The Karters 2: Turbo Charged
" Vibrant kart racing with smooth controls and deep mechanics but occasional bugs and UI issues "
The Karters 2: Turbo Charged Review
The Karters 2: Turbo Charged is widely praised as an exceptional kart racing game on PC, often hailed as the spiritual successor to Crash Team Racing (CTR). Players appreciate its smooth, responsive controls and the innovative reserve system that allows for high-speed gameplay with skillful momentum management. The game features well-designed tracks, a vibrant art style, and a fun soundtrack that complements the racing experience.
A major highlight is the extensive mod support, enabling players to create and share thousands of custom characters, karts, wheels, stickers, and tracks, significantly enhancing replayability. Online multiplayer with leaderboards, ghost racing, clans, and multiple game modes add to the game's longevity. Although still in Early Access, the developers are active and receptive to feedback, continuously improving the game.
Some players note minor bugs and UI clunkiness, but overall, it is regarded as a high-quality kart racer that fills a PC niche previously underserved, especially for fans of CTR and Mario Kart styles.
Highlights
Gameplay mechanics are smooth, skill-based, and reminiscent of CTR with a unique reserve speed system enhancing speed and control.
Modding support is extensive and user-friendly, allowing for thousands of custom tracks, characters, and vehicles, fueling virtually endless content.
Graphics and art style are bright, cartoony, and appealing, running well even on mid-tier hardware and Steam Deck.
Soundtrack and audio design are solid and fitting, with fun, memorable music tracks.
Multiplayer features include ranked/unranked races, clans, online leaderboards, and ghost racing, fostering a competitive community.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include occasional bugs, particularly collision inconsistencies and rubber-banding issues affecting race fairness.
Players find the UI and customization menus somewhat clunky and confusing, with calls for streamlining character and kart selection.
The item system and icons lack clarity and impact, leading to less dynamic combat and difficulty distinguishing effects during races.
Some tracks are considered too simple or lacking thematic identity, and a campaign mode is currently missing.
Audio feedback for certain actions is minimal, and some players desire more varied engine and item sounds.
Pros
- • Smooth and responsive controls reminiscent of classic kart racers.
- • Innovative reserve speed system adds depth to racing mechanics.
- • Extensive and easy-to-use modding tools for custom content.
- • Vibrant, cartoony graphics running well on various hardware.
- • Robust multiplayer with ranked races and leaderboards.
- • Varied game modes including time trials and battle arenas.
- • Fun and fitting soundtrack enhancing the racing atmosphere.
Cons
- • Occasional bugs and collision issues disrupt gameplay flow.
- • Rubber-banding and checkpoint inconsistencies affect fairness.
- • Clunky, confusing UI and customization menus.
- • Item icons and effects lack clarity and impact in races.
- • Limited variety and thematic identity in some official tracks.
- • Missing a single-player campaign mode currently.
- • Audio feedback and sound effects need improvement.
Rating Criteria
Get ready for the ultimate kart racing experience on Steam & Steam Deck! Inspired by Crash Team Racing, built with its own identity, advanced gameplay systems, tons of new features and massive modding support for endless replayability!