Circuit Game
Summer Of Retro Entry #3 - Mario Kart Super Circuit
After having decided to tackle Mario Kart Super Circuit on the Summer of Retro-challenge, I felt more than a little bit timid. Could the go-kart racer from 2001 still stand up against the younger siblings, which long ago made the transition into glorious 3D on more powerful and current Nintendo consoles?
Nintendo introduced the kart racer formula bamario_kart_super_circuitck in 1992 on the SNES, and the company didn't change much for the GBA rendition. You still drive go-kart around smallish tracks, compete against a bunch of characters from the Mario universe like Bowser, Peach and Toad. Powerups in the manner of for example weapons and speed boosts are strewn around the field adding mayhem and unpredictability to the basic racing action.
Nintendo created 20 completely new tracks for Super Circuit, while 20 was lifted from earlier games. Tracks are diminutive by nature, and vary from simple to devilish complex affairs filled with obstacles and pitfalls. Opponents can 'handle their own', the game's AI is surprising balanced and fair, and Super Circuit really shines compared to the messed up Mario Kart Wii. Each racer and kart combination feel different, and controls are tight and responsive.
Multiplayer is supported via single or multi-pack. New tracks are made available as you earn top marks in the different cups. Three difficult levels will keep you coming back to hone your skills and earn the last elusive trophies and A-grades.
Super Circuit looks fantastic for a GBA game. Everything from menus to kart sprites are cheerful, shiny and detailed. The so called 'mode 7' fake 3D effect is used to good effect, but doesn't hold a candle to kart racers on e.g. the DS.
The soundtrack is strong, well composed and never grows tiresome, Sound effects are precise with a few samples thrown into the mix here and there.
Should you decided to boot Super Circuit once again, you'll be pleasantly surprised I wager. Gameplay is as hilarious as any later titles in the series, has truly stood the test of time. While the primitive '3D' tracks definitively looks dated beyond repair - Mario Kart Super Circuit hasn't lost an ounce of quality or ability to put a smile on your face.
Verdict: Get it!
------------
Verdict guide:
Get it - Ebay, Amazon or bargain bin - just find it! This game belongs in your collection.
Borrow - Not worth paying premium dollar for, but worth your time.
Never mind - Might've been great in its day, but now .... forget it.
Article is part of the Summer of Retro series on the Handheld Gaming Age blog, more at Summer of Retro.
About the Author
Veteran gamesjourno with several years of work for numerous commercial websites, covering industry news, reviews, previews and various articles. More from the handheld Video Game scene at Handheld Gaming Age.
NBA 2K10 - My Player - Summer Circuit Game 1
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