Like in SuperKarts, Manic Karts focuses on the fun of go-kart racing rather than the realism. A sort of "semi-arcade" racer, you can use power-ups along the way to gain an advantage over other racers. The graphics are excellent, although most stuff is still presented in flat 2D sprites that may disappoint newer generations of gamers who are used to 3D racing games. There are many cities and courses to race on, and you can even use an included course designer to make your new course – although this utility is far from user-friendly, and is too limited to creating anything beyond a very basic track.

While it is disappointing that Manic Media did not do more to make the game a true sequel, Manic Karts still ranked as one of the best go-kart racing games ever produced – at least until Formula Karts, a true 3D sequel by Manic Media that was published by SEGA in 1998. Two thumbs up, way up!