Chances are if you owned a Super NES at one point it time, you have also played the classic that goes by the name "Super Mario Kart." What is cleverly disguised as a simple spin-off of the Mario platformer games is actually one of the greatest games ever made.
The classic has now returned and this time on Game Boy Advance. The truth is that I don't really need to tell you this game is good. You know it is. But it's my job, so I will anyway. This game is good. Amazingly good. Honestly, how can Nintendo mess up the original Mario Kart formula? But before you dismiss it as a simple rehash, who says you can bring a Super NES on a field trip?
This GBA version of the Super NES classic features 40 tracks altogether. Each of them are spectacularly designed and can be extremely difficult, especially on the 150cc cup. The most amazing track, in my humble opinion, has got to be Snow Land. The track follows an icy path covered with snowmen and snow-topped trees that slow you down. The ice shows off a really nice effect that makes the track appear glossy. It's only a subtle detail but it gives a reason why you're sliding around the ice. Other little minor things like that, like fireballs soaring above the molten lava in Bowser's Castle, really make you wonder how Nintendo can already get so much out of this machine after a few short months.
Luckily Nintendo took the time to add in all the kart racers found in Super Mario Kart. Yes, all eight of them. (Wario also makes another appearance from the Nintendo 64 version of the game, substituting for Koopa.) Each of the characters have their own laughs and sighs as they hit another racer or get hit. I just wish Toad didn't sound like an 9 year old girl.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit really shows what the Game Boy Advance can do. Even better than the first stellar GBA Mario title, Super Mario Advance, Nintendo is sure to please all fans of the original Mario kart racer. Even though this game was originally due for release at the launch of the Game Boy Advance, the few extra months were worth it to the highest degree. Buy it. After all, what better do you have to spend $29.95 on?
-Sam
Company Line
Fasten your seat belts and start your engines, because the original Kart racer is back for the ultimate Grand Prix! Choose from Mario, DK, Bowser and five other characters and race on 20 all-new tracks! Collect coins to unlock even more tracks, race against your own best time in Time Trials, or link up for Single Pak and Multi-Pak multiplayer modes. Whether you're racing in the GP or taking your road rage out on a friend in one of four battle courses, you'll need Game Boy Advance for the craziest kart racing to date!
Hit the accelerator and carefully wind your way through 20 new tracks and many other hidden courses.
Perfect your skills by racing against the computer, then test your steering prowess by going up against friends, since Mario Kart Advance's multi-player capabilities can handle up to four players at a time (Requires Game Boy Advance Game Link cable; sold separately).
Enjoy full-screen racing action - even in multi-player mode!
Marvel at detailed backgrounds with multiple scrolling planes that move in perspective when players take a turn.
Intensify the action by shifting into Battle Mode.
Show no mercy to opponents by using familiar weapons such as red and green koopa shells and the dreaded spiked shell to take them out of your way.
Collect coins as you race to build up speed and survive collisions.
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