6. Luigi's Mansion (Mario Kart DS)
My most controversial choice, but one I am proud to include as this really is one of the best tracks in Mario Kart. This track worked on so many levels and could infuriate even the best kart racers. Luigi's Mansion was the perfect setting for a map that combines sharp turns, drifts, clever item boxes and one excellent short-cut. Inside, the mansion was a myriad mix of tight hallways and 90 degree turns that could make or break any race. More often than not, you could slam smaller karts into the wall, giving yourself an early lead. But it was outside the mansion where this course really shone. Some players hated the mud that slowed everything down to a crawl but to me, this just provided a stop gap before the blistering finish. Players trailing behind could gamble a few extra seconds and try and get the item boxes which were guarded by the trees, while faster racers could drift through the mud to increase their leads. The spooky atmosphere was a welcome change too, as this was one of the best looking maps on the DS version.