Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That’s the best way to describe the amount of games that seem to enter the ‘mascot racing genre’ created by Nintendo years ago with Super Mario Kart. Countless games have spawned from that Super Nintendo 16-bit title, each having their own level of critical success. Mario Kart is the originator, creator, and leader in this genre; the best you can hope to do is copy it well enough that it becomes about the mascots you used in the game as opposed to technology in the game itself. Digimon Racing for the Gameboy Advance comes close to doing just that, but does have enough problems that unfortunately keep the title from being placed on the same level as Mario Kart.

Digimon Racing is the third title to be released on the Gameboy Advance using the animated license, but this offering marks the first time a Digimon game has been created exclusively for the GBA (the first two titles released on the GBA were actually ports of games created for the Japanese only handheld WonderSwan).

At the very least Digimon Racing can say it controls every bit as well as anything else in this genre. In fact those that disliked the exclusion of the jump turn in Mario Kart Double Dash on the Gamecube might like hearing that it has been included in Digimon Racing. Every bit of the control is responsive, and you’ll need that tight control too: considering how challenging the game can be on its hardest difficulty settings. The ‘Time Trial’ mode of Digimon Racing is down right nasty in its difficulty, and you’ll be happy to know it offers enough challenge to place this title outside the realm of a game exclusive for kids.

The jump move in Digimon Racing is used to full effect in the game. Not only can you use it to turn more quickly, but you’ll also use it to jump over pot holes (and various other obstacles on the course); not to mention use it as an offensive attack. Jumping on top of your opponents is actually a means to slowing down other racers if you happen to land squarely on them. It’s not an easy thing to do mind you, but if you execute it properly it will really slow down your opponents.

Digimon does bring its own brand of excitement to the genre by making use of its animated license. In the television series the digital monsters ‘digivolve’ into more powerful creature forms; with each successive form more powerful then the last. To do this in the game you’ll simply need to ride over energy strips (very similar to what you find in F-Zero), to build up your energy meter. Build up the meter enough, and you ‘digivolve’ into a higher form, which is accompanied of course by better statistics all around for your racer.

With all that Digimon Racing has going for it, it still comes up short when you compare it to the master of all that is cart racing (Mario Kart). If you’re a fan of the Television series, or (as in most cases) know a kid who is, it might be a worthy pick-up.