There’s a few considerations to make when reviewing Super Circuit,
Firstly, where does it slot into the Mario Kart franchise? It is similar to Super Mario Kart, utilising Mode 7 and Super Scaler technology, features 20 tracks (as well as an additional 20 from Super Mario Kart as unlockables - gold cups in 150cc, then race them again and collect 100 coins).
There is also an overall improvement incorporating Mario Kart 64 items and drifting mechanics. And it reaches great heights with vivid sprite work.
However, I have seen the argument that it is not the most innovative Mario Kart title - which might be true at the time of Double Dash, today I feel the titles are more iterative or as with MK8D a foundation to build upon. I felt it improve upon Super Mario Kart in a meaningful way.
Lastly, I look towards the platform. Super Circuit is a top tier Game Boy Advance title and probably the best racer on the system.
My review score indicates where I think the game slots in as a GBA racer title, playability and it’s historic position.
Overall I had blast playing through the initial cups, followed by the SNES tracks. I might have played this initially on an emulator but it was cool revisiting it on the NSO service.
I’m tempted to try and get some people online to do battle and vs. modes. I’ll update this review if I get there.
The vs. mode is a cool addition but not substantially different to the SNES version overall.
Firstly, where does it slot into the Mario Kart franchise? It is similar to Super Mario Kart, utilising Mode 7 and Super Scaler technology, features 20 tracks (as well as an additional 20 from Super Mario Kart as unlockables - gold cups in 150cc, then race them again and collect 100 coins).
There is also an overall improvement incorporating Mario Kart 64 items and drifting mechanics. And it reaches great heights with vivid sprite work.
However, I have seen the argument that it is not the most innovative Mario Kart title - which might be true at the time of Double Dash, today I feel the titles are more iterative or as with MK8D a foundation to build upon. I felt it improve upon Super Mario Kart in a meaningful way.
Lastly, I look towards the platform. Super Circuit is a top tier Game Boy Advance title and probably the best racer on the system.
My review score indicates where I think the game slots in as a GBA racer title, playability and it’s historic position.
Overall I had blast playing through the initial cups, followed by the SNES tracks. I might have played this initially on an emulator but it was cool revisiting it on the NSO service.
I’m tempted to try and get some people online to do battle and vs. modes. I’ll update this review if I get there.
The vs. mode is a cool addition but not substantially different to the SNES version overall.