What are you playing?

[NICKtendo DS]

I've been putting my energy in Mario Kart Super Circuit I had from the 3DS Ambassador Program.

The game is not very likeable. The cars control like icecubes and the CPU, most notably on 150cc, are absolute terrorists. Sure, you're not constantly bombarded with red and blue shells, but the noise of the CPU Star is like the Jaws theme, and it's pretty common too. Add rubberbanding into the mix and you'll have yourself the worst nightmare to ever grace the series.

That is Grandprix though. Two more issues: Extra Cups unlock conditions (get 100 coins, finish first overall and make sure you've cleared it before), which is extra fun with the terrorists I mentioned earlier hell-bent on knocking off your pennies and pushing you into the abyss.
And ranking. I managed to get Gold trophies on every single Cup in every single class, including the Extra Cups, why must I feel so dissatisfied with it!? I haven't even got a single ** rank on any cup, let alone ***. I try my best at 50cc Mushroom Cup and I get A. A very, very bitter victory, a victory not worth its taste.

Why did I soldier on? I love the tracks. Of all Mario Karts, this game has the most tracks and the highest ratio of tracks I like. It sucks Mario Kart 7 only has 3 of these tracks (one that is actually SC's), because I really like them. Just because they're flat doesn't mean they're boring. As a matter of fact, I think it'd be fun if they'd make a brand new track as if it once were a Mode 7 track.
The shortcuts in this game can get absolutely ridiculous, like the massive cut on Cheep Cheep island. It feels rewarding nailing it and mastering it in Time Trails, a feeling that should have been present in the Hell I've describes in full colors. It's satisfying to find, nail and master these shortcuts and set good times in Time Trails. This is only brought down by the previously mentioned lack of control over my vehicle.

I'm torn about this game. I absolutely hate it for its aweful control and asshole AI, but I absolutely love it for its track roster. If only Mario Kart 7 had a dozen more tracks and Free Play so it'd be more interesting to play.