Nostalgia Game Review: Mario Kart Super Circuit

This edition of Nostalgia Game Review takes a look at Mario Kart: Super Circuit, the Game Boy Advance installment of the Mario Kart series. This GBA game features 40 tracks and the Mario Kart essentials of a battle mode, grand prix mode, and time trials. This was the last Mario Kart game to feature eight characters altogether (Mario Kart DS had 12 playable characters).

You have five cups for the original courses and five cups for the retro courses. The retro courses are a throwback to the Super Mario Kart game and even use the five-lap rule in the grand prix mode. You pick up coins to help bolster your rank and you try to get the best time, which factors into your rank as well. For the time trials, you strive to earn the best time with an item given to help boost your time. However, you can run into any obstructions or else you won't be able to save your record of the run.

The game is a good way to burn time, with its wide variety of tracks and just enough modes to get you by. Everything controls great, every character has their strengths and weaknesses, and the music is fitting for the Game Boy Advance era. The multiplayer mode isn't as glamorous or intriguing as its N64 predecessor. However, that shouldn't be a deterrent for not playing the game.

If you're looking for a Mario Kart fix while you're on the go, it's best to pick up a Game Boy Advance and give Mario Kart: Super Circuit a try. You won't be disappointed by the visuals, the music, or the gameplay.