One of the most successful spinoff game series is Mario Kart. So here's a concise, unbiased history, game by game.*
Super Mario Kart [1992] Super Mario Kart was the first game in the series, released for the Super NES, and later, Virtual Console. Interestingly, this game wasn't even going to be a Mario game. A fishy prototype of a man driving with overalls appeared, however, and it was later decided that Mario characters were the ideal height for the game. Using somewhat new Mode 7 graphics, players could race through a flat, three dimensional course. In addition, this is the only Mario Kart with Donkey Kong Jr. as a playable character.
Mario Kart 64 [1996] When the Nintendo 64 came out, graphics were greatly advanced from the SNES. With this, Nintendo began working on "Mario Kart R". The courses were now able to have terrain in them, which created a more realistic atmosphere. Later, for release, the game was renamed "Mario Kart 64". This was also the first four player game in the series. Mario Kart 64 is also available on Virtual Console.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit [2001] Mario Kart: Super Circuit soon came out for the Game Boy Advance. As described in an issue of Nintendo Power, it was a mix between the previous two games. This meaning the graphics were like 64, but it retained the flat courses from SNES. This is the first Mario Kart to have classic courses (All courses from SNES), however, these were revamped with GBA graphics.
Mario Kart: Double Dash [2003] This may be one of the most controversial titles in the entire franchise, with the new addition of having two characters per kart. This was released for Gamecube in 2003, and is the only game in the series to include LAN play. An interesting point in the beta version is the fact that the character models were used from Super Smash Bros. Melee. It also introduced two new types of battle, Shine Thief and Bob-omb Battle.
Mario Kart DS [2005] Despite the last game being attacked, Mario Kart DS is now many gamers' favorite DS game. It goes back to one character per kart, and introduced Wi-Fi to Mario Kart. Wi-Fi allowed for four-player racing matches worldwide, however, drop outs would leave players unable to continue racing without finding a new group.
Mario Kart Wii [2008] Mario Kart Wii is the first to have motion controls, complete with a Wii Wheel packaged with your purchase. This game also has the addition of motor bikes, something that had been in the ideas for years. Battle mode is no longer last person standing, but is timed at three minutes per match. Something different from all previous games is the addition of four racers totaling at twelve instead of eight. Wi-Fi mode has been improved, without the drop out problem, as players can join after a race or battle.
Mario Kart 3DS [2011] Upcoming in later 2011 is Mario Kart 3DS, the first with 3D graphics. So far, all we've seen is a trailer and some screen shots.
I have Super Mario Kart. It's way more epic then those other ones with there improved graphics and extra weirdo modes, exept MKDS woulch is almost as epic. In SMK theres a battle mode and its awsome. What now Mr.Crappy over-done MKWii?
Many of you are probably too young to remember Super Mario Kart, so here is what I remember from my extensive play time in it:
1. The secret mode in Super Mario Kart was the 150CC. All other Mario Kart games added a mirrored 150CC as the unlockable.
2. Super Mario Kart also based speed on the collecting of coins. If you had 10 coins, you were at maximum speed. Players could knock the coins out of each other and steal them, gaining and advantage of speed. Later games in the series gave advantages to the trailing characters like slight speed boosts or better items. Super Mario Kart was pure skill, no matter the ranking.
3. The game gave 3 "lives" before a game over. You could earn extra "lives" for every 100 coins earned.
4. The cups (Mushroom, Flower, Star, and Special) each had 5 tracks, of 5 laps.
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