Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix

A polished karting game. More similar to Crash Team Racing than Mario Kart, with demanding drifts that are a real test of skill, and no random bonuses. The sensation of speed is there and there are plenty of drivers and teammates to choose from – all cartoon stars in their own right and each with their own special ability. The tracks are really well-designed. Great to play with family or friends.

A cross between Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2 serves up competitive gameplay that demands some real driving skills. Drifting round corners – crucial to earn speed boosts – demands precision control, resulting in a rewarding experience for players who like just a little bit more of a challenge than in traditional karting games.

Our favourite part? The impressive cast of characters from Nickelodeon's iconic cartoons. From JoJo Siwa to Sponge Bob, and including the Ninja Turtles and the Rugrats, the selection of characters will delight your kids. And choosing from 30 playable characters is just the beginning. You can also customise your kart with different engines, tyres, and exhausts to boost its overall statistics.

Not to mention the addition of a teams system, so that players can select a leader and two assistants that each come with unique gadgets and bonuses.

With 72 assistants with their own unique abilities, the possible combinations are almost infinite.

One of the game's strengths lies in its 28 unique tracks, each based on the vast catalogue of Nickelodeon cartoons. From characters like Sponge Bob and the Rugrats, and on to the Ninja Turtles, each track is a visual celebration of the Nickelodeon universe. The well-designed details, like the shortcuts, boosts, and familiar obstacles add a bit of fun to every track.

We liked the arena battle modes that add a competitive dimension that offers a change from the standard races, with options like "death match" and "capture the golden spatula". Kids will love it.

The gameplay deftly combines traditional karting game fare with more original touches. Properly executed drifts, daring jumps, and the crafty use of special items inspired by the Nickelodeon universe all help create exciting, action-packed races. The game is designed to be accessible to every member of the family, with a local multiplayer mode for up to four players.

Our tip to help you on your way? Spend some time getting used to the game by competing in the Slow, Medium, and Fast Grand Prix. There are eight different cups, each made up of four races. The game is pretty forgiving in these modes, so use them to learn the tracks and shortcuts. There's at least one shortcut per track and they aren't really that hidden.

Perfect for family gaming, this colourful game will delight players of all ages.

And if you're still in the mood for more, here on Blacknut you can also play its sequel: Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway.