Super Mario Kart has got to be one of my all-time favorite games. I had high hopes for the GBA version and let me tell you, I was definitely NOT disappointed.

To me the Kart series has always been about excellent play control. Mario Kart Advance carries on this tradition by giving players rock-solid control whether they're on a straightaway or in a corner. Powerslides are the name of the game, and they're as satisfying as ever in Mario Kart Advance.

The graphics are actually improved a bit over its SNES cousin (to which this version is very similar). The backgrounds are much more detailed, featuring mountains, castles, and ghost houses depending on your level. The Mode 7 effects are as good or better than the SNES.

There were several playable levels in the E3 version, of which I played an island level (you dodge crabs on the beach), a ghost house level, and a typical grand-prix style level. All were very well-done. There is also a four-player link-up mode that allows you and your buddies to get some Grand Prix action on.

This is definitely a must-have when it's released! I can't wait to get my Kart on - anywhere.