Mario Kart 64

"A nice little Mario Kart Wii teaser"

Ah, Mario Kart. The best racing game out there, and now the second Mario Kart installment, Mario Kart 64, makes its way onto the Wii virtual console, for all to enjoy. Ah, this game really brings back memories of staying up till midnight playing versus mode and battle mode. The virtual console allows Wii owners to enjoy a wide variety of classic games, from the NES to the N64, and now it brings to us the best racing game on Earth.

Graphics: 10/10
For its time, Mario Kart 64 (MK64) has incredible graphics. Despite the characters being 2D sprites, the interpolations make them look almost 3D. You can see smoke trails as the koopa shells sail across the track to their victims. Fire trails stream out as you boost to amazing speed with a mushroom and vice versa.

Sound: 10/10
Each track has listening music so you don't get bored. And it's dang good music. Each soundtrack fits the atmosphere of the race track. All the in-game sounds fit in very well. Hit the ground after a tremendous jump and receive the pleasure of hearing a loud thud! Also, none of the sounds seem to get annoying.

Gameplay: 10/10
You can play MK64 with up to four players, for more than double the fun! With two players, you can play through a grand prix, not co-op style, but in a sort of competitive co-op kind of way. With three or more players, the versus mode and balloon battle mode are available. Single-players offers two modes: Grand Prix and time trial. During races, you will use items and other crazy strategies to reach the checkered flag such as power slides and mini-boosts. The races never seem to get boring. Even after you've beaten each cup, you'll still be hooked on to MK64, what with time trials and extra difficulty modes.

Replay value: 9/10
The single-player only offers two modes, so get on that phone and invite some friends over for some wacky Mario Kart fun! The two single-player modes is the only reason I gave the replay value a 9/10. If you have friends to invite over for some Mario Kart fun, the game just never seems to get boring. The multi-player modes will definitely keep you hooked for quite a while.

One word summary:
Awesome!

Final words:
If you are a true Mario Kart, racing game fan, or even have never played a racing game, definitely buy this off of the Wii Shop Channel! It's worth every point! Prepare yourself for insane afternoons with this masterpiece, as beverages are spilled, insults are exchanged, and nobody gets any rest! This, and Mario Kart DS should be enough Mario Kart fun to keep you busy until the much anticipated release of the latest installment, Mario Kart Wii.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/04/08

Game Release: Mario Kart 64 (US, 01/29/07)