Mario Kart 64

BATTLE MODE: Yeah, this has a 4-player battle mode, which is pretty cool. However, the arenas are too big, and the racers hardly ever get close to each other. The original Mario Kart had smaller battle mode arenas, which are very cool because you come in contact a lot more often. That is a lot more fun than driving around for 5 minutes before catching anyone (which happens a lot in Mario Kart 64).

PLAY CONTROL: When you try to turn normally in this game, you end up turning pretty sharply and you lose quite a bit of speed. However, you can overcome this by sliding in your turns, which doesn't slow you down too much. The part that I REALLY hate is that you can get a mini-boost from turning. What's up with that? I think this adds unneccessary complexity to the game. Why can't I just steer like in a normal go-kart? That's what you do in the SNES version: you steer normally, slowing down before you turn. And if there's a sharp turn, you can use the sliding technique. Very simple, very fun. Just like chess, its easy to learn but takes time to master (ok, its not even 1/10 as hard as mastering chess!).

DIFFICULTY: I beat this game in 2 days, no sweat. The computer isn't very hard. The original Mario Kart took me a lot longer to beat (those 150cc opponents were TOUGH!).

WEAPONS: I hate the triple red shell. Its so cheap! I feel bad when I beat someone by hitting them with 3 of those things. I know that not all the weapons can be equally good, but there isn't that nice balance the SNES Mario Kart had. The Mario Kart 64 arenas don't have many walls, so if you're being hunted with a red shell, you're in for some big trouble.

GRAPHICS: Okay, I'll give the N64 version a little credit, it does have better graphics. Those visual sound effects look kind of stupid, though (and I usually like anything that mimics the '60s Batman show).

SOUND: Two words: annoying voices. There's nothing worse than hearing someone with that super mushroom. ''Here we go! Here we go! Yahoo! Yahoo! Here we go!...''

Okay, I'm done bashing this game. It's not bad, but its nowhere near as good as the original. Oh yeah, another thing I don't like: no Koopa Troopa!


Mario Kart Great Game!   November 28, 1999
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

When I first bought mario kart I was really excited because, it was my first game for the n64. When I played it for the first time I thought it would be repetitive, but it wasn't every track was unique, and it even has a battle mode which is when 2p-4p start out with 3 ballons(which are your lives) and then you have to go get some squared shaped things to get weapons and with those weapons you have to attack your opponent until they lose all their ballons. GET THIS GAME IT'S FUN FOR ALL AGES!


Hours of fun and excitement   August 4, 1999
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This game is a must if you have more than one child in your home especially. It is fun for all ages, and is great for social events. This is a must buy, it will keep your kids busy for hours.