Mario Kart 64

 Nintendo 64
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 505 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 419 out of 505
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 505
  3. Negative: 14 out of 505
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  1. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  2. Eyean
    Aug 20, 2023
    6
    Certainly has not aged well, the driving is super clunky and the rubber banding the bots do is the worst its ever been. I do think the track selection is solid, and I imagine playing this with other people (especially the battle mode) would be pretty fun.
  3. Emilio200
    Aug 17, 2023
    8
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  4. firelink88
    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
  5. Shamrock97
    Apr 30, 2023
    6
    It is a fun, enjoyable game to play with friends and family and I'll bet that for 1997 this was a fantastic game but there are certainly some things about it that have not aged well today, such as its faulty rubber banding AI and graphics lmao. Other than that, this is a pretty solid game that is fun to play, it's a basic Mario Kart experience that players know what to expect when they play it
  6. aaronnmp96
    Feb 6, 2023
    8
    Great game, original and very addictive, it's not very long but it was a good start
  7. Yojimbo2015
    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.
  8. DanielGG91
    Nov 14, 2022
    9
    Juegazo de mi infancia. Super divertido para jugar en casa con amigos, hoy en día sigue siendo igual de especial.
  9. Jattaman
    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.
  10. Potreen
    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.
  11. GDsReviews
    May 27, 2022
    7
    Mario Kart 64 has a fantastic soundtrack with some of the funniest character lines ever for a game, and was one of the first successful 4 player games. But, the rest of it has aged extremely badly, and especially 3 and 4 player mode as there is no music playing with 3 and 4 players. It also has only one thing to unlock in Extra mode that is all the tracks mirrored.
  12. ntBagel
    Apr 23, 2022
    5
    Mario kart 64 a game I have really enjoyed playing as a kid. Replaying it was enjoyable at times but also noticed many problems with the game. Mario kart 64 is of coarse fun to play with friends and family but playing it alone is pretty boring and frustrating. first a look at the graphics in my opinion the title and UI is very bland and just doesn't look very appealing and in game playerMario kart 64 a game I have really enjoyed playing as a kid. Replaying it was enjoyable at times but also noticed many problems with the game. Mario kart 64 is of coarse fun to play with friends and family but playing it alone is pretty boring and frustrating. first a look at the graphics in my opinion the title and UI is very bland and just doesn't look very appealing and in game player sprites aren't even in 3D as well as the items. the way the maps are seen makes it very hard to see what is ahead of you. lots of the stages look very outdated graphically. now going into the controls I'm very mixed on it. it feels very ok. stuff like drifting and using items aren't very satisfying or rewarding to use. ex. red shells often hit walls, mushroom feel underwhelming and drifting feels clunky and hard to use. moving on from that character selection is ok as well as the stages nothing really is amazing but nothing that's really bad. overall, this game is very ok to me it doesn't really feel like it aged to well but will always be a blast to pop in to play with some friends. I just don't see a big reason to play it now compared to any of the newer titles. 5/10 (average)… Expand
  13. Ac-Gamer
    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
  14. ElRagnarLocro
    Mar 30, 2022
    7
    Buen salto de Mario Kart al 3D, entretenido, pero hasta ahí. Una vez jugado un rato no tiene mucho más que ofrecer y el paso del tiempo lo dejó atrás.
    Nota Final: 7
  15. sosuke1121
    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.    … Expand
  16. RustyMazza
    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.    … Expand
  17. d1versify
    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.
  18. deycd
    Aug 13, 2021
    7
    A día de hoy, los controles han quedado obsoletos, la calidad no está del todo mal para la época, pero no tiene ninguna razón de peso como para ser elegido entre los demás, es soso. No tiene malos circuitos.
  19. DarCbrGr
    Jun 26, 2021
    8
    This would be an easy 9 if the CPU's rubber banding wasn't absolutely ridiculous.
  20. felip3fl
    Jun 20, 2021
    10
    A fantastic game. This game marked my childhood. One of the best games of Nintendo 64.
  21. TropicalNayr
    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!
  22. BeeSting1
    Jan 1, 2021
    6
    Rubberband AI ruined GP.

    Good - they did an amazing job of bringing Mario carts into 3D. The controls are fluent and responsive. I also liked how they changed up the drifting so that you can get boost, and also the angle is less awkward as super Mario Kart - stages were varied. Lots of vertical terrain, and different obstacles. Bad - hitting someone stationary during spin    Rubberband AI ruined GP.

    Good

    - they did an amazing job of bringing Mario carts into 3D. The controls are fluent and responsive. I also liked how they changed up the drifting so that you can get boost, and also the angle is less awkward as super Mario Kart

    - stages were varied. Lots of vertical terrain, and different obstacles.

    Bad

    - hitting someone stationary during spin out will make you spin out even if u are going slow.

    - cpu go unfairly fast. They can still keep up with me despite me spamming gold mushroom

    - cpu will catch up right behind you near the final part of the final run. Despite them bring far behind

    - getting 4 bananas makes your Kart look like it's boosting which is very misleading and has caused me to crash

    - it's way too easy to spin out. Turn left and right too many times, you'll spin out. Someone heavy runs into you, or you run into someone heavy, you spin out. On top of the regular item spin outs. It's too much, and basically match ending for you

    - CPUs don't utilize items fully. They don't use shells.

    - it's a **** feeling when you pull off multiple perfect drifts dodging everything, only to have the cpu magically catch up. Why should I stress on doing perfect drifts when CPUs are going to be toe to toe with me no matter what? I should just drive normally. This in turn makes the grand prix gameplay super boring.    … Expand
  23. TOCHO1993
    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.
  24. patrickmurphy09
    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
  25. Toasty87
    Jul 11, 2020
    7
    Really has not aged well but the gameplay still holds up today and can still be enjoyed.
  26. BM30
    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!
  27. doroordep
    Jun 21, 2020
    7
    é um bom jogo, tem otimas pistas, todas com uma enorme variedade e obstaculos, mas não tem mais personagens do que no jogo de SNES, e os itens tamém, nenhuma evolução tão grande. Por isso, o jogo não é mais do que um 7, para mim é até um 6,5, mas não posso colocar essa nota.
  28. ChesterField
    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.
  29. TheOkCringe
    Apr 26, 2020
    5
    This game is definitely an improvement from its predecessor, but it’s not the best title by far. While the courses are somewhat memorable, they weren’t remembered for any good reason. They were tediously long and often annoying. The controls are wonky, and paired with the awful N64 controller, it makes for a nightmarish experience. But to be fair, it did introduce four player multiplayer,This game is definitely an improvement from its predecessor, but it’s not the best title by far. While the courses are somewhat memorable, they weren’t remembered for any good reason. They were tediously long and often annoying. The controls are wonky, and paired with the awful N64 controller, it makes for a nightmarish experience. But to be fair, it did introduce four player multiplayer, but that’s about the only plus. 4.6/10, it’s my third worst title.… Expand
  30. sebastianali
    Apr 20, 2020
    5
    Si bien tengo que reconocer que el modo multijugador es muy divertido, Mario Kart 64 no envejeció del todo bien debido a los pésimos controles, falta de modos de juego y personajes y la diversión en general si lo comparamos con Crash Team Racing. Ademas la version de la consola virtual no deja guardar fantasmas. El juego es divertido hasta que terminas las pistas de 50cc. Una vez que lasSi bien tengo que reconocer que el modo multijugador es muy divertido, Mario Kart 64 no envejeció del todo bien debido a los pésimos controles, falta de modos de juego y personajes y la diversión en general si lo comparamos con Crash Team Racing. Ademas la version de la consola virtual no deja guardar fantasmas. El juego es divertido hasta que terminas las pistas de 50cc. Una vez que las terminas el juego se vuelve aburrido y repetitivo, sumado a que la IA se vuelve frustrante, siempre 2 corredores detrás tuyo alcanzándote todo el tiempo. Y cuando un corredor gana la carrera en un torneo, siempre ganara en las siguientes, dependiendo del personaje que elijas, aunque principalmente ganan Wario y Toad, parece una carrera robotica, no hay aleatoriedad.... Que vergüenza...… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best N64 Game of 1997
2
#2 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1997
3
#3 Most Shared N64 Game of 1997

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Nintendorks
    80
    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)!
    Read full review
  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. Nintendojo
    90
    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.
    Read full review
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