Battle of the Kiddie Karts 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, one genre that never fails to capture the hearts of players young and old alike is the beloved kart racer. With its perfect blend of chaos, competition, and unbridled fun, these high-octane titles have become a staple in the gaming world. We have plenty of choices already with the likes of Sonic Team Racing, Crash Team Racing, and Nickelodeon Kart Racer 3. As we race into 2024, a slew of new contenders have hit the track as well as enhancements to last years crop, each vying for the coveted title of the ultimate kiddie kart experience. From beloved franchises to fresh newcomers, this year’s lineup promises an exhilarating ride for players of all ages. So, buckle up and get ready to drift, boost, and battle your way to the finish line as we explore the best kart racers of 2024. Oh, and we’ve omitted Mario Kart as we all know that is the king!

Disney Speedstorm

Developed by Gameloft and published by Disney, Speedstorm is a love letter to the house of the mouse’s iconic characters. While it may not be the reinvention of the genre that some had hoped for, this free-to-play title boasts a solid foundation and addictive gameplay. Choose from a diverse roster of characters hailing from various Disney-Pixar universes, each with their unique karts and abilities.

The game’s mechanics are undoubtedly polished, with slick drifting mechanics and a satisfying sense of speed. However, the ever-present paywalls and microtransactions can dampen the experience for some players, as progression often feels hindered without opening one’s wallet. Nevertheless, for those willing to embrace the free-to-play model, Disney Speedstorm offers a visually stunning and entertaining kart racing experience, particularly for fans of the beloved Disney characters.

KARTRIDER drift

KARTRIDER: Drift is a free kart racer that has garnered affectionate words from critics, but it also comes with the baggage of a live service model. While the game boasts impressive accessibility options and a high skill ceiling for dedicated players, it can be challenging to navigate through the menus and find the core racing experience amidst the cacophony of notifications and challenges.

The game’s unique take on drifting mechanics sets it apart, allowing players to drift even on straightaways, but it can be divisive – some will revel in mastering the intricate technique, while others may find it frustrating. KARTRIDER: Drift excels in its online multiplayer, but the lack of couch co-op may disappoint those seeking a local multiplayer experience. Overall, while it may not be the most immediately accessible kart racer, KARTRIDER: Drift offers a challenging and rewarding experience for dedicated players willing to navigate its complexities.

Lego 2K Drive

In a collaboration between 2K and Visual Concepts, Lego 2K Drive delivers one of gaming’s most convincing open-world racers. With seamless transitions between various terrains and vehicles, the game offers an unrestricted and breathless exploration experience, perfectly capturing the essence of the beloved LEGO franchise.

One of the standout features of Lego 2K Drive is its adherence to the core principles of LEGO – building. Players can construct their dream cars brick by brick, with instructions that can be replicated in real life. The game’s visuals are stunning, running at a solid 60fps on capable hardware, and the variety of tracks and challenges ensures longevity.

While the campaign may be relatively short, Lego 2K Drive shines in its free-play mode, offering a plethora of customization options and the ability to carry progress across platforms. With local split-screen multiplayer and crossplay support, this title is a must-have for LEGO enthusiasts and kart racing aficionados alike.

Gigantosaurus: Dino Kart

Gigantosaurus: Dino Kart is a delightful little racer that caters primarily to younger audiences. With its simple controls and optional steering assist, even the youngest players can enjoy the thrill of racing without the frustration of complex mechanics. The game’s vibrant visuals and charming character designs bring the world of Gigantosaurus to life, complete with familiar voices and upbeat music.

While experienced gamers may find the slow pace and lack of challenge underwhelming, Gigantosaurus: Dino Kart shines in its ability to captivate and entertain its intended audience. With a diverse selection of tracks, ranging from desert landscapes to fiery volcanoes, and the inclusion of hazards and shortcuts, the game offers a surprising depth of exploration and replayability. For parents seeking a family-friendly racing experience, Gigantosaurus: Dino Kart is an exceptional choice.

Smurfs Kart

Smurfs Kart is a game that doesn’t shy away from its inspirations, unabashedly borrowing elements from the Mario Kart franchise. However, this decision to play it safe has resulted in a surprisingly competent kart racer that captures the essence of the genre while adding its own unique flair.

With a roster of 12 iconic Smurf characters, each with their own distinct personality and kart, Smurfs Kart offers a familiar yet fresh take on the beloved formula. The handling and power-sliding mechanics are reminiscent of Mario Kart, providing a comfortable experience for veteran players, while the visuals impress with their attention to detail and solid performance.

While the game may lack in content, with only 12 tracks and no online multiplayer, Smurfs Kart makes up for it with its charming aesthetics and addictive gameplay. For fans of the Smurfs or those seeking a family-friendly kart racer with a touch of nostalgia, this title is a solid choice that delivers an entertaining experience, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.

Nightmare Kart

Nightmare Kart is a unique and ambitious fangame that reimagines the eldritch horror of FromSoftware’s Bloodborne as a kart racing experience. With its 32-bit polygonal graphics and retro aesthetic, the game captures the essence of classic PlayStation 1 kart racers while injecting it with a twisted, Lovecraftian twist.

The game’s weapons-focused gameplay and emphasis on attacking fellow racers and the environment create a chaotic and intense racing experience. Players must balance their use of weapons, powerslides, and the collection of Blood Droplets to gain speed boosts, all while managing their health and stamina meters.

While the track design may not always support the game’s innovative mechanics, Nightmare Kart shines in its boss fights and unique interpretation of Bloodborne’s lore. For fans of the source material or those seeking a fresh take on the kart racing genre, this fangame offers an unforgettable and challenging experience that sets it apart from the competition.

The Karters 2: Turbo Charged

Poised to be a standout entry in the genre, The Karters 2: Turbo Charged promises to deliver an unforgettable racing experience by combining the best elements of Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing, while introducing a multitude of unique and new features.

With intense local and global multiplayer races, players can choose from a variety of killer weapons to take down their opponents and claim victory. The game boasts a selection of thrilling maps, each designed to challenge players’ strategic skills and outsmart their rivals.

One of the standout features of The Karters 2: Turbo Charged is its split-screen and online split-screen support, allowing up to six players to compete simultaneously. Whether gathering friends for a local showdown or challenging players from around the world, this title promises to be the ultimate karting champion in 2024.

As we approach the finish line of our battle of the kiddie karts, one thing is clear: the kart racing genre is thriving, offering a diverse range of experiences for players of all ages and skill levels. From beloved franchises like Disney and LEGO to fresh newcomers like Nightmare Kart and The Karters 2: Turbo Charged, 2024 promises to be a year of high-octane excitement and unforgettable racing adventures. So, rev up your engines, grab your power-ups, and get ready to drift, boost, and battle your way to the top of the podium in the ultimate battle of the kiddie karts.