1993. Strengthened by the undeniable advance acquired in the video game field, Nintendo manages to surprise us once again with Super Mario Kart, a brilliant blend of the joy of karting races and the fun that the Mario universe has established for a some time now. Three years and a new console later, Big N has the brilliant idea of reserving us this curious recipe, which contributed to the success of the SNES, by passing it to the 64-bit sauce. The result is there and is called Mario Kart 64.

For those who missed the very surprising SNES opus, the concept of Mario Kart consists of embodying a character from the world of Mario (among the 8 available) and having him participate in races, each crazier than the next. driving a kart. Four modes are present. There is thus the traditional Time trial which, as its name suggests, invites you to run alone against the clock. A Grand Prix mode where the goal is to appropriate (alone or in pairs) the coveted trophy against opponents directed by the console. A VS mode to determine which of you or your friend is the best, and finally a Battle mode where the objective is to burst the three balloons of his opponent in rather restricted arenas. If Mario Kart 64 takes up this concept, it is not without bringing notable innovations. First, 3D has replaced mode 7. Alas, only the backgrounds benefit from it, the vehicles having remained simple 2D sprites. Suffice to say right away, the graphics rendering is not really worthy of a 64-bit machine. Then, the software is now playable up to four simultaneously in VS and Battle mode. If we still find Mario, Luigi and the other pilots already present in SMK, Donkey Kong Junior and Koopa Troopa have respectively given up their seats to Donkey Kong and Wario. Again, each character has their own characteristics. The two mustachioed plumbers are the all-rounders of the bunch, balanced in all characteristics. Those looking for speed will rather turn to Toad, Yoshi or Peach. Finally, for those who want to play with physical contact despite a low top speed, the heavyweights Bowser, DK and Wario are ideal. Last change, the game is essentially focused on fun.

After Super Mario 64, Nintendo once again shows us all its know-how through this fantastic racing game. Much closer to players than its SNES counterpart, Mario Kart 64 is also the pinnacle of the saga in split-screen gaming. A magical title that will find its place in all family living rooms.