Genre: Kart Racing
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

In most Super Nintendo releases, the system's "Mode 7" feature is usually relegated to token special effects-- but not here. Like launch title "F-Zero", Super Mario Kart draws the tracks with an impressively smooth scrolling, pseudo-3d effect, and it's fun to see the Mario universe's thwomps, cheep cheeps, and smiling trees brought to life from an all new perspective.

In one of those classic "imitations that are better than the real thing" instances, Soyo Oka upstages Koji Kondo with what has gone on to become an all-time classic soundtrack, and one that especially showcases the Super Nintendo's DSP with oodles of custom samples. The game's sound effects are both memorable, and serve excellent functional purpose during gameplay.

Each of the game's selectable eight characters has a distinctive feel, as the smaller characters handle better while the large ones can barge opponents out of the way. The track designs are mostly excellent, although certain elements like the electric thwomps feel broken. The control scheme works excellently, although the drifting physics are often unpredictable.

As a game that went on to spawn an entire sub-genre, with millions-sellers sequels and copycats alike, Super Mario Kart is one heck of an influential release. The slippery physics were bested by its sequels, yet its art direction and soundtrack stands the test of time-- as does the phenomenal two-player battle mode! In many ways, this game is to the Super Nintendo what the prior year's "Road Rash" is to the Genesis.