User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 518 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 17 out of 518
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  1. Apr 22, 2012
    6
    Mario Kart: Double Dash is a solid kart racer that does what it sets out to do. It's fun in multiplayer and quite entertaining as a solo experience too. It is missing the 'x factor', though. It's not something you can put your finger on, exactly, just a notion that the game isn't as fun as it should be. The N64 Mario Kart had that special ingredient and so did the DS version. This GamecubeMario Kart: Double Dash is a solid kart racer that does what it sets out to do. It's fun in multiplayer and quite entertaining as a solo experience too. It is missing the 'x factor', though. It's not something you can put your finger on, exactly, just a notion that the game isn't as fun as it should be. The N64 Mario Kart had that special ingredient and so did the DS version. This Gamecube iteration misses the mark in that regard and flounders in the company of it's more durable brethren. Basically speaking, this is a descent game but there are much better karting games available. Expand
  2. ChrisM.
    Jan 1, 2004
    5
    This game has nothing on MK64. This game feels so slow and boring it is painfull. Not only that but it can be completed with such ease it isn't worth purchasing. Multiplayer is the only area where this game shines unfortunatley.
  3. JayE
    Aug 10, 2009
    6
    If you are under 10 years old or if you play the game with your little kids, then you will like this game. If you are 15+ after a beefed up sequel to MK:64, it wont appeal to you. The gameplay is too simple and there is virtually no skill involved. Winning generally depends on what items you get. Its a family game, not a racing game. Mario Kart 64 and SNES are much better games, they have If you are under 10 years old or if you play the game with your little kids, then you will like this game. If you are 15+ after a beefed up sequel to MK:64, it wont appeal to you. The gameplay is too simple and there is virtually no skill involved. Winning generally depends on what items you get. Its a family game, not a racing game. Mario Kart 64 and SNES are much better games, they have proper karts and require of skill and reflexes to master, and have that classic Mario Kart atmosphere. Dislikes: Crying babies, driving prams and other weird vehicles, no karts!, everything is too cutesy, unable to jump while power sliding, the frustrating item bashing from the CPU players when you are ahead, dull gameplay, cannot hold items behind you. Nintendo should have taken MK:64, kept the same gameplay and dynamics, updated the graphics and made longer tracks, and added more content. Instead we get Mario Pram:Double Cry. Expand
  4. Rikardos
    Nov 25, 2003
    6
    Disappointing - where's the look behind button? Where's the more complicated challenging tracks (even on the original the second cup started getting difficult - so such luck here)? Battle mode sucks! Where's the levels with elements to hide in or steer around when you're being chased - they're too small to do anything in (and that Gamecube level is a total waste Disappointing - where's the look behind button? Where's the more complicated challenging tracks (even on the original the second cup started getting difficult - so such luck here)? Battle mode sucks! Where's the levels with elements to hide in or steer around when you're being chased - they're too small to do anything in (and that Gamecube level is a total waste and lazy programming). Good graphics, sound and initially I was pleased but the hard turn without the hop doesn't feel right and makes it less precise than it previously was. A good game for people who haven't played Mario Kart before but old-time gamers prepare to be disappointed! And I've been a fan of Mario Kart from the beginning on the SNES but this ain't nothing like it! Expand
  5. DougF.
    Jan 20, 2004
    6
    It's not the better mario kart. i'm sorry there are not many things in this game.
  6. Sep 30, 2020
    6
    To me a very mediocore title. The graphics look stunning and the Charm is undeniable, but the lack of an incentive to come back to this game despite all the positive reviews, just make put it in the middle of the spectrum for me.

    Pros: 1. Good Graphics despite the Gamecubes Hardware. 2. Fun Multiplayer mode 3. Tracks are fun especially Baby Park, a giant oval with 7 whole laps
    To me a very mediocore title. The graphics look stunning and the Charm is undeniable, but the lack of an incentive to come back to this game despite all the positive reviews, just make put it in the middle of the spectrum for me.

    Pros:
    1. Good Graphics despite the Gamecubes Hardware.
    2. Fun Multiplayer mode
    3. Tracks are fun especially Baby Park, a giant oval with 7 whole laps

    Negatives:

    1. Little replay value
    2. Reuse of SFX in certain places
    3. Not enough tracks
    4. Certainly better games out there

    Would i recommend it? No, but that doesnt mean its bad at all, just not my favourite and you can disagree with me, but if so then make your own review.
    Expand
  7. Wood
    Nov 3, 2004
    7
    good not not much in depth it all u do is win the cups murphy is so wrong.
  8. MarcusB.
    Dec 1, 2003
    5
    I will never understand how the Mario Kart series gets such high accolades. Sure, the multiplayer is fun for a while, but the cutesy graphics and repetitive gameplay drag this title down bigtime.
  9. JimmiA.
    Jul 31, 2005
    7
    Very good and funny. The big problem with this game is to short. I have done all races in 50 & 100CC in my first day (in I think 2 hour). And I haven play Maruio cart for about 3-4 year.
  10. Tonygoose
    Nov 14, 2003
    6
    its O.K. ... you can't hop in this game which was always one of mario carts best features. graphics are a 7 out of 10.. gameplay 7 out of 10. replay value 8 out of 10 ... control 8 out of 10 ...and originality gets 5 out of 10 ... over all i rated it 6 out of 10... i just think they could have left everything intact and also progressed the whole presentation of the game ... it doesnt its O.K. ... you can't hop in this game which was always one of mario carts best features. graphics are a 7 out of 10.. gameplay 7 out of 10. replay value 8 out of 10 ... control 8 out of 10 ...and originality gets 5 out of 10 ... over all i rated it 6 out of 10... i just think they could have left everything intact and also progressed the whole presentation of the game ... it doesnt feel that much different than mario kart 64 ... except for the double kart thing and taking out the jumping of the kart was there biggest mistake! shame on you nintendo your better than that! Expand
  11. RAV
    Nov 14, 2003
    6
    Some fun to be had. Screw the karts. Ive been waiting for a killer christmas game for gamecube and ps2. Xbox is the only system delivering, with rainbow six 3, topspin, amped 2, crimson skies ,a ll stellar titles. AND FABLE, NINJA GAIDEN AND MAX PAYNE 2 ARE ALL ON THERE WAY
  12. May 26, 2019
    6
    Booting up Mario Kart: Double Dash!! today, I'm immediately struck by how good it still looks, especially in progressive scan mode via component cables on an HDTV. Everything is clear and colorful, and the action is fast and frantic. It feels a lot like an arcade game -- and this is by design. MKDD is best enjoyed as an arcade-inspired spin-off to the Mario Kart series; it is fast,Booting up Mario Kart: Double Dash!! today, I'm immediately struck by how good it still looks, especially in progressive scan mode via component cables on an HDTV. Everything is clear and colorful, and the action is fast and frantic. It feels a lot like an arcade game -- and this is by design. MKDD is best enjoyed as an arcade-inspired spin-off to the Mario Kart series; it is fast, frantic, and fun for multi-player, but it is not really a traditional Mario Kart game. My low score is related to my preferred way to play -- solo / campaign -- which is far too random and out-of-control for my liking. The fact I needed to consult the instruction manual when playing for the first time -- after a quarter-century of enjoying other Mario Kart games -- points to a needlessly complicated system and a frustrating amount of content locked behind a "play-wall". Expand
  13. Dec 1, 2021
    7
    The driving is nowhere near as tight as its predecessor Mario Kart 64. The graphics look terrific however the rack designs are annoying and less memorable than other instalments.

    On the mechanics, doing mini turbos is clumsy and the button layout on GameCube is less than seamless when trying to switch characters, fire off weapons and brake. You have to slide your thumb whilst still
    The driving is nowhere near as tight as its predecessor Mario Kart 64. The graphics look terrific however the rack designs are annoying and less memorable than other instalments.

    On the mechanics, doing mini turbos is clumsy and the button layout on GameCube is less than seamless when trying to switch characters, fire off weapons and brake. You have to slide your thumb whilst still holding down A for accelerate. Not great.

    A good game, but overrated, in my opinion.
    Expand
  14. Mar 26, 2019
    6
    A good and solid racing game, but there is nothing really to stand out. The mechanics are solid but sometimes they feel a bit cheap, and the way to unlock other race laps is really annoying. But overall, a good game that could be a 7/10 in the future for me.
  15. Aug 16, 2019
    7
    I really don't like the fact that a 7 is considered a mixed score. I think this game is good. I like it. I think it's enjoyable, but it has some downsides. I think the controls are kind of iffy and that might just be me, but turning is very difficult. I might give this game another shot seeing how high the user score is. Overall, it's a good game, and it's almost an 8.
  16. Mar 31, 2022
    7
    Mario Kart Double Dash está bien, y punto. Es sólido y divertido, pero en mi opinión personal, siento que le falta un "algo". Quizás sea mejores pistas, o puede ser el hecho de que no me terminó de gustar la idea de manejar el kart con otro personaje, pero siento que el juego no ofrece una experiencia descomunal.
    Nota Final: 7
  17. Aug 19, 2023
    7
    This game is absolutely great fun. The problem is you’ll end up completing it in a day, so is it really worth the time or money. I would say no. Now, it would be worth getting if you intend to play it as a party/multiplayer game. But then why not just buy one of the newer Mario Kart games!

Awards & Rankings

17
2
#2 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
6
#6 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 58
  2. Negative: 0 out of 58
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    90
    9 / 9 / 9 / 9 - 36 platinum [Vol 778]
  2. Yeah, we'll say it: Mario Kart: Double Dash is the most fun you'll have with a game this year. And probably next year. And maybe even the year after that.
  3. Between opponents' backseat bombers, traps, and other natural threats (breaking waves, thunderbolts), you'll need much more than a good drift technique to finish first.