Eat my dust you filthy ape! Yeah, I'm talking to you Peach!

Author's Rating:

Pros: Superb graphics, sound, and game play. Money-saving 4-way link cable.

Cons: Skiddy controls, takes some getting used to.

The Bottom Line: 
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Author's Review
THE BASIC BEEF
Months ago, GBA released a super-popular racing game for the pleasure of the GBA’s new owners. Many didn’t know if it could be done. Predictions seemed very far-fetched, as they told us that the graphics and game play were almost as good as the N64's installment; Mario Kart 64. I for one, knew it would be done. I had, in stores, seen what graphics, fun, sound, and game play were capable of being achieved in the newest hand-held. Granted, Super Circuit does have amazing graphics, game play, sound, and fun. There are some minor flaws, but Super Circuit had pulled it off. Even more so from the people here at Epinions, which have given it an overall rating of 5 stars.

Super Circuit brings back fond memories. Surprisingly enough, this game does seem like a hand-held N64 version. All of the same characters are back, the graphics look the same (which is good), the music is pretty much the same, and the game play is EXACTLY the same. The basic tolerance of it all is to race away with your friends, collecting items along the way, that would somehow turn the tide of the races. What’s amazing is that it can be done in the hand-held scenario, and still with 4 players. The main catch is that one of your friends has to have the 4-way link cable. What’s amazing is that all of you can play on a single game cartridge. I simply don’t understand how they allowed it. All you need is 1 chord (which is about 10-15 bucks) and 1 game cartridge, and it’s like 4 separate ones were bought. You’d think the damn copyright people would moan and complain, like they always do. Oh well, you can play with 4 players on one cartridge, and that’s all that matters.

MY INSULTING/COMPLEMENTING OPINION
There is only one real problem with the hand-held racer; control. You’d never think a 4-arrow D pad would ever be a problem, much less in a hand-held game. Too bad it is. When you are racing, I feel many times like I’m spinning out of control. Sure the graphics are pretty, and the game play of you and your friends make up for it, but it still gets annoying. The control always feels like skidding, which really hurts how you do in the game. However, keep in mind that when it comes to controls in games, most of the time you get used to it...most of the time. Other than that, I congratulate Nintendo for bringing us a small, but stellar masterpiece road-trip pal, that is well worth the price. Gather up your friends, because it’s time to race!

SURPRISES AND VISUALS
There is never many surprises to be found in any racing game, as it is repetitive, and predictable. Not many surprises are found in this game, but then again what racing game has? Or hand-held game for that matter? Still, the first time I tried it, I was amazed at how Nintendo assembled these spectacular graphics that match the N64's any day. It really is spectacular to see how Nintendo is able to pull things off like this. I mean, when has Sony ever released anything like this? Sure they have a super-popular console, but it does have too many flaws, and no project of theirs has been equal to what Nintendo is capable of, with such small material. It really is surprising what Nintendo can do.

WELL WHAT ABOUT..?
Graphics are still a main contender in hand-helds. Right now, there is no hand-held competing with the GBA, but even that doesn’t stop Nintendo from going all out. Even if a newer hand-held were to come out, it would be very hard to find it do what even remotely compares with what Nintendo is sure to bring us. Graphics are a fantastic 5 stars. The whole scenario and game play look is visually spectacular, all in match to the equally beautiful, Wario Land 4. This was one of the first games to come out for the GBA, so you can’t even begin to imagine what is in store for us in the future. All color is spectacular, I found minimal graphical glitches throughout the game, so graphics are definitely best of the best. The things I liked most in the game were the item effects. As Mario Kart 64 veterans are well aware of, Kart games give us an arsenal of weapons that can be used to thwart of the enemy racers and send them flying. You let go of those red shells and...boom! Stellar graphics alone make this game worthwhile.

Sound is no different. Most of the music is identical as that of the N64 title, which is a good thing. Another breakthrough, sound like this could never be imagined in a hand-held but 16 months ago. Most of the music is exciting, to fit the right need-for-speed mood, and is hardly ever irritating. Even with the GBA’s speakers partly positioned below the hand, you can still hear the sound clearly. Above all, the most important thing, of course, is satisfaction. The truth is that Circuit did not disappoint. Me, Natalie, and friends always enjoy hooking up this game and race away...it never gets old. Since I’m on the road a lot during the summer with friends, having some form of portable entertainment is important. Whether you’re at home, or on the road bored, Circuit is a trusty companion, even more so with 3 other players! Surely a one of a kind racer.

IT HAS
Great graphics, sound, game play, satisfaction, and 4 player compatibility.

IT DOESN’T HAVE
Very easy controls at first; takes some getting used to.

THE ENDING; SAPPY OR HAPPY?
The good thing about racing games, is that they never end. If you are a die-hard fan of them, this is a top shelf game for you. Even if you don’t like racing games, it’s very important that you get it, and try it out, should you have a GBA. Above all, the money saving feature of the 4-player hook-up is solely a reason to get this game. It is greatly addictive, and competitive. It’s no different from that of the N64 version, only this one is really on the road, so to speak. Mario Kart Super Circuit is a great game for all ages, and gamers of all types, regardless of your taste for racing games. The stellar graphics, sound, 4 player fun, and addiction all make this one hell of a game. Do yourself a favor, and check it out. “Eat my dust monkey boy!”