Konami Krazy Racers on GBA, kart racing with Konami mascots. Frogger, Simon Belmont and Goemon behind the wheel. Immediate fun, honorable content, a decent rival to Mario Kart on the console.
Your verdict
Category
Racing1 player3+
Description
Kart racing game developed by Konami and published in the United States in June 2001. Iconic characters from Konami franchises - Simon Belmont, Goemon, Hikaru from Gradius and others - race on circuits inspired by their universes. Six pilots with distinct characteristics, attack and defense items from Konami games, five cups to win and link cable versus mode. American version known in Japan as Konami Wai Wai Racing.
Konami Krazy Racers review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
The visual pleasure comes from the collision of house universes: a vampire hunter, a space shooter pilot and an adventure game character all end up driving identical karts, on circuits each quoting a title from the catalogue, gothic castle, space corridor, Japanese village. Every track is recognisable before it is even named.
Each circuit takes up the theme of the game it evokes, rearranged in a lighter, faster register: the gothic march becomes a spirited race, the space piece gains bouncing percussion. Recognising an old motif under its new dress is the real pleasure of this soundtrack, which works as a permanent musical quiz.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
A kart, prankish items and a string of Konami mascots launched along colourful tracks: the arcade karting formula arrives with infectious spirit. Drifting, shortcuts and dirty tricks keep up a joyful chaos, especially in multiplayer. Immediate, snappy and packed with nods, an ideal racing companion to pull out anywhere.
Is Konami Krazy Racers still worth playing in 2026?
Konami Krazy Racers is a kart game in which the emblematic figures of Konami's franchises, from Simon Belmont to Goemon, race on tracks inspired by their universes. Released early on the GBA, it offers snappy driving, well-judged items and a delightful nod to those who know the studio. The proposition stays classic next to the Mario Kart template, without revolution. For fans of arcade karting and those nostalgic for Konami licenses, it is one of the genre's best representatives on the handheld.
