Smurfs Kart Vs Mario Kart

There's nothing more satisfactory than the whirlwind journey in kart racing. There's something about racing at high speeds through pixelated landscapes that really takes the edge away. For a long time running, the Mario Kart franchise has been the shooting star that soars through the night sky. Why, you may ask. Well, for starters, the Nintendo franchise is a pioneer of the kart racing genre. Although other games came before it, Mario Kart has successfully managed to top games, including Diddy Kong Racing. Moreover, the franchise is ever-expanding.

However, as more developers dip their feet in the genre, we could soon have a worthy contender that outcompetes Mario Kart. A great example is Smurfs Kart. In this article, we're pitting the two karting games against each other to see which steals the show. So, without much further ado, here's Smurf Kart vs Mario Kart.

What is Smurfs Kart?

What do you get when you cross the enchanting depths of the whimsical forest with a racetrack? An enthralling arcade racer where your racers are a pint-sized blue community heavily built on camaraderie. Developed by Eden Games, Smurfs Kart is one of the kart racing games that absolutely does it right. Not to say it doesn't have its fair share of flaws, but compared to other games that are a quick cash grab, Eden Games has mastered the essence of racing with this one. Primarily because the developer has great experience in building simulation races for more than a decade.

Its premise is simple: pick a character and race to become the fastest Smurf in town; as a kart racer, it's not surprising that the game has no storyline. Interestingly, this is the second kart racing game that features the Smurfs. The first, Smurf Racer, is an Artificial Mind & Movement brainchild with much to live up to. 

What is Mario Kart?

Mario Kart is the iconic spin-off series that turns the Mushroom Kingdom into a kaleidoscope of karting chaos. Making its debut in 1992, the first game in the series was a triumphant success, paving the way for other subsequent games in the franchise. The franchise's legacy is the longest-running, earning it a place in the Guinness World Record as one of the top 50 console games of all time.

In Mario Kart, you race in go-kart races as one of the characters from the Mario franchise. Since its debut, Nintendo has gradually included new features to spruce up its gameplay. This element greatly contributes to its popularity, including its electrifying amalgamation of strategy and chaos- it's not just about speed. As you race, the track becomes a playground of tactical possibilities. 

Gameplay

If you've played Mario Kart 8, you'll feel at home with Smurfs Kart, since the gameplay is similar. But there are a few disparities. For starters, Smurfs Kart gives you an early boost to gain an early lead. Each Smurf character has a unique item that gives you a competitive edge. One Smurf may throw a hot potato at you. To avoid a tragic attack, you must haul it back before it explodes your kart to pieces. Basically, the whimsical nature of kart racing is imminent in both games.

Moreover, the collective items in both games are nearly identical. In Smurfs Kart, the Smurf berries are akin to the Mario Kart coins. You can also collect rewards as you race, giving you a speed boost or help you disadvantage your competition. For instance, the smurf-busting acorns are homogenous to the Green Shells, while the bees are similar to the Red shells. You'll have basic offensive items to slow down your opponents, giving you enough time to get to the front line.

Additionally, the two go-kart racing games allow you to be airborne temporarily. In Mario Kart, the blue boost pads activate gliding. This feature was first introduced in Mario Kart 7. Once you get on the pad, your kart's glider will deploy, giving you a slight boost. In contrast, Smurfs Kart puts your kart in a bubble and then airlifts you to your destination. 

Characters

One of the standout aspects of Smurfs Kart is its character roster. The game offers a diverse selection of beloved Smurfs, each with unique abilities and personalities. Whether you race as Papa Smurf, Smurfette, or any other iconic Smurf, you'll find yourself enchanted by their delightful animations and voice overs, adding charm to the overall experience.

In contrast, Mario Kart is also defined by its cast of characters. From the iconic plumber Mario to his lovable sidekick Luigi and many other memorable characters from the Mario universe, each racer brings their unique personality and charm to the game. 

Graphics

Smurfs Kart does an exceptional job of capturing the essence of the Smurfs universe. The game's colorful and lively graphics feature beautifully designed tracks inspired by iconic locations from the animated series. The attention to detail in the environments, characters, and power-ups adds an extra layer of immersion, making players feel like they've entered the Smurfs' magical realm. Plus, the visuals are fun to watch. Every track has its own theme, giving them unique identities. 

We can say the same for Mario Kart. The entire Mario Kart universe is an intricate work of graphical art. As you hurtle through the tracks, you'll encounter a captivating array of dynamic elements that add depth and excitement to the experience. Water splashes and ripples as your wheels skid across its surface, leaving behind a trail of aquatic spray. Fireballs streak across the sky, leaving fiery trails in their wake, while thunderstorms crackle and illuminate the surroundings with electrifying energy.

Verdict

If you want to get more out of a kart racing game, the Mario Kart series is a suitable choice. Simply because it is a highly acclaimed and long-standing franchise that is still on the precipice of expanding. It's not clear whether we'll see more of the blue camaraderie in a sequel. However, as it stands, you'll get value for your money with Mario Kart.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our verdict? Which do you prefer — Smurfs Kart or Mario Kart? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.