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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Diddy Kong Racing
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 11 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Rare
Genre(s): Racing, Driving
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: K-A (Kids to Adult)
Release Date: November 1, 1997
Summary
Diddy Kong Racing focuses on high-speed, entertaining racing action as well as a large dose of adventure and exploration. Diddy Kong and seven other characters will race through 20 beautiful 3-D courses on one of three vehicles: a cart, hovercraft or plane. Diddy Kong Racing also features Rare's proprietary Real-Time Dynamic Animation Technology (RDA). This programming technology allows the game to include large, colorful and highly textured characters in a massive environment. Real-Time Dynamic Animation Technology squeezes the most out of the Nintendo 64's hardware, allowing for environment mapping and specular highlighting whenever appropriate. Diddy Kong Racing also features a Versus Mode that allows two to four players to compete using any combination of vehicles. A variety of scenarios in Versus Mode make for even more depth of game play. [Nintendo]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Hot Games
"Mario Kart's" (at least the original one, anyway) biggest strength was its multiplayer mode and of course DKR does what Nintendo did but better.
Read Full Review >Electric Playground
Diddy Kong Racing is almost too good to be true. It is an exquisitely animated, color-rich racing game that bubbles over with character and charm. A triumph.
Read Full Review >GamePro
Take Diddy for a test drive and you'll be hooked. It's the smoothest ride you can buy this holiday season.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
All I can say is that this is what Mario Kart 64 should have been. Awesome.
Read Full Review >Nintendophiles
The sound in DKR is fantastic. The characters make noises, the cars make noises, and the music fits in perfectly.
Read Full Review >TotalGames.net
Beneath the day-glo grass and cuddly-wuddly wittle characters beats the brutal, steroid-pumped heart of a sadistic beast who eats raw liver and stamps on puppies for laughs. Everything about Diddy Kong Racing is perfect.
Read Full Review >Total Video Games
There are so many subtle touches that only become apparent after many hours of play and the cunningly designed levels match anything Nintendo can offer.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
DKR looks better than "Mario Kart," but it's a little too cutesy for us. [Jan 2004, p.189]
All Game Guide
Buy Diddy Kong Racing for the very good Adventure mode, but don't expect multiplayer action on the same level as the Mario Kart series.
Read Full Review >IGN
Diddy Kong Racing is an excellent follow-up to the somewhat controversial "Mario Kart," improving on all of the game's weaknesses and inventing a few new additions of its own. It's the best kart game we've ever seen.
Read Full Review >Games Domain
This one is a clear winner, and well worth the hype. However, be warned, this game is as cute as it gets.
Read Full Review >Nintendorks
Though it tries to be Kiddy Kong, Diddy Kong Racing is not a kiddie game. This is challenging, full blown racing at its best.
Read Full Review >Gaming Maxx
Diddy Kong may be a prize to little kids this Xmas of 97, but if you in the teenage or adult years.... This game replay value is slim to none. So rent if you're not buying this for your kids.
Read Full Review >Nintendojo
With its lack of replay value and repetiveness, the game just gets really old.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Artificially lengthening games by making you do the same thing over and over again is my vote for the worst trend in gaming … even though this is a much better game than Kart 64 ever was.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.2 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Jon D. gave it a10:
this game was great i played this almost every day i remember the graphics being great it was difficult but it was just extreemly fun i havent played it in a while but i have memorys of playin it every day for months when i was younger.
Silent Ninja gave it a10:
I definentaly love this game. it's so awsome for a raceing game because you can not only be in cars but in hovercrafts and planes too. i definentaly played this game alot when i was younger heck i still play it now!!!!
Nick K. gave it a10:
A truly engrossing gaming experience. Perfectly balanced, dangerously addictive and dripping with charm, DKR still stands as the finest kart-based racer on any platform.
Robert A gave it a 9:
Great racer, i could never beat the end boss though :( maybe i should try again someday.
Robert C. gave it a 10:
Let's face it...this game is incredible. The gameplay was awesome, the races were great fun, the multiplayer is addictive, and I don't even what to begin with the open format DKR had.
Person Killer gave it a 10:
It is a kool game the music is hella cool.
