Manic Karts

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs

GAME DESIGNER:Jon Stuart
GAME DEVELOPER:Manic Media Productions
GAME PUBLISHER:Virgin Interactive
Copyright 1995, Manic Media Productions

Manic Karts is a great but very unknown sequel to SuperKarts, Manic Media’s hit game published by Virgin Interactive. Criticized by most of the press for its outdated graphics, Manic Karts remains a very fun go-kart racing game that will keep you occupied for hours on end. On top of the fun gameplay from SuperKarts, you can now play many all-new tracks, SVGA resolution graphics, and a choice of four classes of kart – 50cc up to 250cc.

Like in SuperKarts, Manic Karts focuses on the fun of go-kart racing rather than the realism. A sort of “semi-arcade” racer, you can use power-ups along the way to gain an advantage over other racers. The graphics is excellent, although still presented in a “flat” 2D resolution that may disappoint new generation of gamers who are used to 3D racing games. There are many cities and courses to race in, and you can even use an included course designer to make your new course – although this utility is far from user-friendly, and is too limited to create anything beyond a simple track.

While it is disappointing that Manic Media did not do more to make the game a true sequel, Manic Karts still ranks as one of the best go-kart racing games ever produced – at least until Formula Karts, a true 3D sequel by Manic Media that was published by SEGA in 1998. Two thumbs up, way up!