N64 Rainbow Road: Difference between revisions

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{{articleabout|the race course originally from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and featured as a retro course in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''|Rainbow Road as a whole and other versions of the track|[[Rainbow Road]]}}
{{classic title}}
{{racecourse
{{about|the race course originally from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and featured as a retro course in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''|Rainbow Road as a whole and other versions of the track|[[Rainbow Road]]|the course's music and later references to it|{{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road (theme)}}}}
{{race course infobox
|title=Rainbow Road
|title=Rainbow Road
|image=[[File:Rainbow Road MK64.png|270px]]
|image=[[File:Rainbow Road MK64.png|300px]]
|appearances=''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' ([[List of Mario games by date#1996|1996]])<br>''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' ([[List of Mario games by date#2014|2014]])
|appears_in=''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' ([[List of games by date#1996|1996]])<br>''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' ([[List of games by date#2014|2014]]) <br> ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' ([[List of games by date#2017|2017]])
|cups=[[Special Cup]] (MK64)<br>[[Lightning Cup]] (MK8)
|cups=[[Special Cup]] (''64'')<br>[[Lightning Cup]] (''8'', ''8 Deluxe'')
|distance=2,000 meters (6,562 feet)
|distance=2,000 m
|ghost=1:33.731 by Nin★Leonel (MK8)
|online_play=No longer available ([[Wii U]])<br>Available ([[Nintendo Switch|Switch]])
|wifi=Available ([[Wii U]])
|sample=''Mario Kart 64'': Kenta Nagata<br>[[File:MK64-Music-RainbowRoad.oga]]<br>''[[Nintendo Sound Selection Vol.3: B-Side Music]]''<br>[[File:N64RainbowRoad SoundSelectionV3.oga]]<br>''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'': Ryo Nagamatsu<br>[[File:MK8-Music-N64-RainbowRoad.oga]]<br>''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' (frontrunning)<br>[[File:WiiU_N64_RainbowRoad_Frontrunning.oga]]
|music=[[File:MK64-Music-RainbowRoad.ogg]] (MK64)<br>[[File:MK8-Music-N64-RainbowRoad.ogg]] (MK8)
|map=''Mario Kart 64''<br>[[File:MK64 Rainbow Road Map.jpg|100x100px]][[File:MK64 Rainbow Road minimap.png]]<br>
|map=MK64 - MK8 <br><div style="white-space: nowrap;">[[File:MK64 Rainbow Road Map.jpg|frameless|upright=0.67|MK64 Map]][[File:MK8 N64 Rainbow Road Map.png|frameless|upright=0.86|MK8 Map]]</div>
''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
<div style="white-space: nowrap;">[[File:MK8 N64 Rainbow Road Map.png|frameless|upright=0.65]][[File:MK8DX N64 Rainbow Road Map.png|frameless|upright=0.65]]</div>
|ghost={{ghost|8|Nin★Leonel|1:33.731|[[File:MK8 MMario Icon.png|32px|link=Metal Mario]][[File:StandardATVBodyMK8 MetalMario.png|32px|link=Standard ATV]][[File:MonsterTiresMK8.png|32px|link=Monster]][[File:MK8ThumbMetalMarioSG.png|32px|link=Super Glider]]}}{{ghost|8DX <small>150cc</small>|Nin★Leonel|1:33.981|[[File:MK8 MMario Icon.png|32px|link=Metal Mario]][[File:StandardATVBodyMK8 MetalMario.png|32px|link=Standard ATV]][[File:MonsterTiresMK8.png|32px|link=Monster]][[File:MK8ThumbMetalMarioSG.png|32px|link=Super Glider]]}}{{ghost|8DX <small>200cc</small>|Nin★Fausti|1:08.128|[[File:MK8 Mario Icon.png|32px|link=Mario]][[File:TrispeederBodyMK8.png|32px|link=Tri-Speeder]][[File:MonsterTiresMK8.png|32px|link=Monster]][[File:SuperGliderMK8.png|32px|link=Super Glider]]}}
}}
}}
'''Rainbow Road''' is the fourth and final course of the [[Special Cup]] in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', as well as the sixteenth and last course in the game. It is the longest racecourse in ''Mario Kart 64'', at 2,000 meters (two kilometers), and it requires about two minutes per lap, making it the longest three-lap track in the whole ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series. The track differs from the other Rainbow Roads in that it has rails throughout the entire track. The track features a translucent multicolored glass path with star-shaped rails running throughout the entire course. Neon-light pictures of the eight playable characters and a portrait of a [[Boo]] and a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] are visible in the distance and float in the void. Additionally, a big three-dimensional smiling star lies in a curved section of the track. [[Chain Chomp|Chomps]] also appear throughout the course as obstacles. It reappears as a [[classic course]] in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' as the fourth and final course of the [[Lightning Cup]].
{{br|toc=1}}


'''Rainbow Road''' is the final track in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and the last course of the [[Special Cup]]. It is the longest race course in ''Mario Kart 64'' at 2,000 meters (2 kilometres) and requiring about two minutes per lap, making it the longest three-lap track in the whole series. The track differs from the other Rainbow Roads in that it has rails throughout the entire track. The track features a transparent multi-colored glass path and with star-shaped rails running throughout the entire course. Neon-light pictures of the eight playable characters, plus a portrait of a [[Boo]] and a [[Mushroom]] in the distance, float in the void. Moreover, a big three-dimensional smiling star lies in a curved section of the track. Roving [[Chomp]]s slide through the course in a zig-zag pattern, and colliding with them will cause the player's kart to crash and thrown into the air. The course returns in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' as a heavily-revamped retro course in the [[Lightning Cup]] and the final course overall of the entire game. (excluding DLC).
==''Mario Kart 64''==
===Course layout===
[[File:Mk64rainbowroad.png|thumb|right|upright=1.2|The big drop at the start. The player can make a long jump over it by hopping with precise timing when the road starts to descend, as seen in this picture.]]
The course begins with a long straightaway where the track curves downward and then more gently curves upward before soon becoming level again. Racers then pass through a rainbow ring and take a long gradual right turn, encountering the first set of [[Item Box]]es and passing neon signs of [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach|Peach]], and [[Luigi]] which all lie outside the turn. The track then briefly straightens out as racers reach another item set before there is a slight left turn with the track curving down. Here, there is a neon [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] sign to the right of the track. The track then evens out and makes a very slight right turn before making a 360° counterclockwise loop around a large star. At the beginning of this loop is another item set, and at the end of this loop there is a neon [[Boo]] sign to the right of the track. A gradual right turn follows with another item set in the middle, then racers drive straight before making a gradual U-turn to the left. On the outside of this U-turn are neon signs of [[Donkey Kong]] and [[Yoshi]], with a neon [[Bowser]] sign in the distance. There is then another brief straight with another item set before the track makes a slight right turn and curves downward. It soon after curves upward and then evens out as racers continue driving straight, and then the track makes a very long and gradual U-turn to the right. At the start of this turn is another item set and a neon [[Toad]] sign on the outside, and towards the end of the turn is a neon [[Wario]] sign on the outside. Racers then reach another item set and make an equally long loop to the left as they pass the aforementioned neon Bowser sign. After this loop is one last item set followed by two very slight turns, and then racers reach the finish line.


==Course layout==
Along the track, several [[Chain Chomp|Chomps]] can be found lodged in the middle of the track. They continuously travel the course in reverse and slide in a zigzag pattern. Racers that collide with them will be launched in the air.
{{right|[[File:Mk64rainbowroad.png|thumb|220px|left|The big drop at the start. The player can make a long jump over it by hopping with precise timing when the road starts to descend, as seen in this picture.]]}}
The course starts with a huge drop followed by a gentle uphill stretch, passing through a rainbow ring. After the ring, there is a wide loop with neon signs of [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach|Peach]] and [[Luigi]] on the loop's outside. Following the loop is a steady downward road that crosses over the steep drop where a [[Mushroom]] sign can be seen. After the bridge is a corkscrew loop with a large star in the center and a [[Boo]] sign at the corkscrew's outside. Racers turn around a corkscrew to reach a hairpin bend, where signs of [[Donkey Kong]] and [[Yoshi]] are seen. Shortly after the hairpin bend is a short straightaway followed by a smaller drop and small uphill stretch. A [[Toad]] constellation can be seen after the drop as well as a wide right hand turn. A straightaway follows with a [[Wario]] sign present, then follows a final looping section, where a [[Bowser]] sign is seen. After the loop is a final straightaway to the finish.


Although this track may easily be both the easiest and longest Rainbow Road track due to the railings and length, racers can perform a large [[List of glitches in Mario Kart 64#Fast Lap Across Space in Rainbow Road|shortcut]] by making a timed [[Hop (Mario Kart)|hop]] to the left (or right, during Extra) during the drop at the beginning.{{br|right}}
===Shortcuts===
A notable [[List of Mario Kart 64 glitches#Skip Most of Rainbow Road|shortcut]] can be found at the very beginning of the track. By using a well-timed hop to clear the railing on the left side of the track, the player can land on the loop going around the large star and skip a large portion of the track.


==''Mario Kart 8''==
==''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''==
{{multiple image
[[File:MK8-Course-N64 RainbowRoad.jpg|thumb|left|250px|{{classic|N64|Rainbow Road}} in ''Mario Kart 8'']]
|align=left
This version of Rainbow Road makes its classic course debut in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', where it is the fourth and last course of the [[Lightning Cup]]. The course is now section-based, and takes place above a brightly-lit city near a coast at night instead of the deep space from the original. The Princess Peach Statue of Liberty from [[Toad Harbor]] and the course itself can be seen in the city setting, and in the center of the city below, there is a tower that faintly resembles the [[Eiffel Tower]], with four [[? Block]]s, a Mushroom, and a spinning [[Star]] visible on top of it. Christmas trees can also be seen scattered throughout the city. Also, there is a moon in the sky that can be seen right after the starting line. The road is now formed by multicolored tiles made of glowing {{wp|LED lamp|LED lights}} (similar to {{classic-link|SNES|Rainbow Road}}) laid out in a diagonal color pattern within a golden frame, as opposed to the slightly translucent glass stripes from the original version. A flying train travelling around the course was also added, ridden by [[Toad (species)|Toad]]s who throw coins onto the track. Only a few areas, around the starting grid and on the outside of some corners, have railings now, as opposed to them lining the entire course.
|direction=vertical
|footer=<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road as it appears in ''Mario Kart 8''.
|width=290
|image1=MK8-Course-N64 RainbowRoad.jpg
|image2=MK8-Course-N64 RainbowRoad-startingline.png
|alt2=The course, as seen from the starting line.}}
This version of Rainbow Road returns in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', where it is the final course in the [[Lightning Cup]], similar to [[Rainbow Road (SNES)|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road]]'s reappearance in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' (which also returns in ''Mario Kart 8'' as a DLC course). Compared to other retro courses in this game, it has massive amount of changes compared to the original version, to the point that it looks more like a Nitro course than just a remade Retro course.


The most notable change is the setting; just like [[Rainbow Road (GCN)|<small>GCN</small> Rainbow Road]], this one takes place above a brightly lit city near a coast at night instead of the deep space from the original. The city is much more realistic and active than the GCN version, with cars moving everywhere. Also, there is a moon in the sky that can be seen right after the starting line.
The starting banner is now a rotating, star-shaped {{wp|planetary gear}}. When players nearly reach the finish line, the outer gears will change shape by expanding their star-shaped appendages wide and closing in upon themselves. A scrolling LED sign reading "RAINBOW ROAD" in the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] [[font]] can be seen in the inner part of the gears.


The road is now formed by multi-colored tiles made of glowing [[wikipedia:LED lamp|LED lights]], (similar to <small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road), laid out in diagonal color pattern within a golden frame, as opposed to the slightly transparent glass stripes from the original version, while the starting line has a bronze diamond mosaic pattern with glowing star rings surrounding the rotating banner.
The other major change is that the course has been greatly altered to incorporate the game's [[Glider|gliding]] and [[anti-gravity]] mechanics. At the gentle uphill stretch, an anti-gravity panel was added. The circular loop now lies on the right side of the course instead of on the left side and is inclined at a near-90° angle to act as an anti-gravity section. The dip after the large U-turn is now another smaller U-turn. The [[Chain Chomp|Chomp]]s are now larger, and instead of sliding through the course in a zigzag pattern, bounce repeatedly, creating ripples on the track that can be used to perform aerial tricks. Along the course, [[Dash Panel]]s have been added and are surrounded with [[Ring (Mario Kart series)|rings]]. The final stretch before the finish line is now slightly sloped as an anti-gravity section and ends with a glide ramp.


The starting banner is now a rotating, star-shaped [[wikipedia:Planetary gear|planetary gear]]; once players nearly reach the finish line, the outer gears will change shape by expanding their star-shaped appendages wide and closing in upon themselves.  
A map of the city beneath the course, mentioning [[Toad Harbor]], {{classic-link|Wii|Moo Moo Meadows}}, and {{classic-link|Wii|Wario's Gold Mine}}, can be seen in [[Super Bell Subway]]. Because of this, this Rainbow Road is likely set above those courses.<ref>[[Media:MK8 dSBS City Map.png|The map of the city where the Super Bell Subway course is found]]</ref> The railway lines that can be seen from this Rainbow Road, according to the map in Super Bell Subway, connect this city to many other courses in ''Mario Kart 8''.<ref>[[Media:MK8 dSBS Map Signs.png|Signs containing the Super Bell Subway Rail Map]].</ref>


There are now some nods to ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', such as the large star in the circular loop that appears in the original being replaced with a [[Grand Star]] and the star rails designed after [[Launch Star]]s. Also, most of the rails have been removed, adding to the challenge. Another visual feature is a flying train that passes around the course (that's based on an [[wikipedia:0-4-0#Tank_locomotives|0-4-0ST Porter Saddle Tank]]), ridden by Toads who throw coins at certain areas. There are now fireworks around the course, with some that form the six playable characters that have been present since ''Super Mario Kart'' ([[Mario]], [[Princess Peach]], [[Luigi]], [[Yoshi]], [[Toad]], and [[Bowser]]). These replace the neon-lit signs of the eight playable characters in ''Mario Kart 64'' (the aforementioned six, [[Wario]] and [[Donkey Kong]]), and a portrait of a [[Boo]] and a [[Mushroom]] from the original. Some of these fireworks take their appearance from [[Stamp (Super Mario 3D World)|stamps]] in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', though Yoshi's firework is based on his artwork from ''[[Yoshi Topsy-Turvy]]''.
==Other appearances==
===''F-Zero X''===
[[File:F-zeroxrainbowrd.png|thumb|right|The course's appearance in ''F-Zero X''.]]
''[[fzerowiki:F-Zero X|F-Zero X]]'' features a recreation of ''Mario Kart 64''{{'}}s Rainbow Road as [[fzerowiki:Rainbow Road|''Rainbow Road: Psychedelic Experience'']]. It is the first course of the Joker Cup (the game's equivalent to the Special Cup). It is paved, with only sections of it being rainbow-colored. Unlike the original, it has no barriers in certain areas, and the neon [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] decor is missing. Instead, it just has a plain black background with a watery blue bottom to which careless drivers may fall. The scale of the track is approximately 5:1 to 6:1 compared to in ''Mario Kart 64'' to account for the vehicles' larger size and higher speeds, resulting in a lap length of approximately 11 kilometers. The Chomps are replaced by deadly minefields on certain sections of the track which will cause drivers to crash or destroy their vehicle.


[[File:MK8-Course-N64 RainbowRoad-overview.PNG|thumb|290px|right|Overview of the course.]]
In addition, when racing the track with the [[Nintendo 64DD]] expansion features, the background song is a rock version of the Rainbow Road song heard in ''Mario Kart 64'' (the regular version uses the track used in Sectors α and β).
The other major change is that the course has been greatly altered to incorporate the game's [[Glider|hang-glider]] and [[anti-gravity]] mechanics. From a view above the course, the circular loop, in the middle of which sits the Grand Star, lies on the left side of the course instead of on the right side and is inclined at near-90 degree angle to act as an anti-gravity section. At the gentle uphill stretch, which succeeds the steep slope, the rainbow-colored rings are now an anti-gravity panel. The dip after the large U-Turn is now another smaller U-turn. The [[Chomp]]s are now larger, and instead of sliding through the course in a zig-zag pattern, they bounce repeatedly, creating waves on the track that can be used to perform aerial tricks. As the Chomps land, the section they create a wave on will flash. Along the course, [[Boost Pad]]s have been added and come in the form of small [[Launch Star]]-shaped rings that spin every time a racer passes through, as well as Boost Rings that can be reached with glider ramps. The final stretch before the finish line is now slightly sloped as an anti-gravity section and ends with a glider ramp.
{{media table
|file1=FZX Rainbow Road.oga
|title1=Rainbow Road
|description1=''F-Zero X Expansion Kit''
|length1=0:30
}}


In addition, similar to Rainbow Road from ''Mario Kart 7'', the course is run as a single lap divided into three sections, instead of three laps, and the last part before the finish line has also been slightly shortened, in order to cut down the length of the original. On the third section, the chorus of the music now starts to play, instead of the beginning of the music. It is the first and only retro course to do this. The remixed music of the course is also the most orchestrated compared to other retro courses, with an entirely different arrangement.
==Profiles==
===''Mario Kart 64''===
*'''Instruction manual bio:''' ''This course can be described in a word—LONG, very long. It is simply the longest of all the courses. As the name indicates, the road is made of rainbow and it has a fantastic view of neon sculptures twinkling in the distance. The final course of the Special Cup, it is definitely worth seeing. It is advisable to slow down to avoid the Chomps that will attack.''
*'''Website bio:''' ''The longest track in Mario Kart 64, Rainbow Road is a surreal trip through a world of giant neon sculptures.''


In a minor note, a map of the city beneath the course, mentioning [[Toad Harbor]], [[Moo Moo Meadows]], and [[Wario's Gold Mine]], can be seen in [[Super Bell Subway]]. Thus, this Rainbow Road is likely set above those courses.<ref name="N64RRCityMap">[[Media:MK8 dSBS City Map.png|The map of the city where the Super Bell Subway course is found]].</ref> Many of the [[Gallery:Sponsors in the Mario Kart series|companies]] whose advertising signs can be seen in the various tracks have their headquarters in this city.<ref name="N64RRCityMap" /> The railway lines that can be seen from this Rainbow Road, according to the map in Super Bell Subway, connect this city to many other places where tracks of ''Mario Kart 8'' can be found.<ref>[[Media:MK8 dSBS Map Signs.png|Signs containing the Super Bell Subway Rail Map]].</ref>
===''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''===
*'''''Nintendo Magazine 2023 Winter''''': "''A midair circuit with a beautiful nightscape. The flying trains sometimes throw coins at you.''"<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com/jp/software/feature/magazine_2023winter/index_en.html?page=7&device=pc Nintendo Magazine 2023 Winter (Digital English edition)]. ''nintendo.co.jp''. Retrieved November 21, 2023. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20231121204311/https://www.nintendo.com/jp/software/feature/magazine_2023winter/index_en.html?page=7&device=pc Archived] November 21, 2023, 20:43:11 UTC via Wayback Machine.)</ref>


==''F-Zero X''==
===''[[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack]]'' liner notes===
[[File:F-zeroxrainbowrd.png|thumb|left|180px|The level's appearance in ''F-Zero X''.]]
''"This is a hugely popular track, and for the full HD version we worked on the arrangement to bring out its full beauty. You'll be pleased to hear that those lovable Chain Chomps are alive and well in this title."''
''[[f-zerowiki:F-Zero X|F-Zero X]]'' features the N64 Rainbow Road as ''Rainbow Road: Psychedelic Experience''. It is the first course of the Joker Cup (the game's equivalent to the Special Cup). Parts, though not all of it, are rainbow-colored. Unlike the original, it has no barriers in certain areas, and the neon [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]] decor is missing. Instead, it just has a plain black background with a watery blue bottom to which careless drivers may fall. In addition, when racing the track with the 64DD expansion features, the background song is a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXqJEEAA-sw rock version] of the Rainbow Road song heard in ''Mario Kart 64''. There aren't any Chomps, but there are deadly minefields on certain sections of the track which could cause drivers to crash or destroy their vehicle.
{{br|left}}


==Official descriptions==
==Gallery==
'''''Mario Kart 64'''''
===''Mario Kart 64''===
'''Instruction manual description:''' ''This course can be described in a word -- LONG, very long. It is simply the longest of all the courses. As the name indicates, the road is made of rainbow and it has a fantastic view of neon sculptures twinkling in the distance. The final course of the Special Cup, it is definitely worth seeing. It is advisable to slow down to avoid the Chomps that will attack.''
<gallery widths=150px>
MK64 Rainbow Road art.jpg|Artwork
MK64 icon Rainbow Road.png|The icon from the menu
MK64 Rainbow Road Icon.png|The icon from the official ''Mario Kart 64'' website
MK64 Rainbow Road website map.png|An overview of the map from the official ''Mario Kart 64'' website
Mk64rainbowroad1.png|The ring near the beginning of the track
Mk64rainbowroad2.PNG|Middle of first turn
Mk64rainbowroad2.png|Approaching the star in the middle of a loop
Mk64rainbowroad3.png|Two of the many neon lights
Mk64rainbowroad4.png|A [[Chain Chomp|Chomp]] approaching Yoshi
</gallery>


==Gallery==
====Neon signs====
===N64 appearance===
When a player is playing the course, the neon lights of Mario, the [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]], and the Boo are the only ones that are animated. In order as the track follows:
<gallery widths=126px heights=100px>
<gallery widths=64px heights=64px>
RainbowRoadMK64.png|The icon from the menu.
MK64 RR Neon Mario.png|[[Mario]]
Mk64rainbowroad1.png|The ring near the beginning of the track.
MK64 RR Neon Peach.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]]
Mk64rainbowroad2.png|Approaching the star in the middle of a loop.
MK64 RR Neon Luigi.png|[[Luigi]]
Mk64rainbowroad3.png|Two of the many neon lights.
MK64 RR Neon Mushroom.png|[[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]
Mk64rainbowroad4.png|An approaching Chomp.
MK64 RR Neon Boo.png|[[Boo]]
MK64 RR Neon Donkey Kong.png|[[Donkey Kong|D.K.]]
MK64 RR Neon Yoshi.png|[[Yoshi]]
MK64 RR Neon Toad.png|[[Toad]]
MK64 RR Neon Wario.png|[[Wario]]
MK64 RR Neon Bowser.png|[[Bowser]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Wii U appearance===
===''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''===
<gallery widths=140px heights=100px perrow=6>
<gallery widths=150px>
MK8N64RainbowRoad.png|A released screenshot of the course, revealing the name of the track.
MK8DX Rainbow Road 64.jpg|The portion of the race course seen in the box art for ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''
MK8- N64 Rainbow Road.PNG|The track's icon.
MK8 N64 Rainbow Road Course Icon.png|The course icon
RainbowRoadN64RaceStart.jpg|Mario at the starting line, ready to race.
MK8 N64 Rainbow Road Overview.png|Bird's eye view of the course
RainbowRamp.jpg|Mario going down the large ramp at the start of the race.
MK8 N64 Rainbow Road Starting Line.png|View of the starting line
MK8N64RainbowRoad2.png|Metal Mario, racing on the retro track.
RainbowRoadN64RaceStart.jpg|Mario at the starting line, ready to race
MK8N64RainbowRoad1.png|Rosalina, racing on the retro track.
RainbowRamp.jpg|Mario going down the large ramp at the start of the race
MK8N64RainbowRoad3.jpg|Approaching the [[Grand Star]] in the middle of a loop.
MK8N64RainbowRoad2.png|[[Metal Mario]], racing on the retro track
MK8N64RainbowRoad1.png|[[Rosalina]], racing on the retro track
MK8N64RainbowRoad3.jpg|Approaching the [[Grand Star]] in the middle of a loop
Rosalina-RainbowRoadN64-MK8.jpg|Rosalina approaches the finish line, after passing the second glider ramp.
Rosalina-RainbowRoadN64-MK8.jpg|Rosalina approaches the finish line, after passing the second glider ramp.
N64RainbowRoadCity.jpg|The city underneath the track.
N64RainbowRoadCity.jpg|The city underneath the track
Chomp stamp MK8.png|The [[Stamp (Mario Kart 8)|stamp]] obtained for beating the staff ghost at this course.
MK8N64RainbowRoad.png|A released screenshot of the course, revealing the name of the track
Chomp stamp MK8.png|The [[Stamp (Mario Kart 8)|stamp]] obtained for beating the staff ghost at this course
Twitter NintendoAmerica 2017-04-26a.jpg|An image macro of <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road, posted by [[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]] on {{wp|Twitter}} two days before the worldwide release of ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''
MK8DXThankYouEndScreen.jpg|The celebratory "THANK YOU!" image at the end of the ''Booster Course Pass'' credits
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{Foreignname
{{foreign names
|Jap=レインボーロード
|Jap=レインボーロード
|JapR=Reinbō Rōdo
|JapR=Reinbō Rōdo
|JapM=Rainbow Road
|JapM=Rainbow Road
|Spa=Senda Arco Iris
|ChiT=彩虹之路
|SpaM=Rainbow Track
|ChiTR=Cǎihóng zhī Lù
|Fra=Route Arc-en-ciel
|ChiTM=Rainbow Road
|FraM=Rainbow Road
|ChiS=彩虹之路
|ChiSR=Cǎihóng zhī Lù
|ChiSM=Rainbow Road
|ChiS2=彩虹桥
|ChiS2N=''Mario Kart 64''
|ChiS2R=Cǎihóng Qiáo
|ChiS2M=Rainbow Bridge
|Dut=Regenboogbaan
|Dut=Regenboogbaan
|DutM=Rainbow Track
|DutM=Rainbow Track
|FreA=Route arc-en-ciel
|FreAM=Rainbow Road
|FreE=Route Arc-en-ciel
|FreEM=Rainbow Road
|Ger=Regenbogen-Boulevard
|Ger=Regenbogen-Boulevard
|GerM=Rainbow Boulevard
|GerM=Rainbow Boulevard
|Ita=Pista Arcobaleno
|Ita=Pista Arcobaleno
|ItaM=Rainbow Track
|ItaM=Rainbow Track
|Kor=무지개 로드
|KorR=Mujigae Rodeu
|KorM=Rainbow Road
|Por=Estrada Arco-Íris
|Por=Estrada Arco-Íris
|PorM=Rainbow Road
|PorM=Rainbow Road
Line 99: Line 142:
|RusR=Trassa Raduga
|RusR=Trassa Raduga
|RusM=Rainbow Track
|RusM=Rainbow Track
|Chi=彩虹桥
|Spa=Senda Arco Iris
|ChiR=Cǎihóng Qiáo
|SpaM=Rainbow Path
|ChiM=Rainbow Bridge}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*In ''Mario Kart 64'', the neon lights of Mario, the Mushroom, and Boo are the only ones that are animated.
*Excluding courses in or from ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', this is one of only two non-SNES courses in the series that differ in lap count between its original and remade versions; the other is {{classic-link|GCN|Baby Park}} in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]''.
*Rainbow Road is one of only two non-SNES courses in the series that differ in lap count between its original and remade versions; the other is [[Baby Park|<small>GCN</small> Baby Park]] in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]''.
*The map of its reappearance in ''Mario Kart 8'', shown in the Prima guide, has two Dash Panels on the third section placed on the right side. However, in the game, they are actually placed on the left side.
**These courses are both the longest and the shortest courses in the series.
*Aside from its reappearance in ''Mario Kart 8'', arrangements for Rainbow Road's music from ''Mario Kart 64'' can be heard in later titles. Part of Rainbow Road's music from ''Mario Kart 64'' was arranged and used in the music for Rainbow Road in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. Additionally, part of the music can be heard in [[World 9 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 9]]'s world map theme in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. When first driving the rainbow road in ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'', this music can be heard.
*In ''Mario Kart 8'', this course, [[Rainbow Road (Wii U)|Rainbow Road]], and the downloadables [[Rainbow Road (SNES)|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road]] and [[Baby Park|<small>GCN</small> Baby Park]] are the only courses in the game to have the map in different colors instead of just blue.
*The map of its reappearance in ''Mario Kart 8'', shown in the Prima guide, has two Boost Pads on the third section placed on the right side. However in the game, they are actually placed on the left side.
*In ''Mario Kart 8'', the placement of the first two boost pads on the steep slope and the first two launch stars varies every time the player enters the race on this course.
*There is a possible reference between the flying train in the new version and the music in the original. The train might reference the fact that the first part of the music in the original version uses a synthesized instrument (computer generated) that sounds like a train whistle, more specifically, a [http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_flute pan pipe].
*In ''Mario Kart 8'', in the center of the city below, there is a tower that faintly resembles the [[wikipedia: Eiffel Tower|Eiffel Tower]], with four [[? Block]]s, a [[Mushroom]], and a spinning [[Star]] visible on top of it.
*The new version contains apparent references to Rainbow Roads of previous games, with the exception of ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''.
**The course itself is a remade version from ''Mario Kart 64'', the square tiles from ''Super Mario Kart'', the city setting is from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', the star-shaped rails and the loop section from ''Mario Kart DS'', the Launch Stars from ''Mario Kart Wii'', and the single lap race with three sections from ''Mario Kart 7''.


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


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{{MK race courses}}
{{Racecourses}}
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[[Category:Race Courses]]
[[Category:Classic courses]]
[[Category:Retro Courses]]
[[Category:Cosmic areas]]
[[Category:Outer Space Locations]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 64 race courses]]
[[Category:Unlockables]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 8 race courses]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 64 Race Courses]]
[[de:Regenbogen-Boulevard#Mario Kart 64]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 8 Race Courses]]
[[it:Pista Arcobaleno (N64)]]

Latest revision as of 17:45, December 9, 2024

This article is about the race course originally from Mario Kart 64 and featured as a retro course in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. For Rainbow Road as a whole and other versions of the track, see Rainbow Road. For the course's music and later references to it, see N64 Rainbow Road (theme).
Rainbow Road
Rainbow Road MK64.png
Information
Appears in Mario Kart 64 (1996)
Mario Kart 8 (2014)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
Cup(s) Special Cup (64)
Lightning Cup (8, 8 Deluxe)
Distance 2,000 m
Online play No longer available (Wii U)
Available (Switch)
Music sample
Mario Kart 64: Kenta Nagata

Nintendo Sound Selection Vol.3: B-Side Music

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Ryo Nagamatsu

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (frontrunning)
Course map
Mario Kart 64
An aerial view of Rainbow Road.Mini map of Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 64

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Map of N64 Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8.Map of N64 Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Staff ghost(s)
8 Nin★Leonel
1:33.731 Metal MarioStandard ATVMonsterSuper Glider
8DX 150cc Nin★Leonel
1:33.981 Metal MarioStandard ATVMonsterSuper Glider
8DX 200cc Nin★Fausti
1:08.128 MarioTri-SpeederMonsterSuper Glider

Rainbow Road is the fourth and final course of the Special Cup in Mario Kart 64, as well as the sixteenth and last course in the game. It is the longest racecourse in Mario Kart 64, at 2,000 meters (two kilometers), and it requires about two minutes per lap, making it the longest three-lap track in the whole Mario Kart series. The track differs from the other Rainbow Roads in that it has rails throughout the entire track. The track features a translucent multicolored glass path with star-shaped rails running throughout the entire course. Neon-light pictures of the eight playable characters and a portrait of a Boo and a Mushroom are visible in the distance and float in the void. Additionally, a big three-dimensional smiling star lies in a curved section of the track. Chomps also appear throughout the course as obstacles. It reappears as a classic course in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as the fourth and final course of the Lightning Cup.

Mario Kart 64[edit]

Course layout[edit]

Rainbow Road
The big drop at the start. The player can make a long jump over it by hopping with precise timing when the road starts to descend, as seen in this picture.

The course begins with a long straightaway where the track curves downward and then more gently curves upward before soon becoming level again. Racers then pass through a rainbow ring and take a long gradual right turn, encountering the first set of Item Boxes and passing neon signs of Mario, Peach, and Luigi which all lie outside the turn. The track then briefly straightens out as racers reach another item set before there is a slight left turn with the track curving down. Here, there is a neon Mushroom sign to the right of the track. The track then evens out and makes a very slight right turn before making a 360° counterclockwise loop around a large star. At the beginning of this loop is another item set, and at the end of this loop there is a neon Boo sign to the right of the track. A gradual right turn follows with another item set in the middle, then racers drive straight before making a gradual U-turn to the left. On the outside of this U-turn are neon signs of Donkey Kong and Yoshi, with a neon Bowser sign in the distance. There is then another brief straight with another item set before the track makes a slight right turn and curves downward. It soon after curves upward and then evens out as racers continue driving straight, and then the track makes a very long and gradual U-turn to the right. At the start of this turn is another item set and a neon Toad sign on the outside, and towards the end of the turn is a neon Wario sign on the outside. Racers then reach another item set and make an equally long loop to the left as they pass the aforementioned neon Bowser sign. After this loop is one last item set followed by two very slight turns, and then racers reach the finish line.

Along the track, several Chomps can be found lodged in the middle of the track. They continuously travel the course in reverse and slide in a zigzag pattern. Racers that collide with them will be launched in the air.

Shortcuts[edit]

A notable shortcut can be found at the very beginning of the track. By using a well-timed hop to clear the railing on the left side of the track, the player can land on the loop going around the large star and skip a large portion of the track.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

N64 Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8

This version of Rainbow Road makes its classic course debut in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, where it is the fourth and last course of the Lightning Cup. The course is now section-based, and takes place above a brightly-lit city near a coast at night instead of the deep space from the original. The Princess Peach Statue of Liberty from Toad Harbor and the course itself can be seen in the city setting, and in the center of the city below, there is a tower that faintly resembles the Eiffel Tower, with four ? Blocks, a Mushroom, and a spinning Star visible on top of it. Christmas trees can also be seen scattered throughout the city. Also, there is a moon in the sky that can be seen right after the starting line. The road is now formed by multicolored tiles made of glowing LED lights (similar to SNES Rainbow Road) laid out in a diagonal color pattern within a golden frame, as opposed to the slightly translucent glass stripes from the original version. A flying train travelling around the course was also added, ridden by Toads who throw coins onto the track. Only a few areas, around the starting grid and on the outside of some corners, have railings now, as opposed to them lining the entire course.

The starting banner is now a rotating, star-shaped planetary gear. When players nearly reach the finish line, the outer gears will change shape by expanding their star-shaped appendages wide and closing in upon themselves. A scrolling LED sign reading "RAINBOW ROAD" in the NES font can be seen in the inner part of the gears.

The other major change is that the course has been greatly altered to incorporate the game's gliding and anti-gravity mechanics. At the gentle uphill stretch, an anti-gravity panel was added. The circular loop now lies on the right side of the course instead of on the left side and is inclined at a near-90° angle to act as an anti-gravity section. The dip after the large U-turn is now another smaller U-turn. The Chomps are now larger, and instead of sliding through the course in a zigzag pattern, bounce repeatedly, creating ripples on the track that can be used to perform aerial tricks. Along the course, Dash Panels have been added and are surrounded with rings. The final stretch before the finish line is now slightly sloped as an anti-gravity section and ends with a glide ramp.

A map of the city beneath the course, mentioning Toad Harbor, Wii Moo Moo Meadows, and Wii Wario's Gold Mine, can be seen in Super Bell Subway. Because of this, this Rainbow Road is likely set above those courses.[1] The railway lines that can be seen from this Rainbow Road, according to the map in Super Bell Subway, connect this city to many other courses in Mario Kart 8.[2]

Other appearances[edit]

F-Zero X[edit]

Rainbow Road
The course's appearance in F-Zero X.

F-Zero X features a recreation of Mario Kart 64's Rainbow Road as Rainbow Road: Psychedelic Experience. It is the first course of the Joker Cup (the game's equivalent to the Special Cup). It is paved, with only sections of it being rainbow-colored. Unlike the original, it has no barriers in certain areas, and the neon Super Mario franchise decor is missing. Instead, it just has a plain black background with a watery blue bottom to which careless drivers may fall. The scale of the track is approximately 5:1 to 6:1 compared to in Mario Kart 64 to account for the vehicles' larger size and higher speeds, resulting in a lap length of approximately 11 kilometers. The Chomps are replaced by deadly minefields on certain sections of the track which will cause drivers to crash or destroy their vehicle.

In addition, when racing the track with the Nintendo 64DD expansion features, the background song is a rock version of the Rainbow Road song heard in Mario Kart 64 (the regular version uses the track used in Sectors α and β).

Audio.svg Rainbow Road - F-Zero X Expansion Kit
File infoMedia:FZX Rainbow Road.oga
0:30
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Profiles[edit]

Mario Kart 64[edit]

  • Instruction manual bio: This course can be described in a word—LONG, very long. It is simply the longest of all the courses. As the name indicates, the road is made of rainbow and it has a fantastic view of neon sculptures twinkling in the distance. The final course of the Special Cup, it is definitely worth seeing. It is advisable to slow down to avoid the Chomps that will attack.
  • Website bio: The longest track in Mario Kart 64, Rainbow Road is a surreal trip through a world of giant neon sculptures.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

  • Nintendo Magazine 2023 Winter: "A midair circuit with a beautiful nightscape. The flying trains sometimes throw coins at you."[3]

Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack liner notes[edit]

"This is a hugely popular track, and for the full HD version we worked on the arrangement to bring out its full beauty. You'll be pleased to hear that those lovable Chain Chomps are alive and well in this title."

Gallery[edit]

Mario Kart 64[edit]

Neon signs[edit]

When a player is playing the course, the neon lights of Mario, the Mushroom, and the Boo are the only ones that are animated. In order as the track follows:

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese レインボーロード[?]
Reinbō Rōdo
Rainbow Road
Chinese (simplified) 彩虹之路[?]
Cǎihóng zhī Lù
Rainbow Road
彩虹桥[?]
Cǎihóng Qiáo
Rainbow Bridge Mario Kart 64
Chinese (traditional) 彩虹之路[?]
Cǎihóng zhī Lù
Rainbow Road
Dutch Regenboogbaan[?] Rainbow Track
French (NOA) Route arc-en-ciel[?] Rainbow Road
French (NOE) Route Arc-en-ciel[?] Rainbow Road
German Regenbogen-Boulevard[?] Rainbow Boulevard
Italian Pista Arcobaleno[?] Rainbow Track
Korean 무지개 로드[?]
Mujigae Rodeu
Rainbow Road
Portuguese Estrada Arco-Íris[?] Rainbow Road
Russian Трасса Радуга[?]
Trassa Raduga
Rainbow Track
Spanish Senda Arco Iris[?] Rainbow Path

Trivia[edit]

  • Excluding courses in or from Mario Kart Tour, this is one of only two non-SNES courses in the series that differ in lap count between its original and remade versions; the other is GCN Baby Park in Mario Kart DS.
  • The map of its reappearance in Mario Kart 8, shown in the Prima guide, has two Dash Panels on the third section placed on the right side. However, in the game, they are actually placed on the left side.
  • Aside from its reappearance in Mario Kart 8, arrangements for Rainbow Road's music from Mario Kart 64 can be heard in later titles. Part of Rainbow Road's music from Mario Kart 64 was arranged and used in the music for Rainbow Road in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart 7. Additionally, part of the music can be heard in World 9's world map theme in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. When first driving the rainbow road in Paper Mario: Color Splash, this music can be heard.

References[edit]