A computer game like Mario Kart

If you want to play Mario games, you need to buy a Nintendo console. And, it doesn’t feel like that’s something which is going to change anytime soon. Which is why PC gamers are constantly searching for the next game like Mario Kart. Enter, the steeply priced: Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3. Which is a new entry, into the list of games that are like Mario Kart.

I haven’t played Mario Kart in years. And my cravings for their unique vehicular madness were at an all time high, when I picked up Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3. And now, here are my first impressions:

A computer game like Mario Kart

Nickelodeon did a wonderful job with this one. It has a range of characters, and more game modes that you’d expect. A lot more! Personally, I am a huge fan of games that can be played with bots. And, preferably… offline too. This game does both! You could find yourself in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but a laptop and time to kill. And still be able to play this game, with bots on your team. Or you can have a free-for-all race or match.

When I say that this game has “more game modes that you’d expect” I mean it.

Players are spoilt for choice! You have online races and matches, and single player races and matches, in multiple game modes. This is not just a racing game. In addition to regular racing, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 has got modes like: Challenges, Arena, Slime Scramble, Time Trial, and of course… Free Racing. 

And they didn’t just stop there. Each of those game modes has multiple options to choose from. For example; in Arena Mode, you can play Demolition, Control the Golden Spatula, Slime Trails, or Jellyspotters.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway | DEVELOPER: Bamtang Games | PUBLISHER: GameMill Entertainment

Now, that’s just under the Arena Mode. I don’t know if this Mario-Kart-like game, can ever dethrone Nintendo’s masterpiece. But, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 sure has a lot of heart and soul in it.

I mean: even the Racing Mode has a pit crew which gives your driver power-ups and perks as you race. Which means you need to choose a driver, and a team of supporting crew members who perk-you-up off screen. Which ultimately influences the race… a lot.

Well done Nickelodeon!

Areas of concern

Is it perfect? It’s close. Very close, but its way too expensive! And lacks certain (little) things like proper indicators of where the golden spatula went. You have to move around in circles to get a good visual (you can use the map, but, it feels like its not properly placed.. or something). It’s a fun game, nonetheless. But, not perfect. When has a game ever been perfect?

One of my areas of concern is that; the game has a lot of game modes! Perhaps, too many. Why would I say that? Well, because once some players are bombarded with too many game modes, they never take the time to truly give each mode a proper chance. Some players might jump into a game mode once, and never try it again. Which ends up causing them to unknowingly miss out on a lot.

Another area of concern would be; some of the characters are locked. And I’m currently not sure how to unlock them (because I’ve only played briefly – first impressions). Why am I concern about this?

If the characters need to be unlocked by winning specific events, or game modes, you are going to have a lot of work ahead of you. Because (like I mentioned before, in all my praise) this game has a lot of game modes for you to explore, and enjoy. But hopefully, that won’t affect the unlocking of characters. There is nothing worse than trying to unlock your favourite character by playing an online match, only to realise that the servers are down or something.

Other than that, I had a total blast going through this (unfortunately expensive) game.

I’ll definitely write more about it, after I dig deeper!