Mario Kart 64 is a fabulously amusing and fun racing game with the choice of eight characters. There are three modes for multiple players as well as a one-player time trial mode. Mario GP, Vs. Mode and Battle Mode all feature item boxes which provide the weapons which make this game so much fun. There's something very enjoyable about smacking a cute character!

MARIO GP: This is a one or two-player game with the remaining characters controlled by the computer which always cheats horrifically. There is a choice of four cups to compete for and you have to complete the four courses in order. This mode is the most fun as any grievances with one character can be taken out on your nearest opponent until the opportunity for revenge appears. The only drawback is the very drawn-out awards ceremony at the end (especially if you didn't win - pah!).

VS. MODE: Instead of all the characters competing, you play against 1, 2 or 3 of your friends on any course from the four maps. It tends to be more ruthless as there are no computer-controlled characters to take your aggression out on. Since there are less opponents, things are made more difficult by the addition of yellow bomb karts dotted about the course. Smacking into one of these certainly slows you up!

BATTLE MODE: This tends to be a bit dull. You drive around in one of the four arenas trying to burst your opponents' balloons (with the usual weapons) whilst avoiding having yours burst. I suppose it may be better with four players but I'd really enjoy it if all 8 characters were driving around trying to kill each other! With only two players you don't get much of a chance to smack anyone much as it's quite easy for the other player to evade you. Mostly you end up bursting your own balloons by falling off the arena or driving into your own fake icons - doh!