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!