Mario Kart Arcade GP
Mario Kart Arcade GP logo For alternate box art, see therelated gallery.
Developer	Namco[1]
Publisher	Namco[2]
Release dates	October 10, 2005[?] November 19, 2005[?] 2005[?] 2005[?]
Languages	English Japanese
Genre	Racing
Arcade system	Triforce
Input	Arcade: Joystick

Mario Kart Arcade GP is an arcade game featuringSuper Mario andPac-Man characters. It is the fifth installment of theMario Kart series overall and is the first in the series that released for arcades. There are two types of models: one without the "data card" dispenser and slot, and one with both. The game runs on a modified version of theMario Kart: Double Dash!! game engine.

A follow-up calledMario Kart Arcade GP 2 was released in 2007.

Gameplay[edit]

The system

To play the game, the player has to insert a certain amount of money or tokens, or in some cases, swipe a special card such as a Timezone Powercard. Some systems may also be available to play for free. First, they can adjust their seat within the time limit by moving a lever near their feet and sliding to any position on the arcade machine. After that happens, the player can choose a character to play with. Then they have to take a picture of themselves within a time limit; if the player does not take the picture within a certain time frame, a countdown begins to force them to take it. The photo taken will frame the player's face with Mario's hat and mustache. When that is done, the player will pick a mode on the screen; "Grand Prix" or "Time Trial"; again within the time limit.

If the player picks "Grand Prix", they can pick any cup to play within the time limit. Picking "Time Trial" allows them to attempt to beat a race-time record in one of the 24 courses in this game. Several courses are locked, and must be unlocked by playing the available courses in the cup. After choosing a cup, players are either given a set of pre-determined items or are able to choose 3 items for themselves. Brief descriptions are provided for each item.

Afterwards, the race begins. If the player places first, they will move on to the next course, and if they receive any lower rank, they must redo that same course. Either way, they must to pay the machine in order to race again.

Controls[edit]

All controls are used to select in-game menu options.

• Steering wheel
• Accelerate andbrake pedals: If pressed quickly, the brake pedal can also make karts jump and power slide if pressed twice. ARocket Start can be performed by hitting accelerate on the green light.
• Item button, at the center of the steering wheel.
• VS cancel button - Used to cancel opponent searching

Game modes[edit]

Grand Prix[edit]

Players race in 24 courses in six stages with each stage having four courses and a challenge; the first two are forward, last two are similar but with changed gimmick and environment, (e.g. Mario Highway is set on sunset instead of daytime, Bowser's Castle has blocks that block several parts of the track) and a challenge that is specific to each stage. Each race involves a six-kart dash to the finish (one player and five CPU players). The goal of each race is to finish in first place within the time limit. Once the player wins a race for the first time, they are rewarded with the next race in the stage. When completing the fourth stage, the player is rewarded with an item. Afterwards, a "challenge game" stage comes up, and are just like Missions fromMario Kart DS which they must complete to earn a special item exclusive to the character and finish the stage. If the player is unable to complete the challenge, they won't receive the trophy of that stage. If so, the player must complete a race within the cup in first place to try the challenge again. In Special mode, "+ Items" are unlocked after each win, and in 150cc unlocking items goes back to the former, but the item unlocked is a "Triple item".

Coins can be collected through out races to increase top speed. Prior to Special mode, their effect helps in completing the race more quickly. During Special mode and beyond, the difficulty of the races outweighs the effect of coins giving them very minimal use.

Three items are set in each course randomly, but on the fourth course however, the player is given a chance to pick three items to use during the race from their collection. During the first three courses of the Rainbow Stage, the player is first given no items to use, then only able to use Thunder Sticks, and finally only able to use Dash Mushrooms. Three items of the player's choice are used during the fourth course. In Special mode, three items are chosen for every race including all races on Rainbow Stage.

Note: The Rainbow Stage can only be unlocked if the player finishes the first five cups (Similar to the Special Cup inMario Kart: Super Circuit).

Once the player has completed the Rainbow Stage for the first time, Special mode is unlocked. In Special mode, the player can win "+ Items" which are upgraded versions of their weapons while still taking the same item slot. The rivals also become much harder and several courses will have much more gimmick. The first two courses on the Special mode are also changed to reverse mode (not to be confused with theMirror engine class as the course in this mode is simply played backwards) while the last two courses are played normally.

Once Special mode is completed, 150cc mode is unlocked and all racers have gold karts. The character's last special item will be a "+ Item" after beating Robot Mario on Special mode. Difficulty is slightly easier and "Triple items" will be unlocked rather than "+ Items". This mode does not play like the usual 150cc mode in the main series, but rather like 200cc mode fromMario Kart 8 (which was not released until nine years afterMario Kart Arcade GP). Robot Mario and other challenges prior are not played on this mode, rather only six "Triple items" are unlocked after completing each stage.

Once 150cc mode is completed, 150cc Special mode is unlocked where the races are the same as Special mode, but on 150cc. Difficulty is the same as Special mode where racers are much more difficult and the final six "Triple items" are unlocked after the six stages are completed. Challenges, like before, are not played.

Once 150cc Special mode is complete, a unique credits screen is shown with a message at the end saying "Grand Prix Mode complete! Thank you for playing!!". Afterwards, both 150cc and Special mode are able to be replayed with all weapons unlocked.

Time Trial[edit]

The player races on one of the 24 courses to try to appear in the top ten.

Note: The Rainbow Stage is automatically available in Time Trial, regardless of the players Grand Prix stats.

VS[edit]

When the player inserts credits, the game starts an opponent search for a limited time (something like Bark Mode inNintendogs) which, when other players start opponent searching, links the two people together for a VS Match. Up to four people can link together. Unlike Grand Prix, a VS race takes place with four karts per race and each player gets three items at random. If less than four people gather for a race, then CPUs are added to make up four karts.

Characters[edit]

Playable characters[edit]

All characters exceptYoshi share their stats with at least one other character. The eight playableMario characters are the same fromMario Kart 64 andMario Kart: Super Circuit.

Driver	Acceleration	Weight	Top speed
Mario	3 ★★★☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆
Luigi	3 ★★★☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆
Yoshi	5 ★★★★★	2 ★★☆☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆
Wario	1 ★☆☆☆☆	4 ★★★★☆	4 ★★★★☆
Peach	5 ★★★★★	2 ★★☆☆☆	2 ★★☆☆☆
Toad	4 ★★★★☆	2 ★★☆☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆
Donkey Kong	1 ★☆☆☆☆	4 ★★★★☆	4 ★★★★☆
Bowser	1 ★☆☆☆☆	4 ★★★★☆	4 ★★★★☆
PAC-MAN	3 ★★★☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆
Ms. PAC-MAN	4 ★★★★☆	2 ★★☆☆☆	3 ★★★☆☆
Blinky	5 ★★★★★	2 ★★☆☆☆	2 ★★☆☆☆

Bosses[edit]

• Bowser (replaced withMecha-Bowser when playing as Bowser)
• Robo Mario

Courses[edit]

Mario Cup[edit]

TheMario Cup is set on a tropical beach. On the last two races, the course changes from daytime to sunset for Mario Highway and night time for Mario Beach.

The challenge game involves the player rolling a giant watermelon to the goal (a reference toEpisode 8 ofGelato Beach fromSuper Mario Sunshine).

Winning this cup will give the player an invincibility item.

DK Cup[edit]

TheDK Cup is set in a tropical jungle. During the last two races, the courses go through a downpour of rain.

The challenge game has the player eliminate 15Koopa with a Hammer.

Winning this cup will give the player a whacking item.

Wario Cup[edit]

TheWario Cup is set inDiamond City from theWarioware series. During the last two races, the time will change from day time to night time.

The challenge game is set in Diamond City, but the player must drive backwards.

Winning this cup will give the player a backward item that has an effect similar to aBanana.

PAC-MAN Cup[edit]

ThePAC-MAN Cup is set on a peaceful mountain on Pac-Land. This is also the first cup to introduce warp doors. During the last two races, several parts of the course will have more grass that slows the player down.

The challenge game makes the player jump over themonsters' electrical lines.

Winning this cup will give the player a healing item.

Bowser Cup[edit]

TheBowser Cup is set inBowser's own castle. During the last two races,Kamek will use his magic to put blocks that block several parts of the course, making the course narrower.

The challenge game has the player fight agiant Bowser. When playing as Bowser, he is replaced byMecha-Bowser.

Winning this cup will give the player a straight-throwing attacking item.

Rainbow Cup[edit]

TheRainbow Cup is set in space, similar toRainbow Road from the original series. A warp door transports the player to sky world. During the last two races, the warp door will bring the player to an underwater environment instead while still having the same track layout. It is unlocked if the player completes the first five stages.

The challenge game has the player race againstRobo Mario.

Winning this cup will give the player an item that is exclusive to that character.

Items[edit]

Unlike the otherMario Kart games,Mario Kart Arcade GP has 93 items, of which 72 are new. Some drivers can obtain special items that other drivers cannot obtain, much likeMario Kart: Double Dash!! The player can use only three per race, and each track has a different selection of items to use. Completing a certain cup unlocks a new item.

Item categories[edit]

Items inMario Kart Arcade GP can be placed into several categories based on their effects.

Basic items[edit]

Basic items are those which are available to all characters. Starter items are available from the beginning of the game, while prize items are awarded for winning races. The Dash Mushroom is an exception, as it is only available during Time Attack mode and during the first race onRainbow Downhill.

Item		Type	Category
	Basin	Starter	Lock-on shot
	Boo	Starter	Lock-on shot
	Needle Bomb	Starter	Lock-on shot
	Square Tire	Starter	Lock-on shot
	Big & Small Tire	Starter	Lock-on shot
	Broken Wheel	Starter	Lock-on shot
	Time Bomb (S)	Starter	Lock-on shot
	Green Shell	Starter	Shoots forward
	Tornado	Starter	Shoots forward
	Banana	Starter	Drops backward
	Tack	Starter	Drops backward
	Sticky Oil	Starter	Drops backward
	Pie	Starter	Shoots backward
	Thunder Stick	Starter	Melee
	Rain Cloud	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Thundercloud	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Snow Cloud	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Off-Key Speaker	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Trash Can	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Laughter Bag	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Mustache Pen	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Banana Shot	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Tox-Banana Shot	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Dash Bazooka	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Jump Seal	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Item Seal	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Black Shell	Prize	Shoots forward
	Fire Cracker	Prize	Drops backward
	Smokescreen	Prize	Drops backward
	Shield	Prize	Status
	Reflect Shield	Prize	Status
	Absorbing Mushroom	Prize	Status
	Giant Mushroom	Prize	Status
	Invisible Mushroom	Prize	Status
	Slimy Mushroom	Prize	Status
	Heavy Mushroom	Prize	Status
	Horn	Prize	Other
	High Beam	Prize	Other
	Magic Hand	Prize	Other
	Dizziness Virus	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Wheel Virus	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Time Bomb (L)	Prize	Lock-on shot
	Triple Green Shells	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Basin	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Boo	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Square	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Needle	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Pen	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Tornado	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Black Shells	Prize	Shoots forward
	Triple Bananas	Prize	Drops backward
	Triple Smokescreen	Prize	Drops backward
	Triple Tack	Prize	Drops backward
	Triple Pie	Prize	Drops backward
	Dash Mushroom	Other	Status

Special Items[edit]

Special items are those which are specific to certain characters. Each character has six special items. All special items must be unlocked by winning races.

Item		Character	Category
	Star	Mario and Luigi	Status
	Hammer	Mario and Luigi	Melee
	Fireball	Mario and Luigi	Shoots forward or backward
	Chain Chomp	Mario and Luigi	Lock-on shot
	Block	Mario and Luigi	Drops backward
	Special Coin	Mario and Luigi	Status
	Star Mark Banana	Donkey Kong	Status
	10T Hammer	Donkey Kong	Melee
	Barrel	Donkey Kong	Shoots forward or backward
	Giant Banana	Donkey Kong	Drops backward
	Conga	Donkey Kong	Other
	Delicious Banana	Donkey Kong	Status
	Shell Body	Bowser	Status
	Flaming Tender	Bowser	Other
	Bowser Shell	Bowser	Shoots forward or backward
	Thwomp	Bowser	Drops backward
	Bullet Bill	Bowser	Shoots backward
	Meat	Bowser	Status
	Wario Car	Wario	Status
	Stretch Punch	Wario	Melee
	Bob-omb	Wario	Drops backward
	Snot Bomb	Wario	Shoots forward or backward
	Fart Gas	Wario	Drops backward
	Garlic	Wario	Status
	Miracle Mushroom	Toad	Status
	Mushroom Hammer	Toad	Status
	Mushroom Powder	Toad	Drops backward
	Poison Mushroom	Toad	Shoots forward or backward
	Sick Mushroom	Toad	Shoots backward
	Fine Mushroom	Toad	Status
	Egg Body	Yoshi	Status
	Whacking Fan	Yoshi	Melee
	Mystery Egg	Yoshi	Drops backward
	Rolling Egg	Yoshi	Shoots forward or backward
	Tongue	Yoshi	Other
	Melon	Yoshi	Status
	Power Pill	PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN	Status
	Quack Hammer	PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN	Melee
	Rally-X	PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN	Drops backward
	Galaga Boss	PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN	Shoots forward
	Pooka	PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN	Shoots forward or backward
	Fairy	PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN	Status
	Princess's Drink	Peach	Status
	Frying Pan	Peach	Melee
	Piranha Plant	Peach	Drops backward
	Peach's Bird	Peach	Shoots forward or backward
	Heart	Peach	Other
	Cake	Peach	Status
	Monster Shield	Blinky	Status
	Monster's Hammer	Blinky	Melee
	Flare Ball	Blinky	Drops backward
	Petit Monster	Blinky	Shoots forward or backward
	Ghost Morph	Blinky	Status
	Monster Pill	Blinky	Status

Brands[edit]

Two Mario Motors banners

Main article:List of brands debuting in Mario Kart Arcade GP and Mario Kart Arcade GP 2

• Baby Land
• Mario Motors
• Mario World
• Mushroom Kingdom

Staff[edit]

Main article:List of Mario Kart Arcade GP staff

Reception[edit]

Although the gameplay was praised, the game was reviewed negatively for its high cost. Critics noted the lack of play from the video game and made it face huge amounts of criticism at its release.^{[citation needed]}

Pre-release and unused content[edit]

Three unused images meant to test mechanics such as the camera can be found in the game's files.

• 

  Color stripes

• 

  Mascots of Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan

• 

  Image depicting theBeslan school hostage crisis.

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, seeGallery:Mario Kart Arcade GP.

• 

  Mario and PAC-MAN

• 

  Key artwork

• 

  Mario Kart Arcade GP flyer

Multimedia[edit]

For the complete list of media files for this subject, seeMultimedia:Mario Kart Arcade GP.

Final Lap

Mario Cup

File info 0:30

DK Cup

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Wario Cup

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PAC-MAN Cup

File info 0:30

Bowser Cup

File info 0:30

Rainbow Cup

File info 0:30

Help:Media file •Having trouble playing?

Names in other languages[edit]

Notes[edit]

• Mario Kart Arcade GP is the firstMario Kart game to be developed by a third-party company (Namco, now Bandai Namco) and the first to have non-Nintendo characters. It is also the firstMario Kart game to be first released in the United States.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Mario Kart Arcade GP coverage on otherNIWA wikis:

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NintendoWiki

StrategyWiki

The Cutting Room Floor has an article onMario Kart Arcade GP.

• Japanese site
• Speedrun.com

• Mario Kart Arcade GP
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• Arcade games
• Crossover games
• 2005 games

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