We've got good news and bad news about this game. First, the good news:

Konami's wacky Wai Wai Racing is now set for a European GBA release with a new name for the region, Konami Krazy Racers. This is big news, as a European version (and the new name) makes a strong case for the game getting released in North America. Sounds great to us, as we have heard nothing but good things about this title.

On the "bad news" side, it seems that all of Konami's Game Boy Advance games are having troubles reaching most import retailers. It is unclear as to whether or not this a full-fledged delay though seems more of just a shipment problem. Hopefully, folks will be able to import the game soon, though from what we've heard no one outside of Japan has been able to get a copy. Hopefully we'll find out what's going on soon.

Last updated: 01/10/2001

Out of nowhere, Konami is making an all new mascot racer that may even give Mario and the gang a run for their money!

The game stars several well-known Konami mascots, though some of them have only appeared in Japan. The line-up includes: Goemon of Mystical Ninja, Gradius Easter Island Head Thing, Powerful Pro Baseball Player, Twinbee, Parodius, someone from Pop'n Music, what looks to be Dracula from Castlevania and Ninja from Metal Gear Solid. I predict that there might be some hidden ones too, but don’t hold your breath.

Like Mario Kart Advance, Wai Wai Racing allows for four-player link-up multiplayer matches. Newer screenshots are able to define the GBA’s graphics pushing power. Effects like transparencies and reflections are shown throughout, as well as a very long horizon scope. This game might encourage

other developers to try for the GBA after they have a taste of what it can do.

Similar to Mario Kart titles, there are power-ups that can be used against other racers. The items are found hidden within Parodius Bells scattered across the track. We’re uncertain as to what kinds of power-ups there are specifically, though we’ll try to report back with info soon.

Hands-on impressions of the game from Space World and ECTS late last year revealed that the game is incredibly fun, possibly even moreso than Mario Kart Advance. At the same time, Wai Wai Racing seemed to be further along in development at the time of these shows, so it is probably unfair to make a comparison.

Wai Wai Racing will be one of many games released by Konami as a GBA launch title in Japan on March 21st. There is no word on whether or not this game will make it to the US, though if as gameplay is as good as we’ve heard, Konami will hopefully not deprive us of this great looking racer!