Originally posted on TheSpeedGamers
Wut U Talkin Bout is a quick look at overlooked titles in gaming history, or a overlooked entry in a franchise.
There is no doubt that the Mario Kart series is one of the most popular franchises in the gaming industry. Chances are, if you are familiar with the gaming scene, you have played at least one Mario Kart title. Mario Kart GP aside, all of the releases have been fairly popular except for one lovely little bugger known as Mario Kart Super Circuit. Despite being released for the juggernaut that was the Gameboy Advanced, Mario Kart Super Circuit never got the attention that the rest of the series has enjoyed.
There really isn’t too much to say about Mario Kart Super Circuit. It is a Mario Kart game, and it is a pretty good one. Aside from the character sprites which look ripped straight from Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit looks and plays a lot like an upgraded version of the SNES classic, Super Mario Kart. Even all the tracks from Super Mario Kart are unlockable in Super Circuit. Super Circuit also has the coins which are exclusive to it and the original.
One thing that does stand out in Super Circuit is how difficult it is compared to more recent Mario Kart games. There is a lot more skill is involved, but it doesn’t sacrifice that luck factor that helps define the Mario Kart series. Controls feel a bit loose and staying on the track during a turn can be a bit challenging. Power sliding is no easy feat either, and can often backfire on you completely if you don’t line up your turns correctly. Where as in more recent entries, power sliding is pretty much as easy as pie. The outcome of races in Mario Kart Super Circuit is usually more based off your driving skills, and not so much of how many blue shells are thrown.
If Mario Kart Super Circuit falls on any point it is that the level design is incredibly flat. With a similar visual style to the original Super Mario Kart, there isn’t any room for change in elevation on tracks. Tracks usually amount to some tricky turns and a few small jumps, and that’s about it. While some tracks still have unique designs, many of them feel identical to each other with only different back drops and names. But if you like Super Mario Kart’s track design, this shouldn’t be much of a issue.
Every Mario Karts share some similar qualities, and pretty much all of them are fun for anyone to pick up and play. But should you bother stepping back to Super Circuit? If you miss the days of old with Super Mario Kart, Super Circuit will give you a slightly updated version of that classic gameplay. Or if the new Mario Kart titles seem a little bit easy for your tastes, Mario Kart Super Circuit might be worth checking out. Just don’t expect the crazy level designs we see in the franchise today. It is fairly affordable running around $15 for a used copy. It’s worth the price if you decide to buy it. But if you can find it even cheaper then that, definitely give it a whirl.
