Mario Kart: Super Circuit

aka: Mario Kart Advance
Moby ID: 4941
Game Boy Advance Specs
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Description official descriptions

This GBA conversion brings together elements of both Super Mario Kart (the original SNES classic) and the N64 sequel, Mario Kart 64.

  • Much like the SNES title, coins lying on the tracks can be collected to boost the speed of the kart.
  • All of the characters from MK64 are included (Mario, Luigi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Wario, Peach, and Yoshi)
  • In multiplayer, up to 4 players can play classic and battle modes using either one cartridge and 4 GBA's or 4 cartridges and 4 GBA's for the full list of characters to choose from.
  • Weapons include the classic green and red shells and the purple spiked shell.
  • 20 new tracks, using elements from both past titles.

Spellings

  • マリオカートアドバンス - Japanese spelling

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Credits (Game Boy Advance version)

68 People (44 developers, 24 thanks) · View all

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 91% (based on 45 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.8 out of 5 (based on 62 ratings with 4 reviews)

You can't help but love Mario Kart

The Good
Looking back at Mario Kart, I have to admit that the GBA version worked well compared to so many other titles that tried so hard to emulate the success of the franchise after the SNES original, and failed so easily.

What is it that makes Mario Kart such a great title? Part of it is the charm. It may be colourful and kiddy friendly, but there's no doubting how effective that is, even for an older gamer. That's mainly because it's so addictive, the other prime element. You just keep coming back for more, even after years of playing. You can say the same for every other title in the series so far.

It still works after all this time, and it's arguably the one and only reason you should own a GBA ... well besides Advance Wars, perhaps.

The Bad
Originally I mentioned here that the game still has the same collection of characters to race as. That can still be considered a downer, really. Especially if you compared this to its original release. I just find it interesting that no-one has considered 'Hey, what if we throw Kirby into a Kart?'

Editing the review now, it's hard not to compare Super Circuit to the two latest versions, Double Dash and Mario Kart DS. Especially DS, when it comes to multiplayer modes. The stock standard options are within this cartridge, so upon reflection it's a shame that it took so long for a handheld version of the game to really get multiplayer spot on. Still, what's here isn't anything to be frowned upon. It's still alot of fun.

The Bottom Line
Super Circuit was a sign of things to come. More tracks, remakes of classics, more colour. With the DS addition tearing up the tracks, especially online, I'd suggest hunting around for a copy of this little GBA gem, if only for some extra tracks and a battle mode more like the SNES original.

Game Boy Advance · by Kartanym (12418) · 2006

Red Koopa-Shells other GBA racers!

The Good
FUN!!! Really. I thought that hooning around endlessly in a little kart would get monotonous, but I never tired of blasting the opposition!!!

The Bad
The lightning powerup that I only got once and the computer karts kept blasting me with! I showed them though. ^^ And, in 150cc, you really start to wonder who granted Bowser his driver's licence, the maniac. Other than that, some tracks were insanely hard (especially secret ones) and others almost impossible. But really, all that adds to the thrill of the race!

The Bottom Line
You'll have so much fun playing this you'll never want to stop!! Seriously addictive. I even had my little brothers cheering for me at one stage!! ^
^

This game absolutely rocks!!!

Game Boy Advance · by Suzie Pendlebury (2) · 2003

Retro fun but with a new twist.

The Good
The original Mario Kart was one of the best racing games on the SNES in its day and still has great gameplay even today, beating many of the poor 'Kart' game imitators hands down so it's great to see a return to the gameplay of the original but with even more control. There are 20 new tracks to race around which is lover-ly, time trial, cup races, quick races, 3 difficulty levels and loads of gameplay are all in here. If you have friends with a Gameboy Advance and Mario Kart, then you can race head to head with up to 4 of you, or you can battle one another just like the SNES title. As if that wasn't enough, there are extra tracks locked away in the cart. These bonus courses comprise every track from the original SNES version which makes for 40 tracks. Basically this is a classic title and a new one in the same package. Graphics and sound are some of the best seen on the GBA so far with smooth movement and sampled sounds.

The Bad
The nature of racing games means that at some point frustration will kick in. Getting all the way to the last track in a cup and totally stuffing it up is infuriating. Also, the harder modes can be a real pain because at times you can be attacked by multiple racers all at once leaving you spinning out of control long after everyone has overtaken you. On a personal note, I really don't like the mario universe characters. Of course this is very personal but if you don't like Mario, then you're gonna be less interested in this title immediately but this shouldn't deter you.

The Bottom Line
The best Kart game to date. And it's portable too. If you like a bit of zany racing fun then pick this up. It's the perfect handheld title.

Game Boy Advance · by Sycada (177) · 2001

[ View all 4 player reviews ]

Trivia

1001 Video Games

The Game Boy Advance version of Mario Kart: Super Circuit appears in the book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die by General Editor Tony Mott.

Awards

  • GameSpy
    • 2001 – Game Boy Advance Racing Game of the Year
    • 2004 – Game Boy Advance Game of the Year
    • 2004 – Game Boy Advance Sports Game of the Year

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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Kartanym.

Nintendo 3DS added by ResidentHazard. Wii U added by Michael Cassidy.

Additional contributors: Joshua J. Slone, gamewarrior, Patrick Bregger, FatherJack.

Game added September 3, 2001. Last modified January 17, 2024.