Since the launch of Super Mario Kart in 1992, which set the standard for kart racing games, numerous franchises have endeavored to tap into this engaging genre. For over a decade, enthusiastic developers embraced the concept, integrating beloved characters into delightful racing experiences on whimsical tracks.
As the years progressed, particularly following the late 2000s when movie tie-in games began to decline, the frequency of new kart racing titles diminished. Nevertheless, we occasionally witness spin-offs that still carry the spirit of kart racing. It’s somewhat disheartening to see Mario dominating this category once again since the potential for creativity in kart racing is immense, and integrating additional characters from various franchises into the mix would certainly be entertaining.
Examples like Bloodborne Kart (or should we say, Nightmare Kart) highlight that virtually any concept can be transformed into a kart racing phenomenon with sufficient imagination. Should kart racers experience a revival in popularity, here are some franchises that would benefit greatly from entering this playful arena.
It’s important to note that for this list, only those franchises without a standalone kart racing game are considered. Mini-games and other forms of racing do not qualify, and we specifically emphasize the kart racing format, avoiding any variations such as foot races.
9 Ratchet & Clank
It’s Technical Enough For It
The Ratchet & Clank series has always incorporated elements of technological ingenuity and vehicle customization. One notable example is in Going Commando, where players could personalize their ships’ appearance, even if it didn’t affect performance directly. This establishes a foundation for a potential kart racing spin-off.
A customized kart racing game could greatly emphasize the creation and modification of vehicles, similar to the kart and customization systems present in Mario Kart 8. The introduction of unique attributes such as engines and modifications could further enhance the racing experience. Each character’s characteristics could influence their racing stats; think Ratchet as a balanced racer, while Clank might lean towards lightweight dynamics.
Furthermore, incorporating character-specific weapons could add an extra level of strategy, using Bolt collectibles for in-race upgrades. Balancing might be tricky especially when one racer wields a R. Y.N. O, but creative implementations can yield fun dynamics.
8 Team Fortress 2
Plus Half-Life And Portal?
The PC version of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed featured special guests from Team Fortress 2, showcasing the potential for a dedicated kart racing game starring the beloved mercenaries. Envision each character piloting their unique karts, with stats reflective of their combat roles.
To spice things up, introducing secondary characters like Miss Pauling and Saxton Hale could add depth. Items in this game could borrow weaponry from the original game, offering creativity with tools like the Big Kill or Jarate, elevating the racing experience.
However, a challenge may lie in the limited scope of Team Fortress’ world. A suggestion would be to broaden the concept into a full-fledged Valve racing franchise, incorporating universes from Half-Life, Portal, and potentially Counter-Strike. This would open doors to various locales and additional characters, like witnessing Wheatley attempt to navigate a go-kart.
7 Dead By Daylight
Wouldn’t Be The Weirdest Thing They’ve Done
A few years ago, suggesting a kart racing offshoot for Dead by Daylight would have drawn skepticism. However, in a world where oddities like Hooked on You: A Dead by Daylight Dating Sim exist, perhaps a kart racing version could find its place too.
While incorporating licensed killers and survivors could be challenging, an array of original characters is available to populate a kart racing roster along with spooky, atmospheric tracks. Individual character abilities could be tied to their unique perks, or more general items could pepper the track.
However, a creative trajectory could involve an engaging race dynamic between survivors and killers, maybe with a structure allowing survivors to have a head start. The idea of an asymmetric survival racing game is undeniably intriguing.
6 Street Fighter
If Mortal Kombat Can Do It…
At their core, fighting games and kart racers share similarities, catering to multiplayer fun with in-depth metas and diverse rosters. Why not see Street Fighter characters in a kart racing context? Much like Mortal Kombat‘s foray into Motor Kombat, there’s an opening here.
A Street Fighter kart racer could explore iconic global locales, drawing inspiration from the characters’ diverse backgrounds. Additionally, specific racing items could transform signature moves into kart-enhanced attacks, enhancing competitive gameplay.
5 Like A Dragon
I’d Play Standalone Dragon Kart
In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Dragon Kart stood out as a standout mini-game where Ichiban raced through Yokohama, using wacky weaponry. While it didn’t rival full kart games, the enjoyable elements raised questions about what a fully realized kart racer could look like under the skilled hands of the developers.
A Like a Dragon kart racing game could feature iconic characters like Kiryu and Ichiban, each wielding unique items inspired by the franchise’s extensive arsenal. An art style change to a more stylistically exaggerated approach could enhance the character expression and humor during races.
4 Doom
Dash And Swerve, Rip And Tear
With combat is a significant part of kart racing, why not enlist Doom, the original champion of video game violence? Imagine the Doom Slayer tearing through demonic courses, running over imps to collect unique power-ups. The pickups could be themed as demonic artifacts, making for an interesting twist.
This version would require detailed character models to enhance the humor of a massive Slayer maneuvering a mini-kart. It’s an outlandish concept, and yet it could be incredibly entertaining.
3 Kingdom Hearts
Mickey And Friends Have Experience Here
Despite the numerous spin-offs and racing games featuring characters from Final Fantasy and Disney, there has yet to be a dedicated Kingdom Hearts kart racing experience. This franchise is ripe for a colorful racing game featuring its variety of characters racing through Disney and original worlds.
While racing mini-games exist, they’ve often lacked depth and excitement. A structured racing game would bolster the appeal of beloved characters—perhaps each with unique karts focused on their abilities, racing across visually distinct levels woven into a rich narrative fabric.
2 Persona
There’s Already A Fangame
The Persona series offers an incredible wealth of characters and stories, boasting countless spin-off opportunities that may include kart racing. Interestingly, a fan-made game titled Persona 4: Racing All Afternoon has already captured this vision, demonstrating the series’ appeal in the racing genre.
Building on the extensive character roster and unique skill sets, a kart racing game could easily thrive. The integration of iconic locations as tracks and character-themed karts would cater to fans familiar with the series and provide an engaging racing dynamic.
1 Pokémon
Pokémon Dash Doesn’t Count
Many might argue the need for a dedicated Pokémon kart racing game is unnecessary, but embracing the whimsicality of gaming is what makes it fun! Although Pokémon Dash attempted a racing format, it fell flat and left players wanting a true racing experience.
A creative twist could involve trainers racing on their Pokémon mounts rather than the Pokémon themselves, tapping into the series’ recent focus on rideable Pokémon. This opens up exciting possibilities for diverse entries in the kart roster, including popular Pokémon mounts.
Potential candidates for the roster could include Cyclizar, Koraidon, Miraidon, as well as iconic Pokémon like Gogoat and Ursaluna, allowing fans to feel a deeper connection with their favorite characters as they race across imaginative tracks.
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