall into my plan. I do intend to go back through my reviews and improve/change some of what I originally said. Many of my reviews were done in a hurry.

You can expect a more professional assessment of each game with an improved quality of review. Reviews I have rebuilt can be found in the Bio of my Profile. This is how I will keep track of them. It may be awhile before I get back to rebuilding them but it is on my to do list.

I slightly remember when this game came out, too. Back then, I was still a youngin' , and it was just me and Dad. Usually, we got a new Nintendo 64 game every month, and I usually got to pick the game, but when this one came out, Dad picked it, and he sure did not disappoint. 
If I ever get a N64 again, this is one of my must have games. Thank you for writing this review, and reminding me about this game, Fireproof.