Adding to the frustration level is some rather suspect hit detection, especially when it comes to car collisions. Opponents can seemingly pull along side you, make the hit, and then warp directly in front of you. Try the same thing with them and you'll push them forward. Making contact with a wall seems inconsistent as well, but not as bad as the car issues.

There are some really nice multi-player features, including 6-player single cartridge wireless play. This is not only a first, but it works well. Players do not get music and the announcer is absent (no loss), but the lack of wires and relative cheap cost make this feature a winner. If everyone does have a cart, more options are available and game setup goes much faster.

There's a fairly strong graphics engine at work here, pretty much the same one that powered the N64 version. Pixelization is more evident here, but thanks to a solid frame rate, you rarely have time to notice. Slowdown does occur, though it is rare. Environments are packed with detail, though the cars (based on Nintendo and Namco properties) seem to have taken a small hit in their polygon counts.

Practically trademarked by this series, techno once again blares under the races. It sounds incredible, basically a CD-quality soundtrack minus the CD. The stereo ability of the console is used perfectly. You'll know where you've been hit when it happens. The only annoyance is the way over the top announcer. Though he stays out of the standard races for the most part, during the Car Attacks, he speaks far too freely.

If you've followed this series, then you pretty much know what to expect here. If you haven't, this probably isn't the best introduction unless you have some patience to work with it. The basic game mechanics are still quite enjoyable once you get the feel down and the graphics make for a nice little showcase. The lack of course variety is a disappointment as are the control options, but this is a solid purchase if you find a deal.