Since its release in 1992, Super Mario Kart has established itself as the cornerstone of the kart racing genre, often referred to as mascot racers. This genre has captured the hearts of gamers in both local and online multiplayer formats, offering an engaging and competitive experience.
Although Mario Kart remains the undisputed leader in the kart racing domain, various publishers and licenses have eagerly sought to challenge its supremacy over the years. A plethora of games have emerged, some underwhelming, while others have truly distinguished themselves. While they may not have dethroned the iconic plumber, several competitors have certainly given him a formidable race.
10. Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing
Wacky, Referential Fun
In 2010, SEGA leveraged its extensive library of intellectual properties by launching Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, a game that collects various characters from its franchises to compete on tracks inspired by classic SEGA games. Prominent figures such as Ulala and AiAi share the spotlight with lesser-known characters like Zobio & Zobiko and the Bonanza Brothers.
Gameplay revolves around traditional item collection and drifting mechanics, with a special twist: each character possesses a unique All-Star move. These moves can propel players ahead in the race, allowing them to clear their path by knocking opponents aside.
9. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Less Wacky, More Mechanical
SEGA’s follow-up, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, arrived two years later, boldly opting to enhance the kart racing formula with an innovative twist—transforming vehicles. Depending on the track’s conditions, players can shift their mode of transportation between a car, boat, or plane, each requiring distinct handling techniques.
Moreover, this iteration features a deepened mechanical control system that allows for enhanced vehicle modifications and fuller character stats. Additionally, players can race alongside a variety of guest characters, including the iconic NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.
8. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
Multiple Crash Racers In One
The late ’90s and early 2000s saw a series of successful kart racing games starring Crash Bandicoot, culminating in Activision and Beenox’s 2019 reboot: Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled. This reimagined version faithfully recreates the beloved PS1 classic while seamlessly integrating tracks and characters from all prior Crash racing games, along with new elements featuring underutilized characters.
Despite the inclusion of a rotating in-game store for character access, which received some criticism, the game offers a substantial single-player experience that allows players to unlock a wealth of content.
7. Diddy Kong Racing
The Original Racing Adventure
Marking a significant evolution in the genre, Diddy Kong Racing, released in 1997, introduced the concept of a single-player adventure in kart racing. This title offered gamers an alternative to Mario Kart 64, pioneering several modern features, including multiple vehicles and expansive single-player experiences.
Moreover, the game provided the debut appearances of renowned Rare characters, Banjo and Conker. While players engaged in fewer high-speed maneuvers in favor of adventure elements, item collection remained a critical component, with additional upgrades available through item duplication.
6. LEGO Racers
Create-A-Kart
In the expansive world of video games, there’s hardly a genre that hasn’t been reimagined in LEGO form. For kart racing, this transformation manifested in 1999’s LEGO Racers, a game that emphasizes customization and creativity.
Players can construct their racers and karts using LEGO bricks, unlocking new components as they progress through the Grand Prix. The game features a unique collection system that categorizes items into color-coded tiers, allowing players to upgrade their power-ups for strategic advantage.
5. Mickey’s Speedway USA
Mouse On The Move
Capitalizing on the momentum built by Diddy Kong Racing, Rare partnered with Disney for Mickey’s Speedway USA in 2000, merging beloved characters with classic kart racing mechanics. Players embark on a whimsical cross-country journey, racing through iconic U.S. cities.
While gameplay echoes that of Mario Kart 64, featuring item-based competition and drifting, this title also introduced a unique coin collection mechanic, similar to the early Super Mario Kart, that enhanced player speed—a feature that later reappeared in Mario Kart 7.
4. Nightmare Kart
It Could’ve Been Yours, Sony
Nightmare Kart stands out in the racing genre for its eccentric twist. Originally conceived as “Bloodborne Kart,”this fan project encountered legal challenges from Sony prior to launch. After some creative reinvention, it emerged as a distinct kart racer that marries traditional mechanics with elements reminiscent of Soulslike games.
Players navigate a chaotic race while managing health and stamina, acquiring collectible souls upon defeat, and battling through an arcade-style adventure featuring boss fights against recognizable foes.
3. Kirby Air Ride
Rule The Track, Cruise The City
Although racing isn’t a conventional pastime within the Kirby universe, 2003’s Kirby Air Ride utilizes Kirby’s Warp Star as a creative vehicle option. The game features three engaging modes: Air Ride, akin to traditional racing with Copy Abilities acting as items; City Trial, a vast map for power-ups; and Top Ride, a unique top-down racing experience.
Kirby Air Ride also boasts an innovative control scheme, enabling players to control their chosen Warp Star while automatically moving forward, making for a distinctive gameplay experience.
2. Snowboard Kids 2
No Karts, All Mischief
It’s crucial to acknowledge that kart racing doesn’t necessarily require karts, as demonstrated by 1999’s Snowboard Kids 2. Embracing the mascot racer moniker, players use snowboards to navigate courses and gain speed through jumps and tricks.
This game emphasizes strategy over acceleration since players don’t manually control their speed. Instead, they must stay alert to defend against attacks, as a single hit can halt momentum and disrupt their race.
1. Team Sonic Racing
If You’re Gonna Drift, Do It With Friends
After a significant hiatus from the racing genre, SEGA made a triumphant return in 2019 with Team Sonic Racing. While the absence of additional SEGA characters is felt, the game introduces a fresh team-oriented approach to racing.
Racers form teams of three, enabling collaboration through item sharing and strategic drift line placement. Team success directly correlates with individual performance, encouraging cooperation to secure victory. Players can also fill an Ultimate meter that allows for a significant speed boost during critical moments, exemplifying the game’s emphasis on teamwork.
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