Mario Kart (series)
Template:Series-infobox The Mario Kart racing games are a large franchise series in Mario games; one Mario Kart game has appeared on almost every Nintendo system since the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. With a total of nine titles in the popular spin-off series, Nintendo has started a sort-of fad of cartoon-styled racing games amongst many gaming companies.
Games
Super Mario Kart
- Year Released – 1992
- System – Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Mario Kart is the first Mario Kart game to be released. The game has a total of eight playable characters and 20 different racecourses to select from. This is the only title featuring five courses for a Grand Prix; all later installments only consist of four. Super Mario Kart is also the only Mario Kart game to feature Donkey Kong Jr. as a playable character; he is replaced by Donkey Kong in all subsequent titles. Koopa Troopa is also playable in the game, but did not reprise this role until Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. Though the game is on a 16-bit system, it features three-dimensionally rendered surroundings, giving the graphics depth and a more realistic feel. This particular Mario Kart game is heavily influenced by Super Mario World, with some graphics and locations taken directly from the platformer. Yoshi's tongue noise from Super Mario World is also present, as is a computer-generated "hoomph" for Donkey Kong Jr.; actual voice acting was not yet possible.
Mario Kart 64
- Year Released – 1996
- System – Nintendo 64
- For this game's beta elements, see here.
Mario Kart 64 is the first 64-bit Mario Kart game, which allows for fully three-dimensional graphics, such as the course layouts. However, it still uses 2D frames for characters and items. It is the first Mario Kart title to feature Donkey Kong and Wario as playable characters, though there is still a total of eight drivers to choose from. The game features 16 normal racecourses, as well as four battle courses. Mario Kart 64 was later re-released on the Virtual Console for 1000 points.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
- Year Released – 2001
- System – Game Boy Advance
- For this game's beta elements, see here.
Mario Kart Super Circuit is the first Mario Kart title to be brought to a handheld gaming system. It is compatible with the Game Boy Advance (now with the Nintendo DS as well), and is a 32-bit game. It is highly influenced by its two home console predecessors, especially Mario Kart 64. The game featured eight playable characters once more, all of which are in Mario Kart 64. A total of 20 racecourses (plus the 20 courses from Super Mario Kart) could be selected from. This game also has a feature that allows players to swap Ghost data via the use of a Game Boy Advance Link Cable.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
- Year Released – 2003
- System – Nintendo GameCube
- For this game's beta elements, see here.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! is the fourth game to be released in the franchise. The game introduces many new features. One difference is that there are two drivers per kart, in contrary to all other games in the Mario Kart series (it did not return in Mario Kart Wii); this allowed characters to hold more items simultaneously. Another new feature is Special Items: each pair of drivers has their own unique Special Item that only they could obtain, with the exception of King Boo and Petey Piranha, who did not have their own Special Item, but could obtain any of other drivers' instead. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! features 16 racecourses, as well as 20 different characters to select from. It is also the first game that has uniquely designed karts for each character, rather than just color variations.
Mario Kart Arcade GP
- Year Released – 2005
- System – Arcade Machine
Mario Kart Arcade GP is the first Mario Kart title to be released into an arcade. Though many of the same elements from previous games are still featured in this game, it is entirely unique from the rest at the time. This game features a total of 11 playable characters; 8 are from the Mario series, while the remaining three are from the Pac-Man series. This is the first Mario Kart title to feature third-party characters. It also features 12 racecourses to select from, two each are in a separate cup. It is notable for having many more items than other Mario Kart games.
Mario Kart DS
- Year Released – 2005
- System – Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
- For this game's beta elements, see here.
Mario Kart DS is the fifth mainstream installment in the Mario Kart series, and is the second title to be released on a handheld gaming system. Unlike Mario Kart Double Dash!!, this game returns to one-person driving and does not feature Special Items. The game features 64-bit graphics, and included an all new Mission Mode, for which the player needs to complete missions within certain time limits. This game features 13 playable characters: eight default racers, four unlockable racers, and one only available for racing via Download Play.
This game is also the second in the series to feature racecourses encountered in earlier titles (the first was Mario Kart Super Circuit, which included all Super Mario Kart tracks). In the Retro Grand Prix mode, players could select to race on courses from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. New courses, from the Nitro Grand Prix, are based on the latest Mario platform games. Some tracks include pipes and flat blocks in the background based on those from Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3. The course Tick Tock Clock and Mission Mode Bosses come from Super Mario 64 DS.
Mario Kart Arcade GP 2
- Year Released – 2007
- System – Arcade Machine
Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 is the second (and latest) Mario Kart title to be released in the arcades. It features the same playable characters as Mario Kart Arcade GP, with the additions of Waluigi and Mametchi. This title also features something different from the last arcade release: unique Karts for each playable character, just as Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart Wii did. This game features a total of 16 racecourses.
Mario Kart Wii
- Year Released – 2008
- System – Wii
- For this game's beta elements, see here.
Mario Kart Wii is the sixth mainstream and most recent game in the series. A new feature in Mario Kart Wii is Bikes. Bikes allow the players to do wheelies, speeding them up temporarily. Also, the players can do Tricks as they jump off certain ramps to get a short boost when landing. Another new feature is the Mario Kart Channel. This channel, installable on the Wii Menu, allows players to check rankings, race ghosts, and compete in tournaments. Similar to the Retro racecourses, the game also has five Retro battle courses. One Retro battle course is featured from each of the past five games in the series, in addition to five all-new battle courses. Mario Kart Wii has 24 playable characters, with 32 courses to choose from. However, unlike the past titles, this game uses a size system instead of a weight system, but is not unlike the weight system.
Mario Kart 7
- Year Released – 2011
- System – Nintendo 3DS
Mario Kart 7 is the seventh main installment in the series which was announced for the Nintendo 3DS. Wi-Fi play will be utilized to exchange Ghost Data or to race. New features introduced into the Mario Kart series are the ability to glide, drive underwater, and build customizable vehicles with unlockable parts instead of using premade vehicles. Eight racers will compete once again instead of the twelve racers seen in Mario Kart Wii. Retro race tracks will also return and for the first time ever in this game, racers can see the race in first-person view.
Characters
Playable Characters
1 - Only in VS and Battle Mode.
2 - Only in DS Download Play.
3 - As Mii Outfit A and Mii Outfit B.
File:Question.png - characters yet to be announced to confirm or deny in the future Mario Kart Series.
File:Check small.png - playable character
File:X mark.png - non-playable character
Weight/Size and Effects
Throughout the Mario Kart series, a common element in almost each game is the weight of different characters. Characters have been classified by their weight. Up until Mario Kart Wii, the three weights were "Light", "Medium", and "Heavy". In Mario Kart Wii, however, the main element was the size of the character, split in three categories: "Small", "Medium", and "Large". Different weights and sizes have different effects on racing.
Please note:
- In Super Mario Kart, characters are classified in 4 classes with no official name.
- In Mario Kart DS, weights of characters are not classified in categories, but more exact weights are given to characters.
- In Mario Kart Wii, bikes are usually lighter than karts, due to their smaller size. However, some bikes are heavier than karts, especially when size classes are taken into account.
- In Mario Kart 7, there are two extra classes known as Mid-Light and Mid-Heavy.
Light/Small
Characters in this classification are easily knocked aside by their heavier opponents. Light/Small characters have high acceleration, but low top speeds. When off-road, they lose a very minimal amount of speed. In some games, however, a lightweight can own a kart that has a high top speed, but low acceleration.
| Game | Light/Small Characters |
|---|---|
| Super Mario Kart | Koopa Troopa · Toad |
| Mario Kart 64 | Princess Peach · Toad · Yoshi |
| Mario Kart Super Circuit | Princess Peach · Toad · Yoshi |
| Mario Kart: Double Dash!! | Baby Mario · Baby Luigi · Bowser Jr. · Diddy Kong · Koopa Paratroopa · Koopa Troopa · Toad · Toadette |
| Mario Kart DS | Dry Bones · Princess Peach · Shy Guy · Toad · Yoshi |
| Mario Kart Wii | Baby Daisy · Baby Luigi · Baby Mario · Baby Peach · Dry Bones · Koopa Troopa · Toad · Toadette |
| Mario Kart 7 | Koopa Troopa · Lakitu · Shy Guy · Toad |
Medium
Medium characters have a equal balance of weight, top speed, and acceleration. When they go off-road, they lose a moderate amount of speed, contrary to that of its corresponding weight classes. In some games, however, middleweights can own a kart that has low speed and high acceleration, or a kart that has high speed and low acceleration.
| Game | Medium Characters |
|---|---|
| Super Mario Kart | Luigi · Mario · Princess Peach · Yoshi |
| Mario Kart 64 | Luigi · Mario |
| Mario Kart Super Circuit | Luigi · Mario |
| Mario Kart: Double Dash!! | Birdo · Luigi · Mario · Princess Daisy · Princess Peach · Waluigi · Yoshi |
| Mario Kart DS | Luigi · Mario · Princess Daisy · Waluigi |
| Mario Kart Wii | Birdo · Bowser Jr. · Diddy Kong · Luigi · Mario · Princess Daisy · Princess Peach · Yoshi |
| Mario Kart 7 | Luigi · Mario |
Heavy/Large
Heavy/Large characters can easily knock most opposing racers aside. They have high top speeds, but very poor acceleration. When they go off-road, their speed greatly decreases. In some games, however, a heavyweight can own a kart that has a low top speed, but high acceleration.
| Game | Heavy/Large Characters |
|---|---|
| Super Mario Kart | Bowser · Donkey Kong Jr. |
| Mario Kart 64 | Bowser · Donkey Kong · Wario |
| Mario Kart Super Circuit | Bowser · Donkey Kong · Wario |
| Mario Kart: Double Dash!! | Bowser · Donkey Kong · King Boo · Petey Piranha · Wario |
| Mario Kart DS | Bowser · Donkey Kong · R.O.B. · Wario |
| Mario Kart Wii | Bowser · Donkey Kong · Dry Bowser · Funky Kong · King Boo · Rosalina · Waluigi · Wario |
| Mario Kart 7 | Bowser · Honey Queen · Metal Mario · Wario |
Engine Class
The Engine Class (also referred to as Engine Size) is an important factor in the Mario Kart series, determining the speed of Karts. Super Mario Kart introduced 50 cubic centimeter (cc) and 100cc Karts. With Mario Kart 64, there were also 150cc Karts available. As larger engines increase speed, Karts are more difficult to control. In Grand Prix mode, Engine Classes makes computer also become become tougher competitors (like easy, medium, and then hard). In Vs. Mode of Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, the Engine Class doesn't control the difficulty of the computer drivers, but the option CPU Level does. Each Cup can be raced with different Engine Classes; completing a Cup with a certain Engine Classes sometimes unlocks other Cups, drivers, or battle stages.
Mirror Class
Appears In: Mario Kart 64; Mario Kart: Double Dash!!; Mario Kart DS; Mario Kart Wii; Mario Kart 7
150cc Mirror Class (EXTRA in Mario Kart 64) is a bonus engine class in which all tracks are completely mirrored. As a result, left becomes right and vice versa. All vehicles use the 150cc engine size in this engine class (100cc in Mario Kart 64). Most environmental hazards remain untouched, but there are some exceptions, such as with Toad's Turnpike.
Items and Effects
Throughout the races of the Mario Kart games, racers can pick up items out of Item Boxes. These items differ from game to game, but this is a complete list of all the items from every game, excluding the Mario Kart Arcade GP series. Items randomly shuffle in the Item Roulette after characters run into an Item Box. Characters can then tap the item button rapidly to speed up the rate of stopping. If players do not select an item right away by pressing the item button, the computer automatically selects an item. The item chosen depends on the player's place in the race. Generally, the worse players are doing in the race, the better item players get. After the item is selected, players can press the item button to use it. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!! onwards, certain damages such as being flipped, squashed or being picked up by Lakitu makes players drop their item on to the road (for others to use/get hit by) or lose it all together.
* Indicates Special Item in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.
Banana
Appears in: All Games
The banana is a staple in every Mario Kart game. They can be held behind players' karts, and anybody who hits it spins out on contact. When thrown forward, the players' current speed and altitude determines how far it will be thrown. In certain games, if players slow down just when they are about to drive over a banana, they do not slip; the indication of success is a musical note appearing above the racer's head.
Banana Bunch/Triple Bananas
Appears in: Mario Kart 64; Mario Kart DS; Mario Kart Wii; Mario Kart 7
This is essentially the same as the banana, but there are multiple of them. In Mario Kart 64, they come in fives, and in Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7, they come in threes. When first activated, the bananas trail players' karts, and can then be dropped or thrown one at a time. The Items stat available in some games increases players' odds of getting a triple instead of a single. Triple Bananas follow the same physics as single Bananas.
Blooper
Appears in: Mario Kart DS; Mario Kart Wii; Mario Kart 7
Bloopers obscure the view of players by squirting ink on the screen. This item affects every racer that is currently ahead of the player. If the player is affected by a Blooper, the player's Items stat determines how long the ink stays on the player's screen. The lower the player's Item stat is, the faster the ink goes away. If players are affected by a Blooper, they can use a Mushroom or drive onto a Boost Pad to get rid of the obstructive goop.
Bob-omb
Appears in: Mario Kart: Double Dash!!*; Mario Kart DS; Mario Kart Wii; Mario Kart 7
The Bob-omb stays on the track, and it explodes after a restricted period of time. If it is thrown forward, the Bob-omb waits until another racer passes near it to explode by then. Any driver who is in the blast radius and surroundings blows or spins. If a racer holds it behind them (ala Mario Kart Wii) and an item such as a red shell hits them, it immediately explodes like it usually does. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the Bob-omb is the special item exclusive to Wario and Waluigi, and to King Boo and Petey Piranha; although it can be used for all characters during Battle Mode.
Bob-ombs also appear as unique items in the Battle Mode game, Bob-omb Blast. They are given colors that match the player numbers, and only affects opposing players when thrown.
Boo
Appears in: Super Mario Kart; Mario Kart 64; Mario Kart Super Circuit; Mario Kart DS.
Boos are ghosts from one of the many haunted houses in the Mushroom Kingdom. In Mario Kart Super Circuit, Boos slow down the race leader when the player uses it on him or her, compared to the other games, where he simply leaves the leader alone and takes his or her item. The target that is chosen is the one with the most powerful item, including Mushrooms. However, if no other racers have items, the Boo does not steal anything for the player. Another benefit to Boo is the fact that players become translucent upon using it, meaning that they can pass right through other drivers and certain obstacles, including items. In addition to being immune to attacks, the Boo item also allows players to increase their speed slightly, as well as driving through rough terrain without losing speed.
Notably, Boos are absent in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart Wii, probably because of the inclusion of King Boo.
Bowser Shell
Appears in: Mario Kart: Double Dash!!*
The Bowser Shell is the item used exclusively by Bowser, Bowser Jr., and by King Boo and Petey Piranha. This monstrous shell goes in a straight line, just like a normal Green Shell, bumping on walls and obstacles, capable of knocking over random karts, or destroying other items that it collides with. Unlike a Green or Red Shell, the Bowser Shell does not disintegrate if it collides on a kart. It keeps spinning around after several bumps, where it breaks apart. When the Bowser Shell collides with another special item, it rebounds.
Bullet Bill
Appears in: Mario Kart DS; Mario Kart Wii; Mario Kart 7
Upon using a Bullet Bill, the player turns into a Bullet Bill, and follows the track automatically. The Bullet Bill is very fast, and boosts the player faster than any other item. The duration of the Bullet Bill depends on how high the player's current place is; the higher the place, the longer the duration. It is possible to steer the Bullet Bill, but only slightly. This feature allows players to "home in" on other racers as they are flying right past them.
Chain Chomp
Appears in: Mario Kart: Double Dash!!*
The Chain Chomp is a special Item used only by Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, and by King Boo and Petey Piranha as well. When used, a Chain Chomp appears on the front of the kart, pulling the vehicle ahead at a very fast speed, sweeping away any karts and most items in its path. After a limited period of time, the Chain Chomp breaks away from the kart and continue down the track until it eventually vanishes. It is very similar to the Bullet Bill item, except that players are not invulnerable when they use this item. Of course, if the player gets hit by any items, the Chain Chomp breaks free before the time limit has even ended. It was set to appear in Mario Kart DS, but the player can't receive it even in the Kiosk Beta!
Coin
Appears in: Super Mario Kart; Mario Kart Super Circuit; Mario Kart 7
The Coin item lets the player's character gain a pair of coins in order to prevent being spun around if the driver bumps with another kart while having zero coins. The coin also increases the player's speed slightly. In Mario Kart 7 a maximum of 10 coins can be collected in a race at one time.
Yoshi Egg/Birdo Egg
Appears i
