Garfield Kart Review

Sometimes it's not so much that a game lacks all the relevant features to make it successful, it's that it lacks a certain originality that makes it stand out. That's pretty much Garfield Kart: it's a racing game in the vein of Mario Kart, and it's reasonably entertaining, however it lacks sufficient panache to make it memorable in any way. That's even despite offering plenty of content.

On paper it's an attractive bundle. 16 different circuits, 8 different characters, and a series of different cups to work one's way through is certainly a value for the money. There's even an online multiplayer mode, although it's pretty quiet.

Things start out quite well too, with easy to learn controls paving the way. A choice of virtual buttons or tilt-based options ensure that everyone's tastes are catered for. The often picky tilt controls work particularly well also, adding some excitement to proceedings. Much like other kart racing games, it's possible to gain a brief boost by skidding around a corner particularly skillfully, plus there's a bevy of weaponry to acquire. Such weaponry has a Garfield-style leaning to them with lasagna providing a speed boost, and pies available for throwing at opponents.

It's all pleasant enough but Garfield Kart lacks a soul and personality of its own. It's possible to customize one's karts, as well as unlock new characters. Both things are done so by acquiring coins either through completing a lot of races or by skipping ahead with an in-app purchase or two. Odds are, however, that few players will be truly gripped sufficiently to want to spend extra money.

Reminiscent of a 'by the numbers' kart racing game, Garfield Kart is fine but unexceptional. Excluding a few brief references this could be a kart racing game with any bunch of characters, lacking the imagination of everyone's favorite grumpy cat. It might entertain for a little while, but it won't stick in the memory for long.