Mario Kart 64

Mario Kart 64
Developer	Nintendo EAD
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Nintendo 64 Virtual Console
Release Date	Nintendo 64 JP December 14, 1996 US February 10, 1997 EU June 24, 1997 Virtual Console EU January 25, 2007 US January 29, 2007 JP January 30, 2007
Genre	Racing
Gallery	GH Gallery
Rating	ESRB: K-A

Mario Kart 64 is the 3-D sequel to the original Super Mario Kart. It featured an expanded four-player multiplayer mode along with new items and characters.

Gameplay

Mario Kart 64 plays similarly to the previous game, but in full 3-D. The characters of Donkey Kong Jr. and the Koopa Troopa have been replaced with Donkey Kong and Wario. As before, items could be used to sabotage other racers. This installment introduces the infamous Spiny Shell, which homes in one the player in first place and blows them up.

Legacy

Mario Kart 64 established a roster of eight characters (Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Wario and Toad). These eight characters appeared in all following Mario Kart games and most of the other Mario spin-off games.

Sequels

The next Mario Kart game was Mario Kart: Super Circuit for the Gameboy Advance. The next 3-D Mario Kart was Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.

Remakes

• Four of Mario Kart 64's tracks appeared in the Retro Cup of Mario Kart DS.
• The original game was released for download over the Virtual Console in early 2007.