Anyway. I'm not opposed to the idea of unlockables, I'm opposed to the idea that I have to play alone to get them. I never had to play Double Dash alone once.
But this post is for some thoughts on characters.
One: Kazz, you're right, we should go back to a system where the character you pick makes a difference beyond weight class. There are a few ways of doing this:
The SNES/N64/GBA way: one kart for each character. A step backward.
The Double Dash way: bring back character-specific items. I support this. (Actually, the first time I played the Wii version, I picked Baby Mario and then said, "Why'd I do that? I only ever used him for the Chain Chomp.")
The DS way: All characters end up with the same karts in the end, but you have to unlock each kart for each character. This could be okay if it were done in a non-obnoxious fashion (see above: unlockables should be unlockable in multiplayer).
Also. I think we can agree that the characters in this game are a mixed bag. Yeah, you've got Dry Bowser, but you've also got Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, and Funky Kong.
Some thoughts on better character choices:
We've already got Koopas. Why not Goombas and Shyguys?
We got the Magikruiser; let's get a Magikoopa in there.
Hell, we've already got Birdo; we may as well throw in Wart, too.
And of course it'd be swell if they'd bring back the Koopalings, but I really don't see THAT happening. Because, you know, Baby Daisy is a MUCH better choice.
Also: NO MORE FUCKING BABIES.
Also also: if they're going to keep adding Donkey Kong characters, we need Cranky. He can complain about all the things I have complained about in this post.