9 Best Nintendo Spin-Off Video Games - Ranked

While Mario Kart only bears an aesthetic resemblance to the Mario Bros. franchise, it has become equally as popular. Boosted by various iconic characters in the driver's seat, Mario Kart is similar to Super Smash Bros. in that it is most fun when playing with friends, but the racing mechanics are timeless, maturing perfectly as karts and bikes have gotten increasingly complex statistics to improve each game.

Every course is smartly designed and challenging, just long enough that the game is fast-paced fun, and nothing is guaranteed. The obstacles are challenging and the item variety means that a race can shift in moments. Mario Kart is many things, rousing, infuriating, but perhaps unpredictable suits it best.

Few spin off games can eclipse their parent series', especially when you're talking about a giant of the industry like Mario, but Mario Kart just manages it.