01-31-2007, 07:18 PM
After adding 2000 Wii Points to my account I was dead set on 2 games. Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64. The former was the much anticipated sequel to the original Super Mario Kart and at the time was one of the N64's greatest gems. However when stacked up to it's successors Mario Kart 64 pales in comparison. The game features the basics of all Mario Kart titles. The 8 major characters battle it out in 4 different cups, on 16 different courses.
GRAPHICS
The visuals are great and very impressive for an N64 title. The biggest problem I have is that the charcters anre simply 2D sprites in a 3D environment. I first noticed this during a trophy presentation when it became very apparant but also later on when my character somehow slid in front of the computer à la Paper Mario when it seemed that we were side by side. I will say however, that aside from these situations it's not something that's very noticable.
SOUNDS
They aren't bad, but they aren't so great. The music in game is OK but I feel it could have been better, even for it's time. Aside from that you won't hear anything else aside from the characters saying a few words here and there and your kart being hit or spinning out.
GAMEPLAY
This is the part that sets Mario Kart 64 the farthest away from it's sequels. I've been spoiled by the drifting boost sparks, great new items, and the exploding blue shells that it makes the 64 version seem very bland and plain. I did learn however that Mario Kart 64 did have something similar to the drifting from Double Dash and DS, but the boost it gives you isn't even nearly as dramatic. You will also notice that when you're playing through a cup there will always be two other characters that seem to be challenging you for the top spot, and no one else. The worst part of it is that if you were to get them with a banana and push them back into 5th or 6th, in a couple seconds they've somehow gotten right back on your tail in 2nd. I've noticed that by looking at the mini-map and that other view that has a box going around the screen that once either of your "rivals" has been pushed back, they will somehow get a HUGE speed burst and then once they catch up to you, will start going their normal speed.
LASTING APPEAL
I doubt you'll be playing this game for very long, at least not in one sitting. You can get bored of it very quickly which is why I only play one cup at a time so that I can stretch as much as I can out of it. It lacks lots of depth in single player mode, and eventhough it's better with friends you and your pals will still get bored and move onto something else fairly quickly.
BUY
Buy it only if you are starved for some kart racing action and are without Double Dash!! or Mario Kart DS.
DON'T BUY
Don't buy if you already own Mario Kart: Double Dash!! or Mario Kart DS. I also recommend that if you have the necessary GameCube accessories (memory card and controllers) that you go out and get Double Dash!! You'll enjoy it much more.
SCORE
GRAPHICS: 8.9/10
- It looks very nice and was well put together, in spite of the 2D sprites.
SOUND: 7.8/10
- Like I said, not terrible, but not great.
GAMEPLAY: 7.1/10
- Too many of the little things really ticked me off.
LASTING APPEAL: 6.6/10
- I don't recommend you play for more than an hour at a time, otherwise you'll get very bored, very fast.
OVERALL: 7.1/10 (not an average)
Excellent - Great - Good - Average - Bad - Avoid
- Kindrik
