3 Great Kart Racing Games as an Alternative to Mario Kart
It seems the current video gaming community is devoted to playing “simulation” style video games. While there is nothing really wrong with that, there is a reliable alternative still surviving in the background. The reliable alternative is a reference to arcade-style video games, which remain popular throughout the world.
There is no denying that Nintendo has played is a huge role in the video gaming industry since the very beginning. Over decades, they have provided the video gaming community with some of the best games ever played. Yes, the Mario Brothers brand stands at the top of the heap!
As this brand began to branch out into other genres, they eventually landed on the racing genre with the Mario Kart series. Here’s a quick look at Mario Kart 8 from 2014 which is still going strong nearly a decade later.
About Mario Kart 8 Gameplay
Gamers will be happy to see that Mario Kart 8 can be played in three different modes: single-player, local multiplayer (splitscreen and/or LAN), and online multiplayer (up to 12 players).
As you might expect, the game allows players to race around various race track formats as a designated character from the Mario universe. Throughout each race course, players will encounter items that are intended to hinder an opponent’s progress or enhance their own progress. This includes the ability to pick up an energy boost by bumping into other drivers. Of course, the ultimate goal for every player is to “Win the Race.”
One of the most popular and unique features offered in this game is the anti-gravity feature. The feature allows players to race their karts on walls and ceilings. Have to give kudos to Nintendo for always looking for bigger and better ways to enjoy video games!
Not a Mario Fan? Try Team Sonic Racing
Not all video game players are devoted to the Mario Brothers brand, yet they still enjoy the ability to play car or kart racing games. Another popular racing video game option is Team Sonic Racing, which was released in 2019. What makes this game unique is players get to participate as part of larger racing teams. Playing modes also include single-player, multi-player, and online multi-player.
As you might have guessed, this one comes from Sega, the developer of the equally popular Sonic the Hedgehog brand. The gameplay allows players to select one of 15 characters, which they can control as they traverse different selected race courses.
It’s notable that the “Casino Park” course tends to be a favorite among devout players. While the Casino Park course doesn’t offer free spins or no deposit bonuses in the way an online casino would, the game does allow players to do tricks and gain power boost advantages.
Other Kart Racing Video Game Alternatives
If Mario and Sonic aren’t on your bucket list of kart racing video games to play, there is no need to fret. Here are two other alternatives worthy of your consideration.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled was introduced to the video gaming community in 2019 by Beenox and published by Activision. However, this wasn’t the game’s first release. In 1999, the original version called simply “Crash Team Racing” was released by Naughty Dog for the PlayStation. This is a remastered version under new ownership.
The gameplay process allows players to choose one of several available characters from the original Crash Bandicoot series. It’s notable that other content was included from Crash Nitro Kart and Crash Tag Team Racing. The goal of the game is to win the race while trying to combat other opponents who would stand in the way.
Game features include two adventure options, a nice selection of tracks, power-up options, race-course obstacles, and the ability to create custom features. The game can be played in the following modes: single-player, multiplayer, and online multiplayer options.
Beach Buggy Racing 2
For a unique twist on go-kart racing, Beach Buggy Racing 2 takes gamers on an amazing racing adventure over a set of very unique terrains. Yes, that includes the sands of Egypt and dragon-infested castles in fantasyland.
Beach Buggy Racing 2 was developed and published by Vector Unit in 2021. Players get to participate at the controls as a mayhem-filled kart racer through an amazing variety of terrains (race courses).
Game-play features include car customization options, different racers (up to 13) with different special powers, and over 45 power-up options. Game mode options include single-player, multiplayer, and online multiplayer options. Players can also enjoy a chance to participate and earn prizes via daily and weekly challenges, and online tournaments.
