Mario Kart 64

"Not so good anymore but still fun with friends"

A few weeks ago during their self proclaimed Virtual Console drought, gamers were asking when the next Nintendo 64 game would come out and more importantly, which one would it be. We didn't have to wait much longer with the arrival of Mario Kart 64, which was released on Australia Day. The game a definite fan favourite and one of the best multiplayer games of it's time.

Unfortunately, 10 years on and three sequels later the game is beginning to crack under the pressure that once held it up on such high steed. Everything in Mario Kart 64 is available from the get go, 16 well designed tracks, 8 racers and four battle modes for you and up to four friends to duke it out on. Then aside from a different menu screen, you've basically uncovered everything there is about this game. Don't worry about unlockables or deep stat tracking; this game has none of that.

The main chunk of the game takes part over 4 Cups, each comprised of four tracks that progress in difficulty the further and longer you race against A.I opponents. These tracks vary from Koopa's Beach to Choco Mountain all the way to probably the most hated of all Mario Kart's Rainbow Ride. There are four ways to race in all, 50cc, 100cc, 150cc and Mirror Mode. Again Mirror Mode is unlocked by slugging your way through the game; just don't forget which cups you have done.

Here comes the biggest problem of Mario Kart 64 and is most obvious all these years later, no mater how fast or skilful you are, no matter how cunning you are with your shortcut usage or item boosts, the A.I opponents will always catch up. It's almost as if they're given a shot of mushroom juice if you take the lead for even a remote second. Add the very sluggish controls where the kart feels like its just sliding across the road without any tread on the tyres and you have a combination for disaster.

Fortunately the sound, most notably the soundtrack, is still as memorable as ever, including that little celebration piece at the end of every Cup. Characters still do their little high-pitched celebration whenever they take down an opponent and items make their signature sounds as is to be expected. The visuals however aren't as impressive as I once remember. Textures are incredibly bland and the environments are dull to look at. Draw distance is terrible as opponents will seamlessly fade off screen when they're only a few seconds ahead of you.

As the game has been padded out and now takes up the entire screen (Some say the 64 version had black lines, I honestly cannot remember this) the pixels become eye poison and the 2-d character spirits have this peculiar edging to them. It may not be as visually impressive as I remember, but it's still a visual treat for a 64 game.

If you're purchasing this for that good old nostalgic feeling, I'd suggest sticking with your 64 cart. Mario Kart 64 is a reminder to us of why some games should stay locked up in the closet and only be pulled out on the rarest of occasions for single play. Otherwise only purchase this if you want the multiplayer, which is still as fun as it ever was. This makes we wonder what the next big Nintendo 64 title will be on the Virtual Console and if it will live up to old expectations. Only time will tell. For now, stick with Super Mario 64.

Presentation: 3 Stars out of 5
Value For $: 4 Stars out of 5
Nostalgia: 2 Stars out of 5

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/02/07