I didn't realize that K'nex was in the Mario Kart business, but there this was one day at Target. Mario and Luigi were both available on little motorcycles, and they also had larger, more expensive Karts (Yoshi also got a Kart). There were also K'nex-based course building kits involving fireballs and Thwomps. You can even go online and print out tracks pieces. Well, I wasn't going to let this fad pass me by. I played with K'nex like crazy as a kid and I was curious to see how the brand had survived in a land ruled by LEGO and, sadly enough, Mega Bloks. I also got a nifty Mario motorcycle out of the deal. All for $8!

The back of the box is nicely illustrated, showing other things you can buy and where you can print out those track pieces. One wonders how sturdy a paper ramp is. Probably not very.

Ah, this set contains Mario in sort-of-but-not-really minifigure form, and a bunch of K'nex blocks. And apparently LEGO blocks.

"Damn those Blue Shells!"

Five minutes of construction later, and we have Mario sitting on a bitchin' red motorcycle made up of 10% K'nex spokes and bars, and 90% LEGO knockoff pieces! Whoo!

It's actually a pretty sweet deal, and I might spring for the Luigi bike just to have both brothers. Target is constantly having sales, so maybe I'll get Yoshi's Kart one of these days. Cool, huh?