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Category: Lists

Top 5 Mario Kart Games Before Mario Kart World
With Mario Kart World here finally, it’s the perfect time to hit the brakes and look back at the greatest Mario Kart games to ever grace Nintendo consoles. From 16-bit drifts to anti-gravity flips, the series has given us decades of kart-racing chaos, friendship-ending blue shells, and some of the most memorable multiplayer fun in gaming history.

Here are the Top 5 Mario Kart games of all time — before Mario Kart World changes everything.

#5 – Super Mario Kart (SNES)

This is where it all began!
Released in 1992 on the Super Nintendo, Super Mario Kart laid the foundation for every kart racer that followed. With its Mode 7 graphics, tight controls, and competitive spirit, it turned a friendly plumber into a track-dominating menace. While it may feel dated today, its impact can’t be overstated. Without it, there’d be no banana peels, no Rainbow Road, and no global karting phenomenon.

#4 – Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GameCube)

A great Mario Kart game on an underwhelming console — this one deserves a comeback.
Double Dash!! is one of the most unique entries in the series. Released in 2003 for the GameCube, it introduced a two-character-per-kart mechanic, allowing for creative character combos and power-up strategies. The tag-team gameplay was chaotic fun and remains unmatched to this day. While the GameCube didn’t soar in sales, Double Dash!! left a lasting legacy and still has a passionate fanbase begging for its return.

#3 – Mario Kart 64 (Nintendo 64)

One of the best couch multiplayer games of all time.
Launched in 1997, Mario Kart 64 brought the series into 3D and changed everything. With four-player split screen and iconic tracks like Moo Moo Farm and Toad’s Turnpike, this was peak party gaming. Sure, the AI was aggressive and the physics were floaty, but that only added to the unpredictable madness. If you didn’t shout in victory (or rage) on Rainbow Road, did you even play?

#2 – Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo Wii)

Welcome to the world of online gaming with Mario Kart.
In 2008, Mario Kart Wii took things online — and the competition to a whole new level. It featured motion controls with the Wii Wheel, an enormous roster of characters, motorbikes, and some of the most balanced tracks in the series. The online matchmaking was ahead of its time for a Nintendo title, and the skill ceiling was surprisingly high. To this day, it remains one of the highest-selling racing games ever.

#1 – Mario Kart 8 (Wii U / Nintendo Switch)

It continued the success of online gaming from Mario Kart Wii and made a better game. So good it lasted two consoles.
There’s a reason Mario Kart 8 has sold over 60 million copies — it’s simply the best the series has ever been. Originally launched in 2014 for the Wii U, and later supercharged with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch, this entry perfected the formula. The tracks are beautifully designed, the music is stellar, and the anti-gravity mechanic adds fresh twists. Throw in rock-solid online play, dozens of characters, and years of DLC support, and you’ve got a timeless racer that dominated two console generations.

Honorable Mentions
- Mario Kart DS – Portable karting at its finest, with the introduction of online play on the go.
- Mario Kart 7 – The 3DS entry brought gliding and underwater driving into the mix.
- Mario Kart Tour – Not the best gameplay-wise, but it kept the brand alive on mobile.
What’s your favorite Mario Kart of all time? Drop a comment below and let’s settle this like real racers — with a Blue Shell.
June 6, 2025
Top 10 Game of the Year Picks So Far (June 2025)

The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of legendary for gamers. From bold new IPs to genre-defining sequels and long-awaited remakes, the gaming industry has delivered a steady stream of hits. Here are our Top 10 Game of the Year contenders so far, ranked by impact, innovation, and just pure fun.

🥇 1. Split Fiction

A genre-bending narrative adventure, Split Fiction lets players navigate two parallel realities — one grounded in gritty crime noir, the other in surrealist fantasy. Every choice echoes across both timelines, shaping an intricate story that constantly reinvents itself. It’s a triumph of interactive storytelling with masterclass writing and jaw-dropping presentation.

🥈 2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

In a world where humanity is wiped out one number at a time, you lead the 33rd expedition to end the Painter’s deadly countdown. With turn-based combat inspired by classic JRPGs and surreal, painterly visuals, Expedition 33 blends dark fantasy with emotional storytelling in a way that feels both tragic and hopeful. One of the most artistically ambitious games in recent memory.

See Our Review Here!

🥉 3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Bohemia comes alive once again in this gritty, historically grounded RPG sequel. Deliverance 2 expands on its predecessor with improved combat, richer world-building, and a story that puts you at the heart of medieval intrigue. No dragons, no magic — just hard-hitting realism and immersive roleplaying.

4. Blue Prince

A roguelike puzzlebox wrapped in a mystery, Blue Prince tasks players with designing the layout of a cursed castle in real-time. Each room you add might unlock secrets… or unleash horrors. With an ever-shifting narrative and elegantly bizarre mechanics, it’s a mesmerizing mix of logic, lore, and latent terror.

5. Elden Ring: Nightreign

FromSoftware returns to the Lands Between with a dark new chapter. Nightreign expands the open world with a gothic, rain-drenched region haunted by shadows — both literal and figurative. Brutal new bosses, deeper lore, and refined combat make this DLC feel like a full sequel. Prepare to die all over again… beautifully.

6. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

The classic 2006 RPG is reborn with modern graphics, UI enhancements, and smart quality-of-life tweaks — all while preserving its charming weirdness. Oblivion Remastered is a glorious return to Cyrodiil for veterans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. Who knew potato faces could look this good?

See Our Review Here!

7. Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom’s latest evolution of the Monster Hunter formula brings dynamic ecosystems, intelligent prey-predator interactions, and a seamless open world. Wilds reinvents the hunt with new mounts, weather-based tactics, and jaw-dropping creatures that fight as smart as they look. It’s the wildest hunt yet.

8. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Feudal Japan finally gets its due in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, delivering dual protagonists — a shinobi and a samurai — with distinct playstyles. Ubisoft blends stealth, swordplay, and storytelling in a beautifully realized historical world. It’s the best AC has felt in years.

9. DOOM: The Dark Ages

Hell goes medieval in this prequel to 2016’s DOOM. Trading plasma rifles for a demon-slaying mace and a jet-powered shield, The Dark Ages reimagines id Software’s signature brutality with a grim fantasy aesthetic. It’s still fast, frantic, and ferocious — just with more blood and chainmail.

10. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

Strategy fans rejoice — Civ VII shakes up the formula with asymmetrical civs, dynamic eras, and a fresh diplomacy system. Whether you’re rewriting history as the Zulu or racing to space as futuristic Scandinavians, the possibilities feel endless. One more turn? Always.

More to Come This Year

While these are our top picks, 2025 is far from over. With more big releases coming later this year — including Metroid Prime 4, Death Stranding 2, Mario Kart World, and Metal Gear Solid Delta Remake. — the second half of the year promises even fiercer competition.

What’s Your Game of the Year (So Far)?

Did your favorite make the list? Or do you have a hidden gem we missed? Let us know in the comments — and stay tuned for our year-end roundup this December!

May 30, 2025
Top Classic Nintendo Video Games by Year (1984–2004)

Explore the greatest hits from Nintendo’s golden years, spanning the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and GameCube. These iconic titles shaped generations of gaming and still hold up today.

Tetris – 1984

Platform: Nintendo NES, Game Boy
One of the most iconic puzzle games in history, Tetris delivered endless addictive gameplay with simple yet challenging mechanics. Its NES and Game Boy versions made it a household name and remain timeless classics in gaming.

Super Mario Bros. – 1985

Platform: Nintendo NES
A pioneer of the platforming genre, Super Mario Bros. introduced dynamic levels, power-ups, and secret areas—innovations that laid the foundation for modern video game design.

The Legend of Zelda – 1986

Platform: Nintendo NES
The Legend of Zelda set the standard for action-adventure games with its rich lore, challenging puzzles, and open-ended exploration. It launched one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises.

Contra – 1987

Platform: Nintendo NES
Konami’s run-and-gun shooter Contra was known for its intense difficulty, fast-paced action, and iconic two-player co-op. Its NES port became a cult classic.

Super Mario Bros. 3 – 1988

Platform: Nintendo NES
Returning to its 2D roots, Super Mario Bros. 3 pushed the NES hardware to its limits with new power-ups, intricate worlds, and unforgettable gameplay—a masterclass in platforming.

Final Fight – 1989

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Final Fight delivered nonstop arcade-style beat-’em-up action with memorable characters and gritty urban settings. A definitive title in SNES’s action game lineup.

Super Mario World – 1990

Platform: Nintendo SNES
A launch title for the SNES, Super Mario World introduced Yoshi, expansive level design, and smoother graphics—widely considered the pinnacle of 2D Mario games.

Final Fantasy IV – 1991

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Also released as Final Fantasy II in the U.S., this classic RPG combined deep storytelling, turn-based combat, and emotional character arcs. It remains a genre-defining title.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time – 1992

Platform: Nintendo SNES
An arcade favorite brought home, Turtles in Time let players brawl through time as their favorite Ninja Turtles. Its multiplayer mode and vibrant visuals made it a fan favorite.

Star Fox – 1993

Platform: Nintendo SNES
With revolutionary 3D graphics powered by the Super FX chip, Star Fox redefined rail shooters and wowed players with its fast-paced, outer space action.

Super Metroid – 1994

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Known for its atmospheric world, nonlinear exploration, and refined gameplay, Super Metroid became a cornerstone of the Metroidvania genre.

Chrono Trigger – 1995

Platform: Nintendo SNES
Developed by Square, Chrono Trigger is regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made. With time-traveling storylines, memorable characters, and multiple endings, it set the bar for narrative-driven gaming.

Pokémon Red & Blue – 1996

Platform: Nintendo Game Boy
Pokémon Red and Blue launched a global phenomenon. Catching, battling, and trading 151 creatures introduced a new generation to RPGs and multiplayer gameplay.

GoldenEye 007 – 1997

Platform: Nintendo 64
A revolutionary first-person shooter, GoldenEye 007 combined cinematic storylines with multiplayer mayhem. It helped establish console FPS games as a dominant genre.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – 1998

Platform: Nintendo 64
Often called the greatest video game of all time, Ocarina of Time brought 3D adventure gaming to new heights with groundbreaking mechanics and emotional storytelling.

Super Smash Bros. – 1999

Platform: Nintendo 64
This crossover brawler introduced fans to chaotic multiplayer battles between beloved Nintendo characters. Its success launched one of the most enduring franchises in competitive gaming.

Mario Tennis – 2000

Platform: Nintendo 64
With smooth mechanics and arcade-style gameplay, Mario Tennis brought a lighthearted twist to sports games. Perfect for multiplayer fun with friends and family.

Luigi’s Mansion – 2001

Platform: Nintendo GameCube
As a GameCube launch title, Luigi’s Mansion gave Mario’s brother a starring role in a spooky yet charming ghost-hunting adventure.

Metroid Prime – 2002

Platform: Nintendo GameCube
Metroid Prime seamlessly transitioned the series into first-person, offering immersive environments and precise shooting mechanics—critically acclaimed as a top-tier GameCube title.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions – 2003

Platform: Nintendo 3DS
This enhanced re-release blended humorous storytelling with turn-based RPG elements, breathing new life into the Mario & Luigi series with modern visuals and amiibo support.

Metroid: Zero Mission – 2004

Platform: Game Boy Advance
A faithful remake of the original Metroid, Zero Mission featured modern graphics and streamlined gameplay, offering a perfect entry point into the iconic series.

Final Thoughts

From puzzle classics like Tetris to timeless RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy IV, Nintendo’s rich legacy of games shaped generations. Whether you’re revisiting these nostalgic titles or discovering them for the first time, this list showcases the best of retro gaming.

May 29, 2025