Atari was hurting for new, original, titles for their Jaguar console when it launched.  With a name like Atari, you kind of have to do something original and interesting.  Sadly, the best they did was more of the same, although Tempest 2000 was pretty cool (it wasn’t an exclusive though).  We never got updates to classics such as Asteroids, Battlezone, Crystal Castles, etc.  That may be the biggest fault Atari committed with the Jaguar.  What we did get were more of the same that was on other consoles of the time.  This includes Atari’s own take on the, rather, popular Kart racing genre with Atari Karts.  Now, whether that is good or bad is left up to history as we discuss one of the rarer, read valuable, Atari Jaguar releases.

Miracle Designs, the people behind Atari Karts, did their best to remember Atari’s history- more so than Atari ever did.  For instance, Bentley Bear- star of Crystal Castles – is one of the drivers.  The original Atari address even makes an appearance (Borregas Cup/1196 Borregas Avenue).  There is even a Tempest Cup (referencing, well if you don’t get that one then you probably worked at Atari in the early 90’s).  The problem with this is, well, none of these were all that popular.  Nothing like what Nintendo was building off of with Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo (the obvious inspiration for Atari Karts).  For the average gamer this was just a generic kart racing game with okay graphics.  Nostalgia was not driving any sales here.

Atari Karts had decent graphics, slightly better than what was on the Super Nintendo’s Super Mario Kart.  Hills are better represented than I expected.  Backgrounds are that “photo realistic” look that Atari was quick to want in as often as possible.  One problem with Atari Karts include lack of interesting power ups (forget firing anything at your enemies).  Also, prepare for damn near full stops when you touch the walls (ala Wipeout).

Okay, who has this one in their collection?

Did you know that there is a company that has purchased the molds to the Atari Jaguar case? They are using them to release a new console?  Read about it here on Retro Gaming Magazine.

If you are interested in adding Atari Karts to your collection then hit Ebay.  Your purchases help us keep bringing articles like this to you.

Carl Williams

It is time gaming journalism takes its rightful place as proper sources and not fanboys giving free advertising. If you wish to support writers like Carl please use the links below. https://www.paypal.me/WCW https://www.patreon.com/CarlWilliams