Super Mario Moto

Overview

Super Mario Moto delivers a delightfully quirky twist on the Mario formula by putting the iconic plumber on two wheels. This stunt-focused spin-off captures the series' charm with its addictive progression loop and chaotic multiplayer moments, though its limited scope and rough edges prevent it from reaching greatness. While the core thrill of launching Mario into gravity-defying flips resonates strongly, the experience is hampered by repetitive content and underdeveloped mechanics that leave players craving more depth. It's a bite-sized dose of fun that shines brightest in short bursts or chaotic couch competitions.

A Rocky Start with Rewarding Progression

The journey begins on a frustrating note, with Mario saddled with what feels like a bargain-bin bicycle. Early attempts at stunts are brutally unforgiving – pulling off even a single flip without face-planting requires near-perfect timing, and wheelies fizzle out almost immediately. This steep initial difficulty curve creates a barrier that tests patience.

Starting this game is pretty hard but when you get to jump high enough that Mario goes off the screen, the game is brilliant.
Its me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Persistence pays off spectacularly though. Every successful trick showers Mario with coins, unlocking a compelling upgrade path. What starts as a clunky scooter transforms into a tricked-out machine capable of soaring off-screen during jumps. Sponsorship deals and visual customizations add tangible rewards to the progression, turning early struggles into distant memories as your bike evolves alongside your skills. This satisfying metamorphosis from underdog to stunt master remains the game's strongest hook.

Stunt System: Highs and Lows

At its best, the stunt mechanics deliver pure arcade joy. Executing a perfect backflip as Mario flails mid-air captures that signature Nintendo magic, and chaining wheelies down straightaways provides simple satisfaction. The controls shine during these euphoric moments where timing and risk-taking converge.

However, this excitement is undermined by glaring limitations. The trick repertoire feels disappointingly shallow – beyond basic flips, spins, and wheelies, there's little variety to master. More frustrating is the inconsistent physics governing stunts; landing animations often feel arbitrary, and subtle input delays can sabotage complex maneuvers. These issues are particularly noticeable during the single-player "Stunt Mode," where repetitive objectives highlight the lack of mechanical depth.

I gave it an 80% because of the lack of tricks and stunts. And it only has one track to go on.
Jake

Multiplayer: Chaotic Kart-Lite Fun

The package redeems itself through an unexpectedly robust two-player mode. Racing against a friend on the singular track channels vintage Mario Kart energy, complete with unpredictable collisions and last-second upsets. While lacking power-ups or environmental variety, the sheer unpredictability of human opponents breathes life into the limited track design. Seeing both players wipe out simultaneously after botching a jump never loses its comedic appeal, making this mode the game's most reliable source of laughter.

In two player mode you must race against the other player. Faintly reminiscent of Super Mario Kart, this game is very small and sturdy and at the moment i am hooked on it!
Wierdbeard

The catch? Unlocking this mode requires grinding through single-player upgrades. While this gives purpose to the progression system, it gatekeeps the game's most enjoyable feature behind hours of repetition on the same course.

Technical Quirks and Presentation

The game's modest scope reflects its budget origins. The lone desert track – while serviceable – grows stale quickly, with only ramps and half-pipes breaking up the flat terrain. A surprisingly catchy MIDI soundtrack provides energetic accompaniment to stunts, though the limited track loops become noticeable during extended play. Visuals embrace simplicity with colorful, blocky environments that run smoothly even during complex aerial sequences. It won't win technical awards, but the performance holds up where it matters most: during mid-air acrobatics.