Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix Review

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix

Release: January 1, 1970
Publisher: GameMill Entertainment
Developer: Bamtang Games
Genre: Switch Reviews
PEGI: E
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Nickelodeon, a major part of most people’s childhoods of a certain generation. Myself, I was a bit older but still enjoyed some of the original Nicktoons like Doug, Rocko’s Modern Life, Ren + Stimpy, etc etc. Over the years they have done numerous mash-up games such as Nicktoons Unite (which was awesome), Sports games, racing games, and yes even racing sequels like this one.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2 is just what you think it is, a typical kart racer-inspired heavily by Mario Kart. From the power-ups being direct rip-offs from existing ones in Mario Kart today, just reskinned like instead of a Red Shell hunting you down, it’s a jet-propelled football that explodes on impact. If you get out of your head the direct comparisons to Mario Kart, this is one of the better kart racer experiences I’ve had.

There is a ton of tracks to enjoy, 28 to be exactly broken into 7 different Grand Prix cups. Subject matter all ripped from Nickelodeon shows or cartoons. I genuinely had a smile on my face when I was experiencing the track inspired by Double Dare, while my daughter flipped out at the JoJo Siwa track. While the tracks aren’t quite as inspired as Mario Kart, they all feel different and interesting enough where I wasn’t getting bored of them at all. The music is forgettable and not really a stand out on most tracks, but it certainly isn’t bad or deterring from the experience.

Where this game stands out from the others is its team mechanic. So sure, you pick your racer, you can customize your kart, engine, wheels, etc. BUT you also get a Pit Crew, composed of one Chief Character who gives you a specific perk once your slime meter is full (you collect slime through coins or on the tracks) such as a speed boost or slowing down your opponents. You also get two Crew members who have passive skills to help you, such as bonus items when you pick up weapons, or a speed boost when you bump into another racer. All can be customized to your liking and playstyle. You start with a handful, but quickly unlock more as you play through the game.

So let’s talk about where the nostalgia hits for a lot of people here, the real appeal here is the racers, with the largest roster of any Nicktoons racing game sitting at 30 characters racers are spanning over decades of programming. Characters from SpongeBob, TMNT, The Loud House, Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, JoJo Siwa, Rocko’s Modern Life, Invader Zim, Ren & Stimpy, Avatar the Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, CatDog, and Danny Phantom…there is a lot here. Rocko was my go-to through most of my playtime so far.

Having played another Nickelodeon game this year in Battle For Bikini Bottom remaster, this one is a lot more fun and polished. If you are looking for a new racer to play through with friends or family, on the couch or online. This one is worth at least some attention. Especially right now floating around with a $30-$40 price tag.