Mario Kart Super Circuit

"Mario Kart, the game that established the kart genre, once again raises the standard to which all other kart games will be judged by."

After five years, another Mario Kart game has finally been released. Mario Kart for SNES and N64 were innovative, landmark titles, and this new version continues the trend.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

Features:
This game is full of different things to do. Mario Kart (MKSC) features:
1. Eight Different Racers: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Bowser, Wario, and Donkey Kong.
2. Over Forty Different Tracks: Many brand new tracks and even courses from the SNES game.
3. Single and Multiplayer Link Racing: For up to four players.
4. Five Different Racing Modes: Grand Prix, Quick Race, Time Trial, Battle Mode, and Versus Mode.
5. Only for Game Boy Advance.

Presentation:
Everything on screen is bright, full of energy, and easy to read. Saving is automatic, and moving through any game menu is extremely easy. All in all, it has a very fast, crisp, interface.

Graphics:
What could possibly be said about the graphics in MKSC!? This game puts even Tony Hawk for GBA to shame. By far, the best graphics in Game Boy Advance's short history. The character designs are all 3d, and every character is full of personality. The levels, are also visually stunning, with many realistic touches--such as rain and snow. The graphics in MKSC will be what all other GBA games are going to be measured to.

Sound:
Most games don't have good sound on portable systems. However, with the GBA, decent sound is now possible. In fact, here, Mario Kart doesn't disappoint. MKSC has some of the best sound effects and music yet on GBA. Each character has their own voices in the game. The sound in MKSC is unmatched. The music is also very good--with a light, fun beat. The only game that has better music on the GBA is Castlevania: Circle of the Moon.

Gameplay:
The gameplay on the portable version of Mario Kart remains intact. All of the old weapons make a return, as well as the powerslide. The button configuration is pretty simple, and also really easy to use after a couple of races. With MKSC, gameplay is full of fun and enjoyment, not anger and boredom.

Multiplayer:
The multiplayer game is extremely fun. However, it is limited unless more than one copy of the game is used. With two or more copies, people can play the battle and versus modes with any character and any track. This game has the best multiplayer modes so far of any game. BUT, make sure to have a copy of the game for EACH player. Otherwise, the game can only be played in versus mode, with all characters being a different colored yoshi, and ONLY four tracks to choose from. Bomberman for the GBA is still the best game to get for multiplayer with only one game.

Replay:
Over twenty-five tracks to unlock, over forty times to beat in time trial mode, and trying to accomplish a perfect score on every level will keep a person playing this game for a long time. Aside from this, the multiplayer brings a whole new aspect to the game.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit once again has raised the standard. It is not a perfect game, but it still deserves a 10. It has gone to where no GBA game has gone before. In terms of innovation and creativity, this game is a landmark title. Mario Kart started the kart genre, and has brought it to a new level here. This is the first racing game that should be bought for the GBA.

Score: 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/01/01, Updated 09/01/01