[Green Yoshi]

I really enjoyed the Wii version, because of it's of it online mode and the 16 new courses (especially Maple Treeway).
The trick system and mini turbos were fun, too. Luck definitely plays a bigger role than in the SNES version. But I can't stand the graphics of the SNES version, because Mario Kart 64 was my first Mario Kart game.

[mrklaw]

The computer controlled carts use their own signature weapons to stop you as a counter-balance because they can't use those question block items on the ground; those are there for you only - the player. You can easily outrun the computer players anyway (unless you're complete sh!t at the game). When I'm playing SMK on 150cc, Luigi uses invinciblity star all the time but he doesn't actually increase speed when using it, so you can still outrun him with a fair bit of ease. Such was the nuanced balance in this game.

Avatar quote.

My favourite is SMK, we used to have a super famicom set up in the office and had a running tournament going at lunchtimes. So good. MK64 was ok, but I didn't like double dash, not a fan of the added gimmicks. MKDS and 7 seem pretty good, but the tracks are still a bit wide in modern versions compared to earlier games. Maybe mor focus on the weapons and shenanigans than racing, and I prefer more emphasis on the racing

[KaizorPenguin]

MKDS wins because of Mission mode, so good. My fondest memories are from 64 though, friendships were forged and broken over that game.

[Jrmint]

Double Dash > all

[Emperor Bohe]

does anyone know if it's still possible to play MK:DD online by using a program that converts the LAN to online... I think XLinkKai used to be able to do that

[The Hermit]

MK7>DS>DD>SMK>>>>>>>>>>N64

whoa, my list is the exact opposite... mostly because of N64 4p local-multiplayer and SNES music and perfect gameplay (I still think that battle was at best in this version, dodging red shells for the win)
Its really not the same playing MK on a portable, I can't play Mario Kart on my own...

Any of the other four later releases capture the same spirit of the first three?

The games are becoming more party games, instead of racing... so in my opinion (which seems is the least popular) you might not like them as much as the first 2. Super Circuit was amazing for the sole fact that it had all tracks from SMK.

EDIT: Wait, I forgot about the Wii version. It was amazing too! But battle mode is terrible compared to SNES and N64 versions.

[Jrmint]

That's exactly how I feel.

I could never get into the ds games.

[Leondexter]

Hard to pick a favorite, but the original and 64 got the most play time out of me. Until 7, they'd generally been getting easier (vs. CPU) and more luck-based (multiplayer), which I didn't like, so Double Dash and Wii were letdowns.

Double Dash's LAN mode is the worst multiplayer game mode in the history of games. It takes so long to start - and I mean measured in minutes, not seconds - and then you don't even get to pick a character! Worth a special mention 'cause I'm still pissed I bought 2 LAN adapters to play it.

I loved Super Circuit, by the way. Looks like it's not getting enough love.

[Rm88~]

Super Circuit's controls are just not very good, I think. I don't have a lot of fun playing it compared to every other game in the series.

[Spanish Wrath]

To me, the best one of the whole series is Mario Kart Super Circuit, followed by Mario Kart 7.

[Magnus]

Can never seem to get friends interested in multiplayer, and the single player experience in all Mario Karts is ultimately terrible (rubber band AI, instant I-WIN power ups, etc) and short. So I've never really managed to enjoy the games. :(