GAMES .: REVIEW
GAMEBOY ADVANCE

May 2002
by Q.Mulative

KONAMI KRAZY RACERS

Konami decided to try and enter the Mascot Kart Racing game with this, slightly more Japanesey take on the genre. In Konami Wai Wai Racing, or Krazy Racers in North Am, you choose a character from one of Konami's many games, ranging from as the ever temperamental Goemon to the still unnamed Ninja from Metal Gear, and race them through tracks based on classic Konami games, like the Ganbare Dochu. Each track has it's own theme and powerups, and some powerups are shared across tracks. Coins are also scattered about, and by running them over you can buy upgrades that will allow you to hold more than one particular type of power, such as two homing missiles, or an extra shield.

The game is well done for a first generation game. Lots of voice samples, and even a sung intro (even though it's just "Wai, wai, wai, wai, Wai-Wai-Racing!" Repeated over and over again). The controls vary with each character, but are very reesponsive. The tracks themselves are a little on the easy side, and the overall fun value won't really last in the long run. If you want a good kart-based racer, get Mario Kart instead.

This game would be great, if there wasn't already a better game out. If you have this game, trade it in for Mario Kart. If you don't have this and really want to try it out, then give it a rent.

IMAGE SOURCES
Screenshots are from the Video Game Museum and icons are from Konami's Product Site.

Genre - Racing

Developer - KCEK
Publisher - Konami
Release - June 2001

Save - Battery

Also Known As - Wai Wai Racing Adventure (Japan)

Alternative Choice - Mario Kart : Super Circuit

Players - 1 to 2 with multi-pak and link cable

Link Options - Battle Mode

EXTRA MEDIA
Japanese Box Art

INTERESTING FACT
"Wai Wai" are Japanese onomatopoetic words meaning "the atmosphere of many people getting together clamorously", which could be roughly translated as "Crazy".

LINKS
Official Site

 

Binary Score

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Buy, then trade in later:
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