The PlayStation 1 is home to some of the most beloved kart racing games, with multiple titles available that provided gamers with hours of entertainment. From the arcade-style action of Crash Team Racing to the universally loved characters of Disney and Looney Tunes, the PS1 presented some of the most memorable kart racing games in history.
These games were popular not just for their accessible gameplay, but also for their creative track designs, and for the fact that they allowed fans to race with their favorite characters. From playing on their own to playing with their best friends, kart racing games were one of the most beloved types of games, and entertained a whole generation of gamers.
9 Nicktoons Racing (2000)
Nicktoons Racing allowed up to two players to compete in various races featuring popular Nickelodeon characters. Players could choose from a roster of 12 characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, the Rugrats characters, and The Ren & Stimpy Show characters, each with their unique vehicles and power-ups.
The game featured various tracks based on Nickelodeon worlds, such as Bikini Bottom and the Wild West, providing a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the cartoons. Fans of the game have praised its simplicity and its ability to capture the fun and quirkiness of the Nickelodeon universe, making it a beloved title for fans of the network.
8 Muppet RaceMania (2000)
Muppet RaceMania is a kart racing game featuring the beloved Muppets characters. The game allowed up to four players to play simultaneously, making it a great game to play with friends. One of the most loved aspects of the game according to fans was the variety of characters and tracks available, which added to the game's fun and produces more hours of fun.
The game also included power-ups, such as the ability to throw pies or chickens at your opponents, making the races even more chaotic and entertaining. Muppet RaceMania received praise for its quirky sense of humor, solid gameplay, and colorful graphics that captured the charm of the Muppets.
7 Woody Woodpecker Racing (2000)
Woody Woodpecker Racing allowed up to two players to race simultaneously, adding to the competitive nature of the game. The game received mixed reviews but has a dedicated fan base that loved the cartoonish graphics and the variety of tracks and characters.
Players could choose from 8 different characters, including Woody himself, and race on 16 unique tracks inspired by the cartoon's settings. The game was praised for its easy-to-learn gameplay mechanics, making it a great option for both casual and experienced gamers. Overall, Woody Woodpecker Racing offered an enjoyable and entertaining experience that captured the spirit of the cartoon and left a lasting impression on its fans.
6 Looney Tunes Racing (2000)
Looney Tunes Racing was a popular kart racing game that featured characters from the fan-favorite Looney Tunes franchise. The game allowed up to four players to compete against each other. They could choose from a variety of characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote, and more.
One of the standout features of the game was the inclusion of various power-ups that could be used to gain an advantage over other racers, such as the "Anvil" which could be dropped on other players to slow them down. Fans loved the game for its fun tracks and the opportunity to race as their favorite cartoon characters.
5 Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour (2000)
Magical Racing Tour was a hit among fans of Disney's theme parks and characters, as it featured popular attractions and characters from Disney World, including Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The game allowed up to two players to race at once, and the tracks were filled with hidden shortcuts and power-ups. The difficulty level increased as players progressed through the levels, all while enjoying the game's colorful graphics, catchy music, and the ability to play as their favorite Disney characters. Overall, the game was a fun and nostalgic racing experience for both children and adults.
4 Speed Freaks/Speed Punks (1999)
Speed Freaks, known in North America as Speed Punks, is a kart racing game that features a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique karts and special abilities. Players can race against each other in split-screen multiplayer, with up to four players able to compete at once.
The game's tracks are filled with obstacles, ramps, and power-ups that add an extra layer of excitement to the races. Fans praised its fast-paced gameplay and tight controls, as well as its quirky and humorous characters. Speed Freaks was generally loved by fans for its unique take on the kart racing genre and its fun and addictive gameplay.
3 Toy Story Racer (2001)
Based on the popular Toy Story franchise, the game features a variety of characters from the films, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Rex, who race against each other using a variety of vehicles, such as cars, planes, and even pogo sticks. The game features a variety of race tracks based on locations from the films, such as Andy's home, Pizza Planet, and even Sid's house.
Players can collect power-ups to gain an advantage in races, and can also unlock additional characters and vehicles by completing certain objectives. Toy Story Racer received mixed reviews upon release, with criticism directed at its simplistic gameplay and lack of depth, but remains a nostalgic favorite for many fans of the franchise.
2 LEGO Racers (1999)
LEGO Racers was loved by fans for its unique concept of building cars out of Lego bricks and racing them against other LEGO characters. Players could customize their cars with different LEGO parts and weapons, making for a fun and creative experience.
Allowing two players to race at a time, the game also featured different levels with various obstacles and challenges, such as loops and jumps, which added to the excitement of the game. Its colorful graphics and upbeat music made it a hit with both children and adults alike, and it is still remembered fondly by fans today.
1 Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 (1996)
Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 allowed up to two players to race at once and featured a variety of characters with different abilities. Some of the most popular characters of the game are the Penguin Bros. Or Spoiled Princess Jean, all with their own unique kart designs. The game was praised for its whimsical graphics, as well as its inventive track designs that incorporated obstacles, loops, and jumps.
According to fans, what made Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 particularly beloved was its charming character designs and lighthearted tone, which stood out from other more serious racing games of the time.