Mario Kart (series)
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The Mario Kart racing series is widely known, as a Mario Kart game has appeared on almost every Nintendo system since the SNES.
List of Games
- Super Mario Kart (1992, SNES)
- Mario Kart 64 (1996, Nintendo 64)
- Mario Kart Super Circuit (2001, Game Boy Advance)
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003, Nintendo GameCube)
- Mario Kart DS (2005, Nintendo DS)
- Mario Kart Wii (2008, Nintendo Wii)
Arcade Series:
- Mario Kart Arcade GP (2005, Arcade)
- Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 (2007, Arcade)
Playable Characters
With so many Mario Kart titles, the list of characters that can be found from within these games is quite impressive, ranging from Mario and Luigi to Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Below is a list of all the characters found in each game.
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 items. After picking up the items out of item boxes, items randomly shuffle on top of the screen (little right in Super Mario Kart, center screen on Mario Kart 64, the left side on Mario Kart: Double Dash but it scrolls instead of appear, and left side on Mario Kart Wii, but it makes a tumbling page instead of scroll), and then press the ("A" in Super Mario Kart, "Z" or "C, Down" in Mario Kart 64, "X" or "Y" in Mario Kart: Double Dash, "L" in Wii Classic Controller or GameCube Controller in Mario Kart Wii) button to select the item (item is selected when flashing in Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64, in Mario Kart: Double Dash when a special item is selected by their own character(s), the word SPECIAL appears, in Mario Kart Wii, it fades white in when selected). If a player doesn't select an item right away by pressing the ("A" in Super Mario Kart, "Z" or "C, Down" in Mario Kart 64, "X" or "Y" in Mario Kart: Double Dash, "L" in Wii Classic Controller or GameCube Controller in Mario Kart Wii) button, the computer automatically selects an item. After the item is selected, press the ("A" in Super Mario Kart, "Z" or "C, Down" in Mario Kart 64, "X" or "Y" in Mario Kart: Double Dash, "L" in Wii Classic Controller or GameCube Controller in Mario Kart Wii) button to use it.
Banana
Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Arcade GP, Mario Kart Wii
The banana is a staple in every Mario Kart game. They can be held behind the player's kart, and anybody who hits it will spin out on contact. When thrown forward, the player's current speed and altitude determines how far it will be thrown.
Banana Bunches/Triple Bananas
Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
This is essentially the same as the banana, but there are multiples. In Mario Kart 64, they come in fives, and in Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, they come in threes. When first activated, the bananas trail the player's kart, and can then by dropped or thrown one at a time. The Items stat available in some games increases the player's odds of getting a triple instead of a single. Triple Bananas follow the same physics as single Bananas.
Green Shell
Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Arcade GP, Mario Kart Wii
Another classic staple of the Mario Kart franchise, these items are useful in knocking other players. The player can hold one behind their kart, and can be thrown backwards. Green Shells move slower when thrown backwards, however. If a player gets hit by one, the player will roll over, losing time.
Triple Green Shells
Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS. Mario Kart Wii
This is the same as the single Green Shell, except the player has three of them
orbiting around the player's kart. In Mario Kart DS, the player can fire these shells behind the player's kart, but in other games, the player can only fire them forwards. The item can also be used as a shield to other items. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the item was exclusive to Koopa Troopa and Paratroopa. Also, in Double Dash!!, if the driver was hit by any of the items, Koopa Troopa or Paratroopa will lose one or two shells they had held in.
Fake Item Box
Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
Fake Item Boxes can be placed on the stage anywhere, similar to Bananas. They can also be dragged behind the kart. Upon hitting a Fake Item Box, the player will roll over, similar to a Green Shell. As with the Banana, the speed the player going at determines how far it will be thrown forward. When laid down on the track, the player can distinguish one by looking for the telltale question mark inside the box. In most games, the Box had an upside-down question mark. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart Wii, there was an occasional red flash added. In Mario Kart DS, they simply had no question mark at all, and did not rotate either.
Mushroom
Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
Mushrooms have appeared so far in every Mario Kart game. By using the item, the user got a temporary boost of speed, allowing them to go through terrain at ease. Also, charging into another driver while using the boost will result in knocking them to the side, regardless of how light or heavy the player's kart is. Braking is very difficult while using a Mushroom. It may offer a slight increase in handling for the duration of the boost, but it will not slow the kart down.
Triple Mushroom
Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
This is basically the same as a Mushroom, but in triple form, meaning the player can use it three times. A higher Items stat, for the games that have it, means the player will obtain this more often. Also in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, if the driver was hit by any of the items, one of the two characters will lose one or two mushrooms they had held in.
Blooper
Mario Kart DS,Mario Kart Wii
Bloopers obscure the view of players, by squirting ink on the screen. This item will effect 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 will stay on the player's screen. The lower the player's Item stat is, the faster the ink will go away. If the player is affected by a Blooper, they can use a Mushroom or drive onto a booster pad to rid the screen of the obstructive goo.
Red Shell
Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
These homing projectiles are slightly different in Mario Kart DS. They will not always take the quickest route to the target. Instead, they will usually strike them from the side to avoid any item they might be carrying behind them. If a red shell is trailing a player, they can use a Green Shell, Banana, or another Red Shell to shield it. As with Green Shells and Fake Item Boxes, the player rolls when hit. Red Shells can be held behind the player and fired backwards, just like a green shell. Red Shells fired backwards do not home in on anyone. Also note that Red Shells can perform complete 180 degree turns to pursue the player. This renders jumping off of ramps ineffective in avoiding red shells. In previous games, Red Shells went for the more direct approach, causing them to hit walls more often.
Triple Red Shells
Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
Red shells, in a group of three. They can be equipped by only pressing the item button once, and will circle the player until used, becoming a temporary shield against other shells and bananas. Again, a higher Items stat means the player will get these more often. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, it was available to Koopa Troopa and Koopa Paratroopa only. Also in Double Dash!!, if the driver was hit by any of the items, Koopa Troopa or Paratroopa will lose one or two shells they had held in.
Boo
Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart DS
A ghost 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 them, compared to the other games, where he simply leaves them alone and takes their item. The target that is chosen is the one with the most powerful item, including Mushrooms. However, if no other racers have items, Boo will have no effect. Another benefit to Boo is the fact that the player becomes translucent upon using it, meaning they can pass right through other drivers and certain obstacles, inclding items. In addition to being immune to attack, the Boo item also allows the player to drive through rough terrain without losing any speed. Notably, Boos are absent in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart Wii.
Bob-ombs
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
These Itmes can be held behind the player's kart. Upon being hit by a Bob-omb, the kart is launched into the air, causing the player to flip, losing much time. Bob-ombs also act like proximity mines; any kart that drives into one will cause it to explode. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the Bob-omb was exclusive to Wario, Waluigi, King Boo, and Petey Piranha, except for in the Battle Mode Game, Bob-omb Blast.
Spiny Shell
Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
Upon firing this item, it will zero in on the player that is
currently in first, not including those who have already crossed the finish line. Upon being hit by a Spiny Shell, the kart will be flipped, like a Bob-omb would, losing much time. If another kart gets caught at the edge of the explosion, they will not flip, but will spin out.
Super Mushroom
Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
Also known as the Golden Mushroom, this is an enhanced form of Mushroom. It is a Mushroom that the player can use an infinite amount of times for about 7-10 seconds. In Double Dash!! the item could only be received by Toad, Toadette, King Boo, and Petey Piranha.
Mega Mushroom
Mario Kart Wii
The player's character becomes bigger and is able to crush other characters in the amount of time.
Thunderbolts
Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
Everyone but the user is hit by a thunderbolt when this item is activated. If the player is hit by it, they will spin out, and become tiny, and slowing them down. In Mario Kart 64, Boos, Stars or Thunderbolts could not be used while tiny. In Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, the amount of time the player stays tiny depends on their rank; the lower the rank, the less time they stay tiny. In all games, any items in possesion were lost when hit by lightning.
Thunderclouds
Mario Kart Wii
When obtained, the player automatically receives a boost of speed, constantly. However, the Thunder Cloud will eventually strike Lightning at the player, just shrinking them just like an original Thunderbolt. The Cloud however can be passed on to another kart by bumping into any other racer before the lightning strikes. To use the item efficiently, the player's character will have to bump another character and let him be shrunk instead.
Bullet Bill
Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
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 Items stat is. If it is high, it will last about 8 seconds, and 4-5 seconds with a low Items stat. It is possible to steer the Bullet Bill, but only slightly. This feature may allow the player to "home in" on other racers as they are flying right past them.
Star
Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart Wii
Super Stars are arguably one of the most useful items in the Mario Kart series. They grant the player complete invincibility and offensive control. Any player to get in their path rolls sideways, as if hit by a fake item box. A Super Star lasts for about 8 seconds.
Feather
Super Mario Kart
Gives the player a spin jump which is higher than the normal hop. It is useful for jumping over Thwomps and taking shortcuts in races over the barriers.
Bowser Shell
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
A giant shell, exactly like the green shell, only much bigger, powerful, and it has no wall-collision limit. Instead, it dissappears out after a certain amount of time. Its momentum is not changed by most objects, such as racers, cars, and items. Giant Bananas and the Wiggler Bus, however, cause it to bounce off in a different direction. If it hits a kart, the racers lose any items they may have had, and roll over. It is only available to Bowser, Bowser Jr., Knig Boo, and Petey Piranha.
Egg
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
These eggs will home in on rival karts. When they hit an object, they will
explode and drop three items onto the track. A variety of items can come out of the egg. Items are: Mushrooms, Super Stars, Bananas, Green Shells, or Bob-ombs. It can only be used by Yoshi, Birdo, King Boo, and Petey Piranha.
Fireballs
Super Mario Kart(CPU only) Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
These items can be shot forward or backwards. They start as a single fireball, and then they'll split into five smaller fireballs, which can hit multiple karts at once. The fire balls can bounce off of a wall one time. They are Mario, Luigi, King Boo and Petey Piranha's signature item. In Super Mario Kart, they were left by a CPU playing as Bowser, and acted similar to Banana Peels.
Giant Banana
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Like a normal banana, but much bigger, making it harder to avoid. After someone hits the Giant Banana, it will break up into three smaller bananas. Only Eggs, Bowser Shells, and karts can destroy it. The item is Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, King Boo, and Petey Piranha's only.
Heart
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Hearts that cirlce the player's kart, and if an item hits them, they will absorb it, and be able to use it. Spinies are noy caught, and falling off the course or getting hit with Lightning destroys it. It is Peach, Daisy, King Boo, and Petey Piranha's special item.
Chain Chomp
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Chain Chomp makes the player go at a very fast speed, and flip over any opponents in their way. They will lose it if they get hit by an item. The item is similar to Bullet Bill. Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, King Boo, and Petey Piranha are the only ones who can get it.
POW Block
Mario Kart Wii
When dispatched by a player, other racers will find POW Blocks above their karts. They must jump three times (in rhythm) to destory the POW Block; otherwise they will spin out, lose all items, and lose time.
Battle Mode
Battle Mode is a game play mode in the Mario Kart series. Some games have multiple battle modes. In Battle Mode, the objective is to defeat all the other players. All games feature Balloon Battle, and some of the more recent additions in the series have additional modes.
Balloon Battle
Each player has a certain number of Balloons. Players' balloons pop when they are being hit by any item, such as Bananas or Koopa Shells. In Mario Kart DS, balloons must now be blown up by either blowing into the microphone, or holding down the Select button. In Mario Kart Wii, the score was based on how many balloons popped, and was not a survival game, unlike others.
Shine Thief
There is a Shine Sprite on the track which can be collected. As soon as a player has collected the Shine Sprite, a countdown starts. When it is over and the player is still holding the Shine Sprite, he wins.
Other players can steal the Shine Sprite by first hitting the player with it with any item, and then recolleting the Sprite themselves. The countdown is reset after this, but it starts at a lower level each time.
Shine Runners
Shine Runners replaces Shine Thief in Mario Kart DS. Instead of one Shine Sprite there are many Sprites. After about thirty seconds, the player with the least Shine Sprites is eliminated. This continues until only one player is left.
Bob-omb Blast
In this mode, all items are Bob-ombs, and players can stack up to five Bob-ombs per character on their kart. When another player is hit by a Bob-omb explosion, that player loses a point (if he has one) and the other player gains it. The player who reaches three points first wins.
Coin Runners
Very similar to Shine Runners; the teams must collect as many coins as they can. There are coins set on the stage from the beginning, and some that drop while the battle goes on. If a player with coins is hit by an item, or falls off the stage, they will lose half of their coins. The team with the most coins at the end of the time limit wins.
Trivia
- The first Mario Kart Title, Super Mario Kart, is hevily influenced by Super Mario World.
- The Mario Kart series is referenced to in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door by Luigi, who, while telling Mario about the races on Circuit Break Island, briefly mentions racing in karts previously.
- In the main games (not including the GP series), there has been at least one Mario Circuit, one Bowser Castle, one Rainbow Road, one Ice-themed course, and one Beach-themed course.
- In the American and European versions of Mario Kart 64, "Circuits" were renamed "Raceways".
