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Super Mario Kart (SNES)
by DaveyBoySmith84
Super Mario Kart is simply one of the most playable games of all time. A true pick up and play classic which I have been revisiting again and again for the past 20 years. Modern gaming consoles and games may have more spectacular graphics, sound and depth, but there is something special about the original Mario Kart that means I will ... still be playing this game for the the next 20 years. This is a must have game for anyone wanting to start or add to their SNES collection.
There is a choice of eight characters, broadly divided into four categories of driving style from easy to handle with low top speed (Toad), to poor handling with high top speed (Donkey Kong) and everything in between (Mario). There are four cups to play in grand prix mode which become increasingly challenging, with the infamous Rainbow Road the final track to conquer. There are also three speeds from 50cc to 150cc to contend with, which also increases the level of difficulty. There are various novel powerups to help and hinder you along the way including red shells, which hone in on you nearest opponent causing them to go into a spin, to a lightning bolt which shrinks all your opponents into an easy to run over size (coincidentally you only get this powerup are not doing so well in the race!). There is a time trial mode where you can set course records and lap times, which is very addictive to play as you attempt to beat the ghost of your previous best time.
The two player mode is fantastic. I had a group of friend round but a week ago and we spent most of the night playing Mario Kart on 2 player. The grand prix mode is available, or there is a battle mode where you have to collect powerups in order to burst your opponents 3 baloons, which adds another fun dimesion to the game.
The controls are smooth and although it the game is very easy for anyone to pick up and play, it is a very difficult game to master.
This is undoubtebly a five star game, even by today's high gaming standards. I would not be without it in my Super Nintendo Collection.
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Super Smash TV (N64)
by linusrubik
This is my most favourite game ever. I originally became a fan 'back in the day' when it came out in the arcades. With its dual joystick control for each player, it was an original and innovative control mechanism (first seen in the Robotron: 2084) game, and one that would prove frustratingly difficult to initially get to grips with. ... However, it just had you coming back for more and more. When this game was announced for release on the home console I was ecstatic. If you're a fan of the movie The Running Man then this is the game that should have been developed for the film (unlike the poor actual tie-in that was developed).
The game adopts a top-person shooter point-of-view, where you have to exterminate literally thousands of enemies in each section of the gaming arena before being allowed to progress to the next round. You are given short visuals of the mapped out arena so you can plan your route, which also hosts a number of hidden bonus rooms in each of the four seperate arenas. The collision detection is fantastic, and it needs to be considering the close proximity of the oncoming adversaries. Eight way directional fire really brings the game into its own, along with a host of satisfying weaponary and power-ups for the trigger-happy amongst you. Throw in some random bonus prizes into the equation - toasters, cash, cars, etc (it is a gameshow set in the future remember), humongous end bosses that require a ridiculous amount of firepower to destroy, and a quirky gameshow host throwing in some amusing voiceovers randomly mid-game - you are left with a well rounded game that will keep you coming back for more.
The 2 player cooperative part of the game is also exceptional. Playing alongside your mate as you try to fend of the hordes of bad guys coming your way, whilst cunningly trying to out-do them at the same time by snapping up all the prizes and power-ups before they can leads to a nice level of competitiveness that can also leave a somewhat sourness in the air if you keep snagging all the good stuff before them. Tee hee hee indeed!
My advice, use this review to find yourself a copy of this awesome game (there should be links not too far away), picking up a SNES along the way to play it if you don't already own one, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
A parting thought - imagine this as a 4 or 8 player online game. Come on Williams, you've got a legendary game here, get your finger out and breath some new life into it. I'd certainly buy that for a dollar!
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Mario Kart 64 (N64)
by linusrubik
I still own this game and my N64. When I took on adult like responsibilities such as a mortgage and being a father, most of my gaming passion faded away and died. But not this one, and I'm glad to say my friends and I still get together once in a while and have a full night of karting bliss. Whether you're an older generation gamer in ... their 30's like me or one of the 'new breed' xBox Live generation, every game fan should have played this game at least once in their lives.
With 16 fantastic courses, phenomenal graphics (for it's time anyway), 8 splendidly playable characters and power-ups ahoy, this game is a gem as a standalone. However, it really comes to life when competing against 3 of your friends. There's nothing more satisfying than knocking your mates off-course with a well timed red shell or exploding through them with your invisibility star. This is one game that has truly stood the test of time. If you've never played it before then you need to up your game and find a copy online asap so you too can embrace the wonder that is Mario Kart 64. Failing that, if you only have 1 mate then the 2 player version on the SNES is an equally good investment. And if you used to own this in your youth but have since 'grown up' then shame on you - realise the error of your ways, give yourself a good talking to, and pick yourself up an N64 with this game. For the same cost of a night out at the pub with your mates you could all chip-in and do the right thing. Might even be some leftover cash for takeaway pizza. Or another game! Move over Gran Turismo and Need For Speed, its-a me-a, Mario! See you all at Ghost Valley!
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