3/5 ★ – user5282's review of Mario Kart 64.

Mario Kart 64 (1996) – ★★★☆☆☆ Mario Kart 64 was a significant leap forward for the series, bringing Mario Kart into the 3D era and delivering a fun, multiplayer experience that became a staple of the Nintendo 64 library. While it introduced several key elements that would shape the series for years to come, it also has some shortcomings that prevent it from standing up to more modern Mario Kart entries. One of the game’s most notable improvements over Super Mario Kart is the transition to 3D graphics. The tracks feel more expansive, the characters are more detailed, and the overall presentation is brighter and more vibrant. However, by today’s standards, the 3D graphics feel a bit rough and blocky. The environments can feel a little simplistic, and the limited draw distance sometimes makes it hard to anticipate upcoming obstacles. While it was impressive for its time, the visuals now show their age. The controls in Mario Kart 64 are a mixed bag. While the racing is generally smoother and more responsive than its 2D predecessor, the handling of the karts can feel a bit floaty and imprecise at times. Turning feels a bit too loose, and the lack of precision can make navigating some of the tighter corners on the tracks a challenge. While this adds a layer of difficulty, it can also be frustrating when trying to maintain a lead or execute sharp turns in crucial moments. The game’s track design is one of its stronger points. There are a variety of creative and fun tracks, with standout ones like Rainbow Road and Wario Stadium offering memorable challenges. However, similar to Super Mario Kart, some tracks can feel repetitive after extended play, and the lack of track variety (with only 16 tracks in total) makes it feel a bit limited, especially when compared to the much larger track counts of later Mario Kart games. The power-up system is as chaotic and fun as ever, with items like the infamous Blue Shell, Bananas, and Green Shells creating the same unpredictable moments that Mario Kart fans love. The item mechanics still add excitement and strategy to the races, though some may feel that certain items, like the dreaded Blue Shell, can swing the momentum of a race too drastically, leading to unfair moments. The multiplayer mode is where Mario Kart 64 truly shines. It’s a blast to play with friends, whether you’re racing on tracks or battling in arenas. The game’s split-screen multiplayer mode was revolutionary for its time, allowing up to four players to join in on the fun. The frantic, competitive nature of the multiplayer races makes Mario Kart 64 a great party game, though the limited number of battle maps makes the multiplayer feel a bit lacking in comparison to more recent entries in the series. In terms of sound, Mario Kart 64 offers a fun and catchy soundtrack, though it lacks the iconic tunes that would later become synonymous with the series. The sound effects are decent, with the kart sounds, item effects, and character voices adding personality, but the audio doesn’t quite stand out as much as the visuals or gameplay. Overall, Mario Kart 64 is a fun game that laid the groundwork for the future of the Mario Kart franchise, but it has its share of flaws that prevent it from standing as the definitive entry in the series. While the track design, multiplayer modes, and power-ups are enjoyable, the dated graphics, imprecise controls, and lack of track variety hold it back from reaching its full potential. It’s a good game, but it’s also a product of its time, earning a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s still a fun and nostalgic ride for fans of the series, but it doesn’t quite hold up as well when compared to the more refined entries that followed.