Mario Kart GP DX - Namco

Developer:  Namco

Year:  2013

Genre:  Racing

Game Play

Mario Kart Arcade GP plays and controls similarly to most entries in the Mario Kart series, except for the differing input methods: instead of joystick and buttons to steer, accelerate, and brake, the arcade cabinets control with a steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake pedal. The goal of the game remains the same; players must drive their go-kart through a given course in hopes of completing it faster than competing racers. Like prior Mario Kart games, Arcade GP features "rubber band" physics, a feature that generally makes the game harder for players who are doing well, and easier for players who are struggling, to help balance competition among players. The game consists of three different game modes - "Grand Prix", "Time Trial", and "Multi-player". Grand Prix works similarly to other entries in the series, where the player races against computer-controlled opponents in a series of four races, earning points based on what place they finish a race. However, real-world money must be paid to participate in each individual race, or the cup is ended in forfeiture. If the player completes all four races, they may play a special "Bonus Mission" similar to the "Mission Mode" from Mario Kart DS. For example, one mission requires the player to push an oversized melon through a course across a finish line. Time Trial mode removes all other characters from the course, and the player simply races solo, aiming to achieve the fastest possible completion time. Multiplayer Mode involves up to players competing against one another on up to four connected machines. 

The third title, Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, drew inspiration from Mario Kart 7 in including hang gliders and underwater driving segments, and a co-op mode similar to Mario Kart Double Dash where two characters ride on a single vehicle, and the two players share control. The game also added a new set of courses themed around Namco Bandai's Taiko no Tatsujin series, and added its mascot, "Don-Chan", as a playable character.