Mario Kart 64

Nintendo 64
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 505 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 14 out of 505
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  1. DanielP.
    Jun 20, 2006
    10
    Simply the best game ever invented. 4-player races, each race done once, all night.
  2. MarkH.
    May 19, 2005
    10
    Best racing game ever made never gets boring.
  3. MarvinM.
    Nov 26, 2006
    10
    Best game ever. Simple, addictive, amazing 4 player battle. First game of its kind. Time trials.... they can be intense competition once you learn the E break.
  4. Oct 30, 2015
    9
    One of the Best Games on the Nintendo 64 and a sequal to the SNES Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart is here on the N64. I think this game is AMAZING. It has SOOOO many awesome stuff, one of my favourites in the series. The character selection is okay, but I play as either Mario, Yoshi, or occasionally DK. I don't play as Luigi, mainly because I leave that to my younger bro, we still play it,One of the Best Games on the Nintendo 64 and a sequal to the SNES Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart is here on the N64. I think this game is AMAZING. It has SOOOO many awesome stuff, one of my favourites in the series. The character selection is okay, but I play as either Mario, Yoshi, or occasionally DK. I don't play as Luigi, mainly because I leave that to my younger bro, we still play it, really fun and you should definitely play this. So I don't mind that it only has 8 characters to choose from.

    Multiplayer is fun, you can have up to four players and race, or Battle. Battle mode is fine but not the best. The Tracks are great, I love the tracks: DK's Jungle Parkway, Bowser's Castle, Choco Choco Mountain, and Kalimari Desert are some of my favourite tracks, just to name a few. Rainbow Road is awful IMO, because of the chomps, and the course is too long. Thank you Nintendo for reducing the trouble in Mario Kart 8 because it takes around seven to ten minutes just to clear the damn thing! The controls are really good. The graphics are great for the Nintendo 64, Nintendo put a lot of effourt into it. Mario Kart 64 is one of my favourite N64 Games and you should DEFINITELY check it out! And if you hate Super Mario Kart and the 7 Sequals, you're BEYOND silly as JB.
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  5. Jul 5, 2012
    10
    Maybe not the best version of Mario Kart out there, but probably the most sheer fun. Possibly the best multiplayer avaliable in video games, great maps, free-for-all battle mode... who am I kidding, it IS the best Mario Kart out there.
  6. Jun 7, 2011
    10
    Wow this game is AMAZING! I don't have it on the original N64 console,but who needs it! I got the Virtual Console service by my side!Anyway this is the only racing game I play, no other. And it has my favorite plummer...MARIO! Soooo, in conclusion i love this game and it's a masterpiece to me.
  7. Apr 29, 2011
    10
    A classic kart racing game that's essential to anyone's N64, if you still play it. Pros: It's shrouded in charm and originality; a small, but satisfying variety of unforgettable characters and weapons; multi-player mode is an endless amount of fun. Cons: The single-player mode is tiresome after awhile; it's not the best looking Mario game on the N64.
  8. Mar 15, 2014
    9
    A great kart racing game. I always remembered this as my favourite. It was my first Mario Kart game, and playing it today definately brings back memories. However, what leaves this at 9 rather than 10 is that a few weeks ago replaying the game, I came across a glitch in Rainbow Road, and the music stopped. The whole race then felt lonely. Seriously, if you can, just find a version withoutA great kart racing game. I always remembered this as my favourite. It was my first Mario Kart game, and playing it today definately brings back memories. However, what leaves this at 9 rather than 10 is that a few weeks ago replaying the game, I came across a glitch in Rainbow Road, and the music stopped. The whole race then felt lonely. Seriously, if you can, just find a version without music but with the sound effects, its just lonely. Expand
  9. SeanB.
    Jan 1, 2004
    10
    I had to say 10 but if it went higher i would say 10,000,000,000!!!!!
  10. AceMistry
    Feb 20, 2005
    10
    Learn to powerslide its amazing. Powersliding is where you have red smoke coming from the car and let go and you get a power boost. It brings a whole new dimension to the game!!!!
  11. MichaelW.
    Jun 29, 2003
    9
    It's the best.
  12. YanniT.
    Jan 11, 2004
    8
    This game is good but after you beat it its pointless.
  13. PYL.
    Apr 15, 2004
    9
    This game has a great learning curve that you can develop at first learning how to do the Mini Turbos whith that all new joystick. Then learning different techniques that help you improve.
  14. RobertA.
    Jul 15, 2004
    9
    Oh mario kart is fun. multiplayer mode had me and my friends playing for hours. great game.
  15. DejanN.
    Feb 18, 2006
    10
    I used to play it the whole day with my friends.. the game is a great fun... not a lashy graphics or anything but a great fun... like the games of our youth.. they were pure fun and we weren't worrying about how good graphic it has nor a good sound or anything... Perfect Ten.
  16. RobertC.
    Feb 22, 2004
    9
    July 27, 1997...my older brother gets one of these new Nintendo 64s. With it were two games that would start more than 4 years worth of gaming nirvana. The first game I put in to play was Mario Kart 64. I had some memory of the original Mario Kart, which I throughly enjoyed. Once I'm able to get on my way to a time-trial, I'm shocked for one by the graphics, and the fact I July 27, 1997...my older brother gets one of these new Nintendo 64s. With it were two games that would start more than 4 years worth of gaming nirvana. The first game I put in to play was Mario Kart 64. I had some memory of the original Mario Kart, which I throughly enjoyed. Once I'm able to get on my way to a time-trial, I'm shocked for one by the graphics, and the fact I couldn't move my kart! Appears I have to use one of these confounded joysticks...and I never looked back. Saddest thing though is when I look at this Mario Kart compared to Duble Dash, I'm thinking: "Holy...those graphics look like crap!". Expand
  17. MatthiasB.
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Berlin Mario Kart Driver !!! call 0173/46135...
  18. MikeM.
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    This game isn't perfect. But damnit, what is? I love this game, and if I had to play it to save my life, well damn, I'm pretty sure I'd be safe. The sheer fact that it's a retarded game makes it great. The characters are wacky, so people love them. The realism in this game is in the negatives, and people love it. This game's cons are nothing mroe than hidden pros. This game isn't perfect. But damnit, what is? I love this game, and if I had to play it to save my life, well damn, I'm pretty sure I'd be safe. The sheer fact that it's a retarded game makes it great. The characters are wacky, so people love them. The realism in this game is in the negatives, and people love it. This game's cons are nothing mroe than hidden pros. All all around greatness, and just because SNES might have had a better Mario Kart, doesn't mean this one's horrible. Expand
  19. AxewhipeS.
    Jan 15, 2008
    9
    One of the best games when it came out & still is the N64 had that long lasting appeal that made you want to go back to those games, This game is great fun for all, 1 player has the tracks & time trials & multiplayer allows you to battle & race. An Amazing game, Kramer C obviously doesn't know who, what, or where he is & has amnesia & thought he was playing LAIR.
  20. Jan 19, 2011
    9
    Loved this game it was amazing to play with friends. Easily spent metric ton of hours playing this at my house and over at friends houses. The only downside? only four players could play at a time!
  21. Aug 15, 2016
    10
    The best overall racing game EVER made. Period. I can't help but remember the joy I felt everytime I played this game with family and friends, the level of joy was just over 9000.
  22. Apr 27, 2011
    9
    Mario Kart 64 was mi first game ever. When you play this game today it wil be stil fun. The gameplay is fantastic and the soundtrack is awesome. The only bad thing is that nothing is perfect.
  23. Dec 16, 2010
    8
    Sorry, I make a other review because I forgot to rate the other(damn!).You know...Good game, kinda hard.So that's MK64, racing!GOOD!In this case I will give it 8, because i doesn't suck, but compared to other MK games is not VERY VERY AMAZING!Note:Here MK is Mario Kart, not Mortal Kombat!LOL
  24. Jul 26, 2011
    9
    Out of all the Mario Kart games , in top of my list comes Mario Kart 64 definitely , the major improvement comes in the gameplay and graphics. Goofy, fun addicting and bizarre.
  25. Jan 16, 2012
    10
    This game is **** awesome. **** **** I am in 2012 now and still play this game a lot! **** awesome game, all of my friends love to play it in multi-player when they come over my house for a all night game session!
  26. Nov 7, 2011
    9
    Mario Kart 64 was an amazing racing game for its time. It still has 8 playable characters like the SNES mario kart, but the graphics and gameplay are improved.
  27. Dec 30, 2013
    9
    Game: Mario Kart 64
    Genre: Racing
    Developer: Nintendo System: Nintendo DS (NDS) Total Score: 94/100 Value Score: 9.4/10 • Story: */10 • Characters: 10/10 • GamePlay: 8/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 8/10 • Replay Value: 10/10 • Player Value: 10/10 Pros +Great gameplay mechanics compared to Super Mario Kart +A decent roster of
    Game: Mario Kart 64
    Genre: Racing
    Developer: Nintendo
    System: Nintendo DS (NDS)
    Total Score: 94/100
    Value Score: 9.4/10

    • Story: */10
    • Characters: 10/10
    • GamePlay: 8/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 8/10
    • Replay Value: 10/10
    • Player Value: 10/10

    Pros
    +Great gameplay mechanics compared to Super Mario Kart
    +A decent roster of characters
    +Great new additions to the item arsenal
    +Stages are well made and a lot longer
    +Stages have more depth to them with multiple pathways
    +Multiplayer modes enhanced

    Cons
    -AI racers are overpowered with the thanks to instant recovery time
    -AI can be really aggressive at times more than they should be
    -Character modes look like they were paper cut out models (highly pixilated too)
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  28. May 29, 2012
    9
    True classic, the first game in its genre. Just take your kart, catch some power-ups and destroy your enemies. The one player mode was great and long, but this game shines at multi player. You can spend all night playing with your friends (and laughing to tears).
  29. Jun 5, 2012
    9
    One the one hand a very fun and exciting racing game, that doesnt take things too serious. Funny, creative and mystery racing tracks. On the other hand a pretty bad AI in single game mode, where skill sometimes doesnt help you too much, AI racers catching and speeding up too easily, even after playing them out.
  30. Aug 14, 2012
    9
    This game has held up well, in my opinion, and is one of the very few N64 games I've continued to play years and years later. While it has it's flaws (e.g. no bots in 3/4 player mode, no additional single player content), it is a solid game that continues to be fun long after you've beat it. Mario Kart 64 is really a multiplayer game: play it with some friends and you'll have hours andThis game has held up well, in my opinion, and is one of the very few N64 games I've continued to play years and years later. While it has it's flaws (e.g. no bots in 3/4 player mode, no additional single player content), it is a solid game that continues to be fun long after you've beat it. Mario Kart 64 is really a multiplayer game: play it with some friends and you'll have hours and hours of fun, especially in battle mode! Expand
  31. Aug 16, 2012
    10
    Mario Kart 64 is THE definitive kart racing game. Power-ups are a great addition to a racing game and this game paved the way for games over a decade after it's release. If you even call yourself a gamer, this should be somewhere in your collection.
  32. Sep 2, 2012
    9
    When this game came out I firmly believe it was better than the SNES version, even though that was great too, and the 64 version still holds water to this day. This game was literally one of the funnest multiplayer games ever, whether you were racing or battling each other. This game is just a classic plain and simple and that is why the predecessors to this game took so many ideas fromWhen this game came out I firmly believe it was better than the SNES version, even though that was great too, and the 64 version still holds water to this day. This game was literally one of the funnest multiplayer games ever, whether you were racing or battling each other. This game is just a classic plain and simple and that is why the predecessors to this game took so many ideas from it. Another great game linked to childhood memories! Expand
  33. Nov 28, 2012
    9
    One of the best n64 games of all time without a doubt and it never gets old sometimes u cant beat the classics. The game will always be a good game for sure
  34. Apr 24, 2013
    9
    BEST COURSES EVER! A very fun game, but the items leave a little to be desired. I recommend it to people who don't normally enjoy racing games, but like super mario
  35. Aug 6, 2013
    10
    The best Mario Kart of all time! HANDS DOWN!

    Best of all: No blue shells being used by the computer!

    This is a great classic game in the Mario Kart franchise and I think the very best in the series.
  36. Oct 18, 2013
    8
    Mario kart 64 single player is decent but the multiplayer is brilliant and that's where you'll spend most of your time in .theres time trial where you race the clock And balloon battle which you fight till the end Buy it now
  37. Nov 23, 2013
    8
    Great game and all, but just not as much depth as I would hope. I mean this game is all about the multiplayer, of which is done really well, but is lacking in the single player department. There should be an adventure mode or something of the sort.
  38. Jun 11, 2014
    8
    Mario Kart 64 is a classic racing game, however I don't get how so many people say this is their favorite game in the franchise. I mean it's fun and enjoyable, but I find that I have a lot more fun with some of the later titles due to them having more features and stuff (Please don't hate me for saying that).

    Pros: -Nice fun and traditional Mario Kart gameplay. -Good tracks and items.
    Mario Kart 64 is a classic racing game, however I don't get how so many people say this is their favorite game in the franchise. I mean it's fun and enjoyable, but I find that I have a lot more fun with some of the later titles due to them having more features and stuff (Please don't hate me for saying that).

    Pros:
    -Nice fun and traditional Mario Kart gameplay.
    -Good tracks and items.
    -Good character line up.
    -Excellent Multiplayer.
    -Good Nostalgia.
    -Nice cheerful music.

    Cons:
    -Time Trials are too sensitive and will not save the ghosts just by getting hit by something simple or even from just pausing!!
    -Features felt lacking after a while.
    -CPU AI was not generated well and they can even be frustrating on 50cc.
    -Some of the menus and screens look almost tech-demo-ish.

    Despite it not being my favorite, if you want just a nice and not overly complex racing game, then Mario Kart 64 is a good one for sure.
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  39. May 27, 2014
    9
    Graphics: 9.0 Sound: 8.5 Gameplay: 10 Fun/Story: 10

    When local multiplayer was the only way to play with friends, this game emerge as a perfect example of truly fun. Hand-to-hand with the goldeneye in this way.
  40. Jun 16, 2018
    8
    Still one of the best Mario Kart games. Rock-solid fun with so much more variety than its SNES precursor. A cherished party game that everyone should play at least once!
  41. Jun 30, 2014
    10
    This was pretty much my first video-game experience. I remember visiting my Dad in Switzerland when he showed us he'd got this. The excitement of unboxing that N64 bundle with this game hasn't been matched to this day! Me, my brother and my father spent hours and hours racing each other and battling on the awesome battle arenas (particularly block fort and double decker). This game isThis was pretty much my first video-game experience. I remember visiting my Dad in Switzerland when he showed us he'd got this. The excitement of unboxing that N64 bundle with this game hasn't been matched to this day! Me, my brother and my father spent hours and hours racing each other and battling on the awesome battle arenas (particularly block fort and double decker). This game is really what started my life-long love affair with Nintendo. The tracks were amazing, the music was just as good and the crazy weapons made this game a hell of a lot of laughs every time we put the cartridge in! An all-time favourite for sure, with so many childhood memories in that cartridge. Expand
  42. Sep 7, 2014
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played, the only problem is the steering other than that it is perfect.This game has one of the best battle mode maps,some great racing maps and it is still playable.
  43. Oct 16, 2014
    9
    8 Characters available from the start, possibility to race with 2 players on Mario Gp, Good voices, good tracks, this game is a Masterpiece!Yeah, AHAHAHAH!
  44. Oct 7, 2014
    10
    This is one of the most funnest games I ever played, I love playing 4 player mode on here, i wish they would make a remake of this on the Wii U with the same graphics
  45. Aug 31, 2015
    10
    I haven't gone a year in my life without playing this game and completing it over and over again just to cope with the sadness that happens in my life. This game is a memory of mine, something that will stick with me forever. This game is fun, it has creative tracks, a fantastic soundtrack, and can provide hours upon hours of fun with friends, especially taking on the 150cc and mirror cupI haven't gone a year in my life without playing this game and completing it over and over again just to cope with the sadness that happens in my life. This game is a memory of mine, something that will stick with me forever. This game is fun, it has creative tracks, a fantastic soundtrack, and can provide hours upon hours of fun with friends, especially taking on the 150cc and mirror cup with two players!

    This game has sunk probably over 1500 hours of my life into it, and I recommend it for any player. This game is something that will be in my heart forever. Thank you Shigeru Miyamoto. Thank you Nintendo. I will continue to play this, and your games, for the rest of my life.
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  46. Feb 7, 2016
    10
    The best entry in the mario kart series,it hasnt aged.also,it has one of the best battle modes,best tracks,and best items.before it was a 9,now that it aged well,its a 10.my fav game on the 64
  47. Apr 6, 2016
    9
    If you're into Super Mario Kart a lot, don't miss your chance to get Mario Kart 64 on your 'What to play' list. Miss it and your life has gotten a lot disappointing.
  48. Apr 17, 2016
    8
    Este es el mejor Mario kart de todos para mi.Circuitos espectaculares,banda sonora sensacional,quien no recuerda la senda arcoiris gigante :D aparte tenia modo batalla muy buenos
  49. Feb 20, 2017
    10
    This game is the best multiplayer experience on the n64 and one of the best multiplayer experiences of all time. However, Mariokart 64 is also a very fun single player experience, this game has some of the best race tracks in the series. Mariokart 64 is the game that redefined kart racing, and it never gets boring.
  50. Mar 27, 2017
    9
    A fantastic game by all means, but not the greatest Mario Kart game (MK8 says hi). The battle mode is where it's at. We have never had better battle maps than Block Fort or Double Deck.
  51. Apr 15, 2017
    9
    Entretenido y divertido, una joya más de ninendo de la mano de mi fontanero favorito, la jugabilidad buena, los poderes especiales hacen la carrera más entretenida, y los personajes icónicos de la saga Mario le dan la magia a este gran juego.
  52. Nov 29, 2021
    9
    The multiplayer mode was amazingly fun upon release (and still is) and the time trials mode has become one of the most competitive speedrunning scenes for over 22 years. Search YouTube for the Quest for 32/32 to see how deep the competition has run over such a long period of time.

    The controls are tight and solid; the visuals are simple and generally crisp, and the weapons in multiplayer
    The multiplayer mode was amazingly fun upon release (and still is) and the time trials mode has become one of the most competitive speedrunning scenes for over 22 years. Search YouTube for the Quest for 32/32 to see how deep the competition has run over such a long period of time.

    The controls are tight and solid; the visuals are simple and generally crisp, and the weapons in multiplayer are all-time classics (bananas, mushrooms, stars, shells, boos and lightnings).

    There is rubber banding by the computer opponents, which is a bit annoying, but it doesn’t ruin the experience.

    The single play mode of the 4 cups is okay, however, it lacks sustainable value once all cups have been won.

    The game is a solid 9/10 and has stood the test of time.
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  53. JPK
    Jul 20, 2019
    9
    One Of The N64’s Most Memorable
    Mario Kart 64 is an absolutely fantastic game with many memorable courses.
  54. Mar 22, 2018
    10
    Classic game that is great for parties and is one the of the best games for anyone to play as it is easy to learn and hard to master.
  55. Aug 27, 2019
    9
    Where the series didn't need training wheels anymore, Mario Kart 64 is an immensely fun time that'll satisfy for many more years to come, with it's varied courses, excellent music, great track design, charming visuals, amazing battle mode, and pretty good roster. Where this game falters is the lack of any unlockables, as everything is available from the start. While the amount of contentWhere the series didn't need training wheels anymore, Mario Kart 64 is an immensely fun time that'll satisfy for many more years to come, with it's varied courses, excellent music, great track design, charming visuals, amazing battle mode, and pretty good roster. Where this game falters is the lack of any unlockables, as everything is available from the start. While the amount of content for an N64 game is certainly ample, it takes away a little bit of longevity this game could've had. Other than that, this is still a fantastic kart racer that really kick started the 3D kart racer genre, and did it with charm and fun times to boot. Expand
  56. Jun 1, 2018
    10
    I can say it over and over, so many memories from my childhood. Mario Kart is my favorite game franchise and this game pretty much started it all! Great to play with friends!
  57. Aug 3, 2018
    8
    This game is good and gives me some nostalgia, despite that I played it recently. By today, it's still good, but graphics seems not that 3D. AI seems to rubber-banding you for some reason, and some items don't work properly, like red shell. You're far from someone, you're throwing a red shell, but nope! Straight into the wall! Same goes for spiny shell if you aimed that wrong.

    Good game still!
  58. Nov 1, 2018
    8
    Игра хороша. Карты выглядят красиво. Но игра затянута и на прохождение всех карт уходит много времени.
  59. Sep 11, 2021
    10
    The ultimate multiplayer game to ruin friendships. My god the memories. I really wish the N64 would come out nowadays with all the technology and stuff. We would play at 50 inch monitors, with great speakers etc.
  60. Aug 17, 2019
    8
    This game from the short time i've played it is really cool. A good game. The controls are kind of wack not even gonna lie but i still enjoy this game when i play it. Good stuff.

    Edit: I just played a grand prix, and the controls are not wack at all.
  61. Sep 4, 2019
    8
    This game is fun and challenging,but there are barely any unlockables.The game has a addictive grand prix and battle mode . The only thing keeping me from giving this game a ten is the pitiful lineup of characters.
  62. Jun 26, 2021
    8
    This would be an easy 9 if the CPU's rubber banding wasn't absolutely ridiculous.
  63. May 1, 2020
    8
    The first mario kart and one of the most fun games to play with colleagues in the 90's. A must for Nintendo 64.
  64. Jun 28, 2020
    9
    Although not the best Mario Kart game, it's most definitely the most fun for multiplayer. This game is really good and the race tracks are really well designed along with the battle mode races. 9/10 Would recommend!
  65. Aug 29, 2020
    8
    With this game providing my first experience to the Mario Kart franchise, I certainly have nostalgia goggles. Even so, it is hard to deny how truly fun and impressive this game was for its time and still is today. This built upon the SNES installment by providing a major update to the graphics, given that these graphics were processed completely differently by the N64. But this game alsoWith this game providing my first experience to the Mario Kart franchise, I certainly have nostalgia goggles. Even so, it is hard to deny how truly fun and impressive this game was for its time and still is today. This built upon the SNES installment by providing a major update to the graphics, given that these graphics were processed completely differently by the N64. But this game also had lovely tracks, music, and characters to boot. A true classic! Expand
  66. Nov 11, 2020
    10
    Tengo muchos recuerdos con amigos pasando horas y horas en este maravilloso juego. Las pistas, los atajos, la banda sonora, los personajes, todo increíble y extremadamente adictivo. No puedo entender a quienes le ponen menos de un 8, es una verdadera joya que hasta el día de hoy podría jugar sin problemas.
  67. Mar 31, 2021
    9
    i would give this a 87%
    this is the 2nd Mario kart game and the graphics are amazing compared to the Mario kart games that come after it it is basically a better version of the original Mario kart with new minigames and new maps and charter to enjoy it is a great game!
  68. Jun 20, 2021
    10
    A fantastic game. This game marked my childhood. One of the best games of Nintendo 64.
  69. Sep 22, 2022
    9
    Classico del N64.
    Gioco di corse super arcade avvincente in cui si lotta sul filo di lana per la vittoria.
    Bello in single player, super nel multiplayer.
    Piste belle, colonna sonora memorabile.
    La melodia della Rainbow Road è ancora nel mio cuore dopo tanti tanti anni.
    Il voto fa riferimento al momento storico in cui è uscito: nel suo genere, in quegli anni, era il miglior esponente.
  70. Dec 3, 2021
    8
    This is the game that made the Mario Kart Format what it is like now. I have lots of good things of to say about this game, first having tons of new items, like the golden mushroom, triple shells, blue shell, and FIB, and way much more.
    The tracks themselves are kind of good, with having ones like Wario Stadium, Toad's Turnpike, Royal Raceway, and DK's jungle parkway.
    Of course, the
    This is the game that made the Mario Kart Format what it is like now. I have lots of good things of to say about this game, first having tons of new items, like the golden mushroom, triple shells, blue shell, and FIB, and way much more.
    The tracks themselves are kind of good, with having ones like Wario Stadium, Toad's Turnpike, Royal Raceway, and DK's jungle parkway.
    Of course, the battle mode is amazing. With the best map Block 4 being there, you can play for unlimited time until one gets defeated.
    The Bad things about this game is really the controls. The drift is hard to get used to, and if you jump left and right you slip for no reason.
    Sure, the character selection is kind of lame, but overall this is a fun, solid mario kart game.
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  71. Apr 5, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. though this game has aged very poorly, handling is extremely annoying when playing it right now, playing this game at the time was an AMAZING EXPERIENCE, the crazy change between SNES 2d Mario kart to 3d 64 Mario kart was MIND BLOWING at the time. If you have not experienced this game yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? missing this game is almost criminal. I had a really fun time playing the game for the first time with my friends and relatives, (side note: unfortunately, the games' content is pretty little and there are no unlockables, but this should not stop you from playing the game, it really isn't that big of a deal) the battle mode is amazing, (especially with other players) and playing this game with other players just DOUBLES the fun, if you have not played this game yet, I highly recommend you do so :) Expand
  72. May 29, 2023
    8
    I'll give this game an 87%. This game has a good character selection except for the heavy characters. The music is great! I like how Kalamari Desert has a train around the track that can get in the character's way. Battle Mode is fun to play with friends and family. I do wish that you can play VS and Battle Mode with CPUS though. The difficulty in the game provides a good challengeI'll give this game an 87%. This game has a good character selection except for the heavy characters. The music is great! I like how Kalamari Desert has a train around the track that can get in the character's way. Battle Mode is fun to play with friends and family. I do wish that you can play VS and Battle Mode with CPUS though. The difficulty in the game provides a good challenge sometimes. I like how in Toad's Turnpike Mirror Mode, the cars on that map drive on the opposite direction. They drive towards you, which provides a good challenge. Expand
  73. Jun 14, 2022
    9
    I have so many hours in his game and it was one of the pioneers in friendly local co-op with unique maps, several gamemodes and fun mechanics. Simple but genius for it's time.
  74. Nov 14, 2022
    9
    Juegazo de mi infancia. Super divertido para jugar en casa con amigos, hoy en día sigue siendo igual de especial.
  75. Jan 21, 2023
    8
    The game that launched a thousand clones but was never surpassed. A sequel that got everything right and the gold standard for party racing games.
  76. Feb 6, 2023
    8
    Great game, original and very addictive, it's not very long but it was a good start
  77. Aug 17, 2023
    8
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  78. Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awards & Rankings

6
2
#2 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1997
3
#3 Most Shared N64 Game of 1997
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. It's the most beautiful thing that I've ever seen! An incredible game for racing and Mario fans that is the best of both catagories (that's right, better than Mario 64)!
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    93
    And on the eighth day, God created Mario Kart. He saw it, and it was good. [Jan 2004, p.189]
  3. Although it doesn't break any new grounds in originality (like Mario 64), Mario Kart 64 is a great addition to the N64 line-up. The solid graphics, good sound, and addictive gameplay--coupled with features like being able to race yourself (from a former race) in a special ghost mode--make you want to play it forever.