Mickey's Speedway USA

Overview

Mickey's Speedway USA, known in Japan as Mickey no Racing Challenge USA, is a kart racing game developed by Rareware (along with Disney Interactive) and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 in North America on November 13, 2000, in Europe on December 2000, and in Japan on January 21, 2001.

A mascot racer similar to Nintendo's Mario Kart 64 and the studio's own Diddy Kong Racing, Mickey's Speedway USA puts Mickey Mouse and his friends in kart races in various tracks based on locales throughout the U.S.A. Several gameplay mechanics from both the Mario Kart series and Diddy Kong Racing are included, such as tokens that improve kart speed, various random power-ups stored in crates, and split-screen multiplayer (with normal racing and a bonus battle mode).

The game's story involves Mickey's dog Pluto being dognapped by the Weasels for his diamond-studded collar, and Mickey and his friends following them throughout the U.S.A. through postcards the Weasels leave behind. Along the way, they have fun go-kart races!

The game later received a handheld adaptation for the Game Boy Color on March 23, 2001, playing more like Rare's earlier isometric racing game R.C. Pro-Am series. This version is sometimes seen as a sequel to the studio's earlier game Mickey's Racing Adventure. Both the N64 and GBC versions can be linked together using the Transfer Pak, allowing players to unlock a new character in the N64 version.

Gameplay

Mickey's Speedway USA has a Grand Prix mode which works similarly to that of other racing games like Mario Kart 64: each cup has the racers compete on four tracks in a row. The better position you finish each race, the more points you get, and whoever has more points at the end of the cup wins. The game also features a time attack mode, along with multiplayer racing and battle modes.

The characters have different stats; some focus on speed over handling, some are slower but can turn easier, and some are balanced between the two.

Characters

Starting Roster

• Mickey Mouse - Average stats.
• Daisy Duck - Better handling and acceleration, worse weight and top speed.
• Goofy - Better weight and top speed, worse handling and acceleration.
• Pete - Better weight and top speed, worse handling and acceleration.
• Minnie Mouse - Better handling and acceleration, worse weight and top speed.
• Donald Duck - Average stats.

Unlockable

These are exclusive to the N64 version.

• Huey - Unlocked in the NA and EU versions via the Transfer Pak. Better top speed, worse acceleration.
• Dewey - Best acceleration, better handling, worse weight and top speed.
• Louie - Best acceleration, better handling, worse weight.
• Ludwig Von Drake - Best weight and top speed, worst handling and acceleration.

Items

Spritzer: The standard speed boost item.

Baseball Chucker: Explodes when hit by another racer. It can be tossed behind you.

Paint Splotcher: It lies on the ground and makes the first racer that lands on it skid. Can be tossed forward.

Tracechaser: Homes in on a racer directly ahead of you.

Magno Flyer: Follows the track to hit a racer ahead of you.

Shield Shell: Grants a temporary shield, a speed boost and allows you to move at top speed on "hazardous terrain."

Stormy Weather: Rains on every racer ahead of you, slowing them down.

Tracks

Nintendo 64

Traffic Troubles

• Indianapolis
• San Francisco
• New Mexico
• Grand Canyon

Motorway Mania

• Los Angeles
• Alaska
• Las Vegas
• Philadelphia

Freeway Phobia

• Dakota
• Seattle
• New York
• Chicago

Victory Vehicles

• Yellowstone
• Washington D.C.
• Everglades
• Malibu

Frantic Finale Cup

• Hawaii
• Oregon
• Texas
• Colorado

Bonus Track

• New Orleans - Unlockable.

Battle Tracks

• Dockyard
• White House
• Arena
• Steamboat

Game Boy Color

Traffic Troubles

• Los Angeles
• Grand Canyon
• Yosemite
• San Francisco

Motorway Mania

• Seattle
• Montana
• Yellowstone
• Utah

Freeway Phobia

• Milwaukee
• Colorado
• Nebraska
• Texas

Victory Vehicles

• Gulf Coast
• Louisiana
• Indianapolis
• Boston

Frantic Finale Cup

• Smoky Mountains
• Florida Everglades
• Daytona Beach
• Washington D.C.

Bonus Track

• Secret Track! (The Moon) - Unlocked by using the system's infrared port to connect to another Game Boy Color playing Mickey's Racing Adventure.