Mario Kart 64

"Even with a few problems, it still manages to be as fun as the original version"

I still remember when I first played Mario Kart 64 back in early 1997; it was so awesome, I was begging my parents to buy me an N64 so I could play it and other N64 games. 10 years later, Mario Kart 64 was released on Wii Virtual Console, which at that point was the only Mario Kart game on Wii. However, how does Mario Kart 64 hold up on the Wii?

Graphics
The graphics still have the same interesting style used in the original version; while the tracks and item boxes are rendered in 3D, the characters are detailed 2D sprites, which give the game a unique look compared to all the other Mario Kart games and clones. The graphics are sharper than in the original N64 version, but the coloring is much darker, making some tracks much harder to see on my TV (Most notably, Banshee Boardwalk). Overall, it still looks great, but the coloring needs to be a little brighter.
Graphics: 7 out of 10

Controls
You have two options this time; you can use a Gamecube controller or a Wii Classic Controller. The Gamecube controller is comfortable to use, but drifting can be a pain because of its pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons. The Classic Controller is much easier to drift, because its shoulder buttons are less pressure-sensitive than a Gamecube controller, but the positioning of the A button combined with the controller's roundness on the bottom make it uncomfortable to use for more than a few races.
Controls: 8 out of 10

Music \ Sound Effects
It's completely unchanged; every last song, voice clip, and sound effect from the original N64 version is here. It's still just as great as it was years ago.
Music \ Sound Effects: 10 out of 10

Gameplay
It's the same as before; all the main features are here, like the Mini-Turbo and 150CC karts being available from the start. However, the ability to save "ghosts" of your best times is not available, because of a lack of support for the Controller Pak (This is another one of the weak points in the Virtual Console version). The multiplayer is still there, with both the Versus and Battle modes available. It's still just as fun as before, and thanks to wireless controllers, you and your friends can play from any area in the room without any wires running everywhere, which is a plus.
Gameplay: 8 out of 10

Overall
Though it has some flaws brought on by Wii Virtual Console, Mario Kart 64 still manages to be as fun as the original release was over 10 years earlier. However, if you own an N64, I'd suggest buying an original copy over the Virtual Console version. But, it's worth buying if you don't own an N64 anymore or missed out on it the first time for any reason.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/16/08

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