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Super Mario Kart - and the rest was shit
- Thread starter James Power
- Start date
rollingstart
Banned
I think that Super Mario Kart is the best single player Mario Kart with Mario Kart DS coming in second. That said, 4 player Mario Kart 64 is just superb and that alone makes me like MK64 the most. Racing mode and battle mode are such a blast with 4 people.
If I was stranded on an island alone, I would want SMK, but if I had a few more poeple with me then Mario Kart 64.
If I was stranded on an island alone, I would want SMK, but if I had a few more poeple with me then Mario Kart 64.
Suburban Cowboy
Member
By far my favorite Mario Kart
A Black Falcon
Member
AniHawk said:
I also didn't have a SNES until a couple of years ago, and had played Mario Kart 64 long before I ever played the SNES version (though I had played PC Mario Kart style games like Wacky Wheels and Skunny Kart, great games). I agree with most of this, except for the parts about Super Mario World and F-Zero. Even though it's short, I really loved SNES F-Zero... it's probably my favorite racing game of the generation. It's just as good as the N64 and GC F-Zero games, really. And Super Mario World is just incredible (as is Yoshi's Island). I think that I like Mario World more than Mario 3, too...
But Star Fox vs. Star Fox 64? Yeah, Star Fox SNES is almost impossible to play after you've so much as seen the N64 game. Between the lack of targetting cursor and the horrible framerate, going back and actually trying to play it is an exercise in frustration. In comparison, the N64 game is still one of the best rail shooters ever. LttP is definitely worse than Link's Awakening in pretty much every category. And Mario Kart... yes, Mario Kart 64 is most definitely better. Of the series I've only played SMK, MK64, and MKDD, but Mario Kart 64 is far and away the best of the three. Super Mario Kart is good, but the controls are kind of frustrating sometimes (I never finished the fourth cup. The controls are just too annoying.), it's forced splitscreen, and it gets overly hard in the fourth cup. I also think that the track designs of Mario Kart 64 are a lot better... 3d gave the series a lot, I think. F-Zero holds up better versus F-Zero X, honestly... though that might be the futuristic racing fan in me talking, who loves a lot of games in the subgenre (over other racing subgenres like kart racers).
AniHawk said:
I dunno, in a way how LA is somewhat of a refined version of LttP, SMW is in many ways refined from SMB3. Though, I suppose you could still argue that 3 is superior. Still better than YI anyway.
edit: Well, thinking about it, LA only did the overworld better, and that's pretty much it (well, aside from the story if you're into that sort of thing, of course).
No Means Nomad
Banned
I don't even know what this is and can't remember any kind of forced split-screen in Mario Kart. I mean...you can't play with two people on one screen and in that instance it forces split-screen, but otherwise I'm not sure what's up.Odrion said:
Oblivion said:
The difference between SMW and SMB3 and ALttP and LA is that the former felt like they were playing it safe while the latter had branched out and tried something different. SMB3 was a huge departure from SMB. Many new abilities, new map system, items to be used outside of game worlds, etc. SMW, like you said, is a refinement (sorta). Doesn't make it bad, but it doesn't feel as fresh as SMB3.
LA's major contribution was its original plot and setting (for the Zelda series and for a video game at the time). Unlike ALttP, it didn't have to be set in Hyrule and you didn't have to save the princess. It was a surreal dreamworld. It sort of parallels OoT and MM, except I think OoT's superior level design made it better. LA and ALttP were on the same level for me, so its originality is what boosted it over the SNES title.
permutated
Banned
James Power said:
There's one good Mario Kart game and that is the Super NES original. Everything that came after it to this day is pure, utter and complete shit.
I stopped reading right there, because you an I are already on the same wave length.
AniHawk said:
I can get that, sure. But do you think just a change in setting and villain/characters is enough for it to be considered a major contribution? I mean, I luurves me some LA, but gameplay was still for the most part very similar.
Oblivion said:
I think it introduced an element that was very absent in past games in the series. There were some consequences tied onto your actions other than 'defeat the evil bad guy means saving the world!' It also made story a more important feature in future games (though maybe FFVII influenced OoT's development a bit in that aspect too). I don't want to say anything cheesy like "IT BECAME MORE THAN JUST A GAME," but it wasn't ALttP's "go here, do this" method of progression. It tried to connect with the player like anything in the series hadn't before (except perhaps LoZ's "you're defenseless in the woods... good luck, asshole!"), and I think that's a pretty big step up from ALttP.
SCReuter
Member
Playing Super Mario Kart's later cups on 150cc is the cheapest junk around.
The computer opponents hop over everything (even red shells fired at them), drive through the Thwomps featured on Bowser's Castle and Rainbow Road, have an infinitely supply of items (Luigi and Mario in particular tax the hell out of the Star Power), plus have access to weapons that are exclusive to the AI (so if you're trailing Bowser, have fun dodging nonstop fireballs, or Peach's shrinking mushrooms).
Besides that, it's all in split-screen Mode 7. Many of us prefer our racing on polygonal courses with a full picture, thank you.
The computer opponents hop over everything (even red shells fired at them), drive through the Thwomps featured on Bowser's Castle and Rainbow Road, have an infinitely supply of items (Luigi and Mario in particular tax the hell out of the Star Power), plus have access to weapons that are exclusive to the AI (so if you're trailing Bowser, have fun dodging nonstop fireballs, or Peach's shrinking mushrooms).
Besides that, it's all in split-screen Mode 7. Many of us prefer our racing on polygonal courses with a full picture, thank you.
Version 3.0
Member
What's this? No rubber band AI in Super Mario Kart? That's not true. Not only did it have the worst rubber-band AI ever, it was really, really obvious because you could watch the CPU character catch up in seconds on the top half of the screen map.
Maybe that's not what you meant by 'rubberband AI', but the CPU characters always travelled (and finished) in a set order unless something forced them out of it, and even then they'd be back in their places within seconds.
It was the best in the series, though. But all of them have been fun. The GBA version is the 2nd best.
Maybe that's not what you meant by 'rubberband AI', but the CPU characters always travelled (and finished) in a set order unless something forced them out of it, and even then they'd be back in their places within seconds.
It was the best in the series, though. But all of them have been fun. The GBA version is the 2nd best.
lastendconductor
Put your snobby liquids into my mouth!
Super Mario Kart was awesome indeed. The others... not so much. SC was almost as good but link cable multiplayer = fail, MK DS is ok, 64 and DD both suck, and I've yet to try Wii but it seems like DS only worse.
Cerebral Assassin
Member
mio said:
btw everyone always did this shortcut right? So awesome.
Only if I had a mushroom, its quicker driving on the course without one.
One of the problems with the post-SMK MK's is that they ruined the red shells, you had to be careful when using them as the curve and speed of the shells was linked to your karts.After 64 they just zagged in straight lines and you just have to keep away from the walls and fire, its the main reason my friends and I prefered battle mode on the SNES( even when both consoles were hooked up and more than 2 of us were there).
RocketDarkness
Member
I've never cared for the SNES version, though I've also never played it with an actual SNES controller.
However, I wanted to add that from what I've played so far, the Wii version is pretty fun. Power-sliding is reaaaally difficult to do at first, particularly with tilt controls, since you'll probably start tilting in the direction of the turn. This is bad and you will immediately run into a wall or fall off the road. It's actually best to tilt all the way in the opposite direction, then ease into the turn based on how sharp it is. After playing a few rounds with tilt, it's actually really fun. And it'll be even better when I have access to the actual wheel, methinks. Analog controls are pretty much exactly as you'd expect, of course. Courses are fun, though massive and long.
However, I wanted to add that from what I've played so far, the Wii version is pretty fun. Power-sliding is reaaaally difficult to do at first, particularly with tilt controls, since you'll probably start tilting in the direction of the turn. This is bad and you will immediately run into a wall or fall off the road. It's actually best to tilt all the way in the opposite direction, then ease into the turn based on how sharp it is. After playing a few rounds with tilt, it's actually really fun. And it'll be even better when I have access to the actual wheel, methinks. Analog controls are pretty much exactly as you'd expect, of course. Courses are fun, though massive and long.
Vustadumas
Banned
Yes, the original was great, but the 64 version was way way better. Maybe just the addition of 4 players was what made it so great. I still play the 64 version to this day with my buddies when I go home.
As good as the 64 version is, the DS version is the pinnacle of Kart. Snaking aside, the tracks are perfect, and the wireless play is amazing. Play every day with people at work
As good as the 64 version is, the DS version is the pinnacle of Kart. Snaking aside, the tracks are perfect, and the wireless play is amazing. Play every day with people at work
Cerebral Assassin
Member
Ranger X said:
That, tighter tracks, the speed boost from coin-collecting, no blue shells, the feather etc.
The handheld ones are good though, its just the Console ones that aren't up to scratch.
Splash Wave
Member
AniHawk said:
Woah. Woah.
Cerebral Assassin
Member
omg rite said:
Utter crap.
Items have far more depth of use in SMK than in MKDS so battle mode is more fun(I still think the DS is comfortable the 2nd best MK).
Lé Blade Runner
Member
Oh man.. The memories. Nothing will ever beat Super Mario Kart - it's the best racing game of all time. Eat that, Gran Turismo 5!
I am going to buy the Wii-version next week regardless, though. My friend - who is a huge MK -fan - said that it is very, very good. Plus it has Wi-Fi, which is awesome.
Nothing will ever beat Super Mario Kart - it's the best racing game of all time. Eat that, Gran Turismo 5!I am going to buy the Wii-version next week regardless, though. My friend - who is a huge MK -fan - said that it is very, very good. Plus it has Wi-Fi, which is awesome.
Honestly, I find SMK to be hardly playable today. All the karts control like shit. Never got the fascination with the feather either, especially coming from the people who absolutely despise the items in later installments. If you're lucky enough to get a feather, you can skip like half the track. How is that fair? And on top of that, you still have the annoying as hell lightning bolt.
Mario Kart has always been a party racing game. Yes, even Super Mario Kart. If you think otherwise, you're kidding yourself.
Also, the "Nintendo stopped making good games with the SNES" mindset is just bullshit.
Mario Kart has always been a party racing game. Yes, even Super Mario Kart. If you think otherwise, you're kidding yourself.
Also, the "Nintendo stopped making good games with the SNES" mindset is just bullshit.
I couldn't agree with the original post any more. Great thread.
Planning on picking up the Wii version of Mario Kart this afternoon, although I am very hesitant to do so. I hated Double Dash.
No, that's a pretty accurate way to describe how a lot of people feel. Myself included. I couldn't get into or just outright hated the majority of Nintendo's post-SNES titles. This is not nostalgia talking; I still go back and play the older games even today.
I have also enjoyed original titles that came after the SNES like the Smash Bros. games and a number of GBA titles, but that's about it. Mario (although I like Galaxy), Zelda, Mario Kart, and Metroid just went to shit in my opinion.
Planning on picking up the Wii version of Mario Kart this afternoon, although I am very hesitant to do so. I hated Double Dash.
KevinCow said:
No, that's a pretty accurate way to describe how a lot of people feel. Myself included. I couldn't get into or just outright hated the majority of Nintendo's post-SNES titles. This is not nostalgia talking; I still go back and play the older games even today.
I have also enjoyed original titles that came after the SNES like the Smash Bros. games and a number of GBA titles, but that's about it. Mario (although I like Galaxy), Zelda, Mario Kart, and Metroid just went to shit in my opinion.
Tyrone Slothrop
Banned
i admit i didn't read all of the OP. but i personally had some amazing times with mk64. my friends and i played that for hours and hours. i can understand how some would prefer the original (i do not) but mk64 was not "utter shit"
Tyrone Slothrop said:
I had fun with MK64, but differently than the original. The original game had single player that was worth playing, as well as multi-player and battle modes worth playing. MK64's fun was strictly in the multiplayer, IMO, and battle mode wasn't up to par with that of the original, mostly due to the layout of MK64's battle courses.
beelzebozo
Jealous Bastard
qft. goldeneye is the best console fps, too. hasn't been topped since.