Mario Kart 64, one of the first games released for the Nintendo 64 platform, is an updated translation of the very popular Super Mario Kart for the Super NES (SNES). And while the game clearly takes full advantage of the graphics power and speed of the N64, a few components that made the original so compelling have been left out of this release.
Still, Nintendo's expertise at sucking players into the game world is strongly evident, and Mario Kart 64 offers enough challenges to keep players (especially casual gamers) entertained. Placing a familiar Nintendo personality behind the wheel of a sputtering kart powered by a 50, 100, or 150-cc engine, the game lets players race computerized opponents or up to four other players on a variety of well-designed tracks. Because karts lack the power and speed of race cars, drivers must focus on collecting power-ups and nonlethal weapons rather than negotiating hairpin turns on two wheels. Grabbing and using on-track items is the heart of the game's fun: a strategically-placed banana peel sends the unlucky victim into a spin, nailing an opponent with a turtle shell launches their vehicle skyward, and a rocket provides a quick boost to near-breakneck speeds, if only for a moment.
Mario Kart 64, one of the first games released for the Nintendo 64 platform, is an updated translation of the very popular Super Mario Kart for the Super NES (SNES). And while the game clearly takes full advantage of the graphics power and speed of the N64, a few components that made the original so compelling have been left out of this release.
Still, Nintendo's expertise at sucking players into the game world is strongly evident, and Mario Kart 64 offers enough challenges to keep players (especially casual gamers) entertained. Placing a familiar Nintendo personality behind the wheel of a sputtering kart powered by a 50, 100, or 150-cc engine, the game lets players race computerized opponents or up to four other players on a variety of well-designed tracks. Because karts lack the power and speed of race cars, drivers must focus on collecting power-ups and nonlethal weapons rather than negotiating hairpin turns on two wheels. Grabbing and using on-track items is the heart of the game's fun: a strategically-placed banana peel sends the unlucky victim into a spin, nailing an opponent with a turtle shell launches their vehicle skyward, and a rocket provides a quick boost to near-breakneck speeds, if only for a moment.
The multiplayer mode provides enormously chaotic fun for up to four players--flip it on at a party and watch the guests congregate around the screen. --Eric Twelker
Pros:
Well-designed tracks
Simple controls
Strong multiplayer appeal
Cons:
Computerized opponents sometimes pull off questionable feats
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Kid Friendly Gaming:
This is a kid friendly racing game. Many are big turn offs with sexual, and violent usage.
The various levels,and terrain, are fun to explore, with simpler navigation. Each area brings gamers new, and exciting obstacle challenges. Users can chose which character they would like to be. Adding a special pack, sold separately, gives players a feeling of riding one of these cars. A unique factor when a competitor goes off track they can go through water, and sand.
If I remember correctly,... more info
Great Fun with Kids:
A great game to play with your children. Older platform is not a barrier to fun.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!:
Greatest game ever invented? The answer to that question, sir or madam, is YES. Seriously, I lost my virginity to this game. It was a bet...that's all I'll say about that. "I'm the best!!" -Toad
I love it!!:
THis is the best game ever. I am very competitive in this game. Yoshi rocks! Keep those blue shells coming ;)
