Why Mario Kart is the greatest game ever created

[Xguy]

I know I'm the new guy here, and this will no doubt draw snicker, after giggle, after "Halo is better", after "PS2 is the greatest"...and so on, let's just chalk it up to opinion.

Anywho...

I have enjoyed the Mario Kart series since it's inception back in the good 'ol SNES days. Back on the flat tracks similar to the ones I now enjoy on my GBA. Back when it was a two player masterpiece. Then came a light so blinding that most could not bear it look straight into it...Mario Kart for the N64.

Myself and my roomates thoughout that time spent days at a time playing that game nonstop. Four player mode! Loser sits out (and fetches beers)! We lined up to play. Everyday after work or class we would flock to whomever's house was the agreed upon spot to fight for our Mario Kart honor, which if I may brag, usually belonged to me. I was the one they all gunned for, and night after night I retained my crown. The level of skill in that room on any given night was amazing. If we heard someone claim to be a "Mario Kart Master", you better believe they were challenged on the spot, and invited over. I made a lot of good friends simply by getting together to play MK64. It is without doubt the best "roommate game" ever.

Now those of us who have the pleasure to play GC have the chance to play the most recent installment of the game, which I must say, is stunning! The two rider concept is awesome, and the game is nearly flawless on every level. Plus, who doesn't enjoy the cartoon characters and their trademark shouts and dances.

All that aside, my point in all of this rambling is simply this: what other game can offer the whole package for multiplayer enjoyment like MK (and please don't say Bond)?

I've seen this game make the least competitive people I know scream bloody murder at their misfortunes as they try to cross the finish line only to be pelted by a red shell, or as they watch the driver passing them use their final mushroom burst. I've never played a game that involves such a great balance of skill and luck.

So in conclusion, thank you Nintendo for continuing what has been a grand tradition with this game. I guess this means that PS2 and Xbox must be on their last leg. ;)

[Gadfly2317]

I know I'm the new guy here, and this will no doubt draw snicker, after giggle, after "Halo is better", after "PS2 is the greatest"...and so on, let's just chalk it up to opinion.

Anywho...

I have enjoyed the Mario Kart series since it's inception back in the good 'ol SNES days. Back on the flat tracks similar to the ones I now enjoy on my GBA. Back when it was a two player masterpiece. Then came a light so blinding that most could not bear it look straight into it...Mario Kart for the N64.

Myself and my roomates thoughout that time spent days at a time playing that game nonstop. Four player mode! Loser sits out (and fetches beers)! We lined up to play. Everyday after work or class we would flock to whomever's house was the agreed upon spot to fight for our Mario Kart honor, which if I may brag, usually belonged to me. I was the one they all gunned for, and night after night I retained my crown. The level of skill in that room on any given night was amazing. If we heard someone claim to be a "Mario Kart Master", you better believe they were challenged on the spot, and invited over. I made a lot of good friends simply by getting together to play MK64. It is without doubt the best "roommate game" ever.

Now those of us who have the pleasure to play GC have the chance to play the most recent installment of the game, which I must say, is stunning! The two rider concept is awesome, and the game is nearly flawless on every level. Plus, who doesn't enjoy the cartoon characters and their trademark shouts and dances.

All that aside, my point in all of this rambling is simply this: what other game can offer the whole package for multiplayer enjoyment like MK (and please don't say Bond)?

I've seen this game make the least competitive people I know scream bloody murder at their misfortunes as they try to cross the finish line only to be pelted by a red shell, or as they watch the driver passing them use their final mushroom burst. I've never played a game that involves such a great balance of skill and luck.

So in conclusion, thank you Nintendo for continuing what has been a grand tradition with this game. I guess this means that PS2 and Xbox must be on their last leg. ;)

I'm still waiting for Halo Kart on my xbox. Racing the Warthog: Sweeeeeet!!! (No, seriously guys.)

Mario Kart Double Dash, I've gotta say, surpassed my expectations. We've played this one so much, so many little touches not seen in other games. In addition to getting blasted right at the finish line, have you tasted the bitter defeat of having your turtleshell snatched right out of your hand as you were preparing to shoot it? (yes, you can steal other players items in co-op mode. This game had so many little differences, but I've made that epic post already, too typed out from work to do it again. Suffice it say, I think it may not be THE greatest games ever, but its one of the most fun.

[no.1gamer]

Yea, I think Mario Kart is possibly the greatest multiplayer game from this generation of consoles. I even stated so in my review here on this website. :)

One way to sum up all that is Mario Kart greatness is looking at the knock-off Crash Nitro Kart which was released the same time as Double Dash. PS2 and Xbox gamers all claimed they had a Mario Kart "clone" or a game to substitute Mario Kart on their consoles. Truth be told there is only one Mario Kart on only one current gaming console! Crash Kart Nitro (not surprising to me) fell short of the bar Mario Kart: Double Dash raised.

[Renzatic Gear]

Crash Team Racing was fairly cool, though. Probably the only kart racing game to come close to matching the MK series.

[trebor]

I can get on board with this theory.

First off, if we all accept the theory that Mario Kart is the greatest game ever (and why wouldn't you?), then it is easy surmise that Mario Kart Double Dash is the greatest game ever. Reason being that Double Dash is the greatest Mario Kart ever. So logic would dictate that since Double Dash happens to be the greatest Mario Kart ever, the rules of mathmatics prove that Double Dash is also the greatest game ever created. Demostrated by this equation...

If Mario Kart is greater than all other videogames, and Double Dash is greater than all other Mario Karts, then Double Dash is greater than all other videogames.

Look to the formula below...

(Mario Kart > all other video games) + (Double Dash > all other Mario Karts) = Double Dash > all other video games.

You see? Mathmatical proof that Mario Kart Double Dash is the greatest game ever created.

I suppose now I should mention why exactly Mario Kart is so great. It is the very best multiplayer experience available, there is nothing more satisfying then defeating your true enemies on the field of battle and nothing so devastating as losing to a true enemy. Smack-talking peppers the excitement and emotions flavor it.

The multiplayer experience inherent in Double Dash is also infinitely superior to any online equivalent, because nothing can surpass the experience with people in the same room. Online gaming is stale and solitary in many ways, while real human interaction is always preferable - providing that you actually have friends to begin with, that is.

So in conclusion, Mario Kart OWNZ JOOT!!111

[Bob-the-Fish]

The only thing wrong with the multiplayer aspect of DD is the bull-headedness of Nintendo itself. Why oh why did they have to down play internet so much that their network adapter is worthless? This game screams network play. For that fact alone I'd still say that Halo is the best multiplayer game around.

[Thrower, WCG-Fanboy Flame]

With the lack of Technical spazz in the game the lack of tracks and what not but after my cousins came over (there young ages 10 to 16) and I truly got to experience the multiplayer I fell in love all over again. I don't think this is as good as the 64 version (battlemode!) but it's still pretty good. Why I don't think it's the greatest game ever is because in Single player I think this game loses a lot of it's magic.

[Xguy]

My dear Thrower...have you not played the battel modes on DD? They havethe same basic balloon battle <i>plus</i> they have added a bomb battle, which is basically the same concept, but you collect stars by hitting your opponents with bombs and you lose stars when they hit you, and my favorite of the bunch is the "Shine Thief". Shine Theif is basically "smear the queer", but with a fun little sunshine instead of a football. the battle modes of GC are far superior to that on the N64.

One of the things I failed to mention though is the staying power of the older versions, especially N64. I still play MK64 with my old buds when we hang out, unless of course they have DD.

Trebor, I do like you math equation though. I think if we played the game together we may be "true enemies" as you mentioned in your post.

[no.1gamer]

Has anyone tried warp pipe with MKDD yet?

[trebor]

.
Trebor, I do like you math equation though. I think if we played the game together we may be "true enemies" as you mentioned in your post.

Perhaps. I play with some heavy-hitting contendah's - if you know what I mean.

[Deathstroke]

Crash Team Racing was fairly cool, though. Probably the only kart racing game to come close to matching the MK series.

Naughty Dog should make a Jak Team Racing with all the characters from the Jak and Daxter franchise. Hell, throw in Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank characters too. It should be pretty decent considering how fun CTR was back in the day and still is.

[Xguy]

Naughty Dog should make a Jak Team Racing with all the characters from the Jak and Daxter franchise. Hell, throw in Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank characters too. It should be pretty decent considering how fun CTR was back in the day and still is.

Sounds like the other systems are on their last leg and trying to keep up with GC!
:p

Crash Team Racing was pretty fun, but it paled in comparison to MK.

[Deathstroke]

Sounds like the other systems are on their last leg and trying to keep up with GC!
:p

Crash Team Racing was pretty fun, but it paled in comparison to MK.

:Shrug: Wouldn't know. I never cared enough about Mario Kart to give it the time of day.

[Xguy]

:Shrug: Wouldn't know. I never cared enough about Mario Kart to give it the time of day.

Weird, I would think since you are a fan of CTR you would want to try the game that started the trend. Seems obvious you haven't spent a lot of time playing MK. I know quite a few people who have played both, or own both and without exception they prefer MK.

[Deathstroke]

Weird, I would think since you are a fan of CTR you would want to try the game that started the trend. Seems obvious you haven't spent a lot of time playing MK. I know quite a few people who have played both, or own both and without exception they prefer MK.

Actually, I've spent no time playing Mario Kart.

This time it was a toss up between F-zero and Mario Kart DD and since DD was said to be practically unchanged from the N64 version, I went with F-zero.

[Xguy]

Actually, I've spent no time playing Mario Kart.

This time it was a toss up between F-zero and Mario Kart DD and since DD was said to be practically unchanged from the N64 version, I went with F-zero.

DD is immensly different than MK64.

For starters, you have two racers that can switch spots during the race, giving you the abilities of that racer to drive, and your gunner to knock other racers around.

Each character has a special power that is unique to them and their counterpart. For example, Toad and Toadette get "super mushrooms", Yoshi and his counterpart (name escapes me) roll a heat seeking egg that, once it travels a certain distance or hits another team, explodes and drops items on the track such as stars and mushrooms, and so on.

There are also a multitude of karts to choose from, each having a unique set of driving abilities.

As previously mentioned, you can steal "goodies" from other teams gunners.

You can not "drag" an item behind you to fend off incoming shells, instead, you get an alert that something is headed your way, and you must time the backwards firing of you item to hit the incoming item.

You cannot hop, so you must use the power slide.

In addtion to that, the courses are much more challenging, and the game is much faster.

I know I'm leaving a lot out, but it's a good idea of how different it is.

[no.1gamer]

DD is immensly different than MK64.

For starters, you have two racers that can switch spots during the race, giving you the abilities of that racer to drive, and your gunner to knock other racers around.

Each character has a special power that is unique to them and their counterpart. For example, Toad and Toadette get "super mushrooms", Yoshi and his counterpart (name escapes me) roll a heat seeking egg that, once it travels a certain distance or hits another team, explodes and drops items on the track such as stars and mushrooms, and so on.

There are also a multitude of karts to choose from, each having a unique set of driving abilities.

As previously mentioned, you can steal "goodies" from other teams gunners.

You can not "drag" an item behind you to fend off incoming shells, instead, you get an alert that something is headed your way, and you must time the backwards firing of you item to hit the incoming item.

You cannot hop, so you must use the power slide.

In addtion to that, the courses are much more challenging, and the game is much faster.

I know I'm leaving a lot out, but it's a good idea of how different it is.

I think the biggest (and best) change is that each character you choose has access to a specific special item. That along with the fact that the different karts have different driving attributes means you have to strategically choose your team and kart. This is once again something I mentioned in my review of MKDD. Which was worthy of a ROTD award, if there still was one.

BTW, Xguy you should go write a review for MKDD. I'd like to read it. And don't forget to vote for mine!

[trebor]

Actually, I've spent no time playing Mario Kart.

This time it was a toss up between F-zero and Mario Kart DD and since DD was said to be practically unchanged from the N64 version, I went with F-zero.

Man o' man are you ever missing out - I would have thought for sure that you would have this game. You need to buy it. Today. Right now. Trust me. Anyone who claims that it is unchanged from the N64 version either is a PS2/Xbox fanboy or is smoking heavy amounts of crack.

Aside from the obvious changes that Xguy mentioned, there are a host of subtle changes too. For instance the goodies you get can be knocked out of your hands and then litter the course - so every single game ends up being different because of the inherent randomness of said dropped goodies. There is a great co-op mode. There is a LAN mode. There are a host of unlockables.

If you are a fan of CTR, then you would absolutely love Double Dash.

[Renzatic Gear]

I can get on board with this theory.

First off, if we all accept the theory that Mario Kart is the greatest game ever (and why wouldn't you?), then it is easy surmise that Mario Kart Double Dash is the greatest game ever. Reason being that Double Dash is the greatest Mario Kart ever. So logic would dictate that since Double Dash happens to be the greatest Mario Kart ever, the rules of mathmatics prove that Double Dash is also the greatest game ever created. Demostrated by this equation...

If Mario Kart is greater than all other videogames, and Double Dash is greater than all other Mario Karts, then Double Dash is greater than all other videogames.

Look to the formula below...

(Mario Kart > all other video games) + (Double Dash > all other Mario Karts) = Double Dash > all other video games.

You see? Mathmatical proof that Mario Kart Double Dash is the greatest game ever created.

So in conclusion, Mario Kart OWNZ JOOT!!111
Whoa! That's WAY too much algebra for a SW post, Trebor...I think it's best that you never do that again.

["The Game"Evolution]

Whoa! That's WAY too much algebra for a SW post, Trebor...I think it's best that you never do that again.

There are so many great games of this genre thats come before and after Mario Kart.So many forgotten games from the past and present that was just as fun if not perhaps a little over the top than Mario Kart:DD.

Games from the past like Twisted Metal 2,Vilgilante 8,Ridge Racer Revolution,Rage Racer,Need For Speed,Road Rash,Rallisport Challenge;etc Then theres the grandaddy of racers Grand Turismo.If Mario Kart would've been online then you may have had a legit beef.But lets face it this game is the same game we've all played on the N64 years ago.

Yes the graphics are better and yes the gameplay is alot smoother.But its really nothing new that we havent seen or heard of before.Thats not hating on it thats telling it like it is.MK:DD is one of the best ever but its light years away from being THE best ever.

[Nissian X]

I know I'm the new guy here, and this will no doubt draw snicker, after giggle, after "Halo is better", after "PS2 is the greatest"...and so on, let's just chalk it up to opinion.

Anywho...

I have enjoyed the Mario Kart series since it's inception back in the good 'ol SNES days. Back on the flat tracks similar to the ones I now enjoy on my GBA. Back when it was a two player masterpiece. Then came a light so blinding that most could not bear it look straight into it...Mario Kart for the N64.

Myself and my roomates thoughout that time spent days at a time playing that game nonstop. Four player mode! Loser sits out (and fetches beers)! We lined up to play. Everyday after work or class we would flock to whomever's house was the agreed upon spot to fight for our Mario Kart honor, which if I may brag, usually belonged to me. I was the one they all gunned for, and night after night I retained my crown. The level of skill in that room on any given night was amazing. If we heard someone claim to be a "Mario Kart Master", you better believe they were challenged on the spot, and invited over. I made a lot of good friends simply by getting together to play MK64. It is without doubt the best "roommate game" ever.

Now those of us who have the pleasure to play GC have the chance to play the most recent installment of the game, which I must say, is stunning! The two rider concept is awesome, and the game is nearly flawless on every level. Plus, who doesn't enjoy the cartoon characters and their trademark shouts and dances.

All that aside, my point in all of this rambling is simply this: what other game can offer the whole package for multiplayer enjoyment like MK (and please don't say Bond)?

I've seen this game make the least competitive people I know scream bloody murder at their misfortunes as they try to cross the finish line only to be pelted by a red shell, or as they watch the driver passing them use their final mushroom burst. I've never played a game that involves such a great balance of skill and luck.

So in conclusion, thank you Nintendo for continuing what has been a grand tradition with this game. I guess this means that PS2 and Xbox must be on their last leg. ;)

I can almost agree with you 100% on this. I love MK 64, I'd say it easily cracks my top 3 for 64. It's so fun, when you have a bunch of people around, and theres ALWAYS one person that ALWAYS wins and needs to be put into thier place. I'd say MK is Nintendo's best franchise.

[Xguy]

Then theres the grandaddy of racers Grand Turismo

Oh no.

Let's see...what is more fun: MK with four players, or GT with two. Plus, while GT gives you a real good idea of what it's like to drive an actual car in a race, that's not the type of video game racing that I am looking for when I'm racing fellow gamers.

GT...come on.

[trebor]

Whoa! That's WAY too much algebra for a SW post, Trebor...I think it's best that you never do that again.

It's actually more of a logic equation then algebraic. You know, if A > B and B > C then A > C. Oops! Guess I'm doing it again.

Your request has been taken under further consideration...

[no.1gamer]

There are so many great games of this genre thats come before and after Mario Kart.

Games from the past like Twisted Metal 2,Vilgilante 8,Ridge Racer Revolution,Rage Racer,Need For Speed,Road Rash,Rallisport Challenge;etc Then theres the grandaddy of racers Grand Turismo.

Oh, come on evolution! MKDD has cartoon characters driving around on go karts. Although some of those are indeed great games they are totally different from MKDD. No kart racing game on any system can hold a candle to the Mario Kart series.

If we're going to use your logic then all games where you drive a car are ripped off from Pole Postion on the Atari 2600.