Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of DreamWorks Madagascar Kartz on Nintendo DS

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Oct 2009
Cover image of DreamWorks Madagascar Kartz on DS
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 27 Oct 2009
Genre: Kart Racing
Developer: Sidhe & Virtuos
Publisher: Activision

Introduction

Imagine you're at the zoo. You're having a lovely time, watching the animals frolic, when suddenly they jump into karts and start racing each other around the exhibit! No, I'm not talking about that bizarre fever dream you had after eating expired cheese. Welcome to *DreamWorks Madagascar Kartz,* where your favorite Madagascar characters trade their daily routines for some high-speed, kart-racing action. This DS version proudly continues on from the big-screen antics, while attempting to take the race to the next level-let's see how it revs up!

Gameplay

Strap in, because *Madagascar Kartz* is as packed with racing fun as a penguin is with fish! A variety of racing modes awaits you: Quick Race, Championship, Time Trial, and the Checkpoint Race. Each mode gives players opportunities to flex their racing muscles and reveals the game's wild and playful design. In Championship mode, racers dart through courses themed after scenes from the *Madagascar* franchise while furiously collecting mangoes to unlock new karts and tracks. Who needs bananas when you can go for mangoes, am I right? If you're feeling like a pro, try the Time Trial mode to beat your own records and flaunt your skills! Don't forget the Checkpoint Race where you (*wink, wink*) collect hourglasses instead of fruits-because what's more thrilling than racing against the clock? The game features a total of nine tracks crafted with racing shortcuts to take your karting skills to the next level. Need a catchy tune to accompany the action? Get ready to groove along with "I Like to Move It" as you race, because nothing screams 'speed' like a classic party anthem!

Graphics

Now let's talk about the visuals because, while the action gets intense, it's easy to overlook just how these characters look while driving. On the Nintendo DS, the graphics bring the characters to life, offering cartoony, colorful representations of Alex, Marty, and other beloved characters that feel right out of the screen. The tracks, however, sometimes show their age, looking a bit claustrophobic and limited compared to today's standards. Havent we all moved on in our visual expectations? Don't let that detract from the joy of racing through colorful jungle scenery and sandy locales, though! Just imagine flipping and spinning through vibrant landscapes that are more loaded than a non-stop buffet!

Conclusion

Overall, *DreamWorks Madagascar Kartz* might not spark the fire of high-speed excitement like a fiery comet racing through the night sky, but it's still a fun, family-friendly kart racer that captures some of the wild shenanigans found in the movies. With diverse racing modes and the inclusion of familiar characters for fans, this title holds its own. It might not have the high praise of Mario Kart, but for a casual karting experience that leaves you giggling, it doesn't fall flat! So if you've got an itch for some light-hearted racing and a love of all things Madagascar, strap on your seatbelt and grab your DS; it's time to kart your way to victory!

See Prices for DreamWorks Madagascar Kartz on DS on Ebay

See Latest Prices for DreamWorks Madagascar Kartz on DS on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...