This week saw the release of Nintendo’s Quarter 1 line-up. Included in this list, among many other great titles, was the announcement that Mario Kart 64 was being released as a Virtual Console title for the Wii.

Nintendo announces which Virtual Console titles it is releasing each Monday. This past Monday saw the release of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past from SNES. Next week Wii owners will be able to visit the Wii Shop Channel and get their hands on the all-time favourite Mario Kart 64. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime commented, “Every week we’re delivering more incredible content to further expand the experience.” Expand away Reg, wii are loving it!

A trip down Mario memory lane

In case you have not yet had the joy of experiencing Mario Kart 64, we thought we would provide our readers with a bit of a refresher course. Now maybe you were too young and so don’t remember this classic, hell you might not even have been born yet, perhaps you are a new gamer who has just begun to experience the wonder that is console gaming or you may even be a hardcore gamer just wanting to reminisce about the greatness that was, is and always will be Mario. Well, we are happy to deliver this to you, a little trip down Mario memory lane.

Let’s start with the basics…

Mario Kart 64 was a successor to the Super NES classic Super Mario Kart. Apart from great graphics, the game is packed full of unique power-ups along with a 3D version of the legendary Battle Mode. Mario creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, always ensures great control and he does not let the team down in this game.

Mart Kart 64 features eight familiar faces including Mario, Bowser and Yoshi. Players will race on four tracks, featuring four track circuits which get progressively tougher. Prepare to compete in the Mushroom Cup, the Flower Cup, the Choco Mountain! Star Cup and finally the Special Cup.

Mastering the karts and power-ups

Players are spoilt for choice in Mario Kart 64 and can choose between three engine sizes: 50cc, 100cc and 150cc. Master the power slide technique and grab power-ups to gain more speed and attempt to cross the finish line in first place. Players will learn the different handling, acceleration and speed capabilities of each kart as well as how to make use of the many power-ups including how to hurl shells at rivals, throw bananas to put opponents off their course or lightning bolts to shrink other players.

That in a nutshell is what Mario Kart 64 is all about, craziness and fun!! This is one you definitely don’t want to miss, trust me.