Review: Warped Kart Racers

It’s amazing to see just how much Nintendo has been ripped off over the years. Nowadays it seems every console has an ode to Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, and other classic Nintendo franchises. Apple Arcade is no different with the recent release of Warped Kart Racers. 

For those that don’t know, the Electric Square production Warped Kart Racers features popular characters from 20th Television’s hit primetime animated comedies like King of the Hill, American Dad, Family Guy, and Solar Opposites all equipped with vehicles inspired by the aforementioned series. Like Mario Kart, players compete in different types of levels like races, adversary modes, and others with 20 available characters that you can utilize. However, most of these characters you have to unlock along with skins, karts, and customizations through play.

Each of the levels feature designs inspired by the shows as well as available weaponry and power ups that allow you to take out the competition. While doing so, you’ll get quipped one-liners from the likes of Peter Griffin, Hank Hill, and others, making victories that much more pleasant. Unfortunately, keyboard controls are very wonky, so I recommend playing this on an Apple Arcade controller. Some of the physics with the vehicles are a bit on the out-of-control side as well, but with some getting used to, I was able to quickly learn the ebbs and flows and do pretty well with my play through.

For the die-hard animation fan looking to play as some of your favorite 20th Television characters, Warped Kart Racers is a lot of fun, though I hope other show franchises join the fray soon like Bob’s Burgers, The Great North, The Cleveland Show, and others.