Mario Kart Advance: Super Circuit

Mario Kart 64 was one of the finest games released for the Nintendo 64 platform so it's no surprise that the brilliant racing game would make it onto Nintendo's powerful new handheld Game Boy Advance. And rest assured the game clearly takes full advantage of the graphic power and speed of the GBA. But this version owes more to the seminal Super Mario Kart on the SNES in that it doesn't use the 3D environments of the N64 version.

Still, Nintendo's expertise at sucking players into the game world is strongly evident, and Mario Kart Advance offers enough challenges to keep players, both young and old, entertained. Placing a familiar Nintendo personality, such as Mario, Luigi and even the mushroom man behind the wheel of a sputtering go-kart powered by a 50, 100, or 150-cc engine, the game lets players race computerised opponents or up to four other players (via a cable) on a variety of well-designed tracks. Multiplayer is the key to Mario Kart, and though you'll need four cartridges for the full multiplayer experience there are some limited options for four-way play from a single cartridge.

Because karts lack the power and speed of games (and let's face it you aren't in it for the Gran Turismo 3 adrenalin-pumped experience), drivers must focus on collecting power-ups and non-lethal weapons, such as the snowball and minimiser, rather than negotiating hairpin turns on two wheels. Grabbing and using on-track items is the heart of the game's fun: a strategically placed banana peel sends the unlucky victim into a spin, nailing an opponent with a turtle shell launches their vehicle skyward, and a rocket provides a quick boost to near-breakneck speeds.--Kristen Bowditch

"Much like the superb SNES original: burn around multi-coloured tracks dishing out justice with weapons."

Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Wario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Toad, and Bowser put the pedal to the go-kart metal in 20 all-new tracks, plus many hidden courses. Each track has its unique challenges, ranging from the crabs skittering across Shy Guy Beach to the Piranha Plants lurking in the quicksand of Yoshi Desert. Grab coins to max out your speed and blast your rivals with the ever-popular arsenal of red, green, and spiked Koopa shells. You'll earn points with every high-place finish and you'll win trophies with the completion of every four-race cup. Doing well will earn you a high rating and unlock more tracks. Get a couple of link cables and you can compete against three friends--there's a basic multiplayer track that only requires one cartridge amongst you all, though for the full multiplayer experience you'll need a copy of the game each. The game features multiple scrolling planes that move in perspective as you zip through high-speed turns.

Whoever hands out driver's licenses in the Mushroom Kingdom is about to be in some serious trouble. Classic Mario Kart action is back once again, this time in a colourful, lightning-fast game that you can take anywhere. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Wario, Yoshi and Bowser are all tearing up the track, tossing Koopa Shells and laying banana peels along the way.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit puts your driving skills to the test on 40 tracks, each littered with wild weapons and obstacles. Feel like making some friends eat your dust? No problem. Four players can compete in Mario Kart: Super Circuit using only one Game Pak, though if each player has a copy of the game, bonus features and new modes of play become available. For action-packed racing with great graphics and incredible replay value, Mario Kart: Super Circuit takes home the checkered flag.

• Kart-racing game based on the Nintendo 64 hit
• 20 all-new tracks, plus additional hidden tracks and classic multiplayer battle mode
• Collect coins to increase your kart`s speed and durability
• The courses are packed with traps, tricks, shortcuts, and speed-affecting elements
• For 1 to 4 players