SuperTuxKart (2006)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

SuperTuxKart is a free and open-source kart racing game featuring the Linux mascot Tux. It is cross-platform, running on Windows, OS X, Linux, AmigaOS 4, AROS, MorphOS and other Unix systems. The latest stable version of the game is version 1.3 and was released on September 28, 2021.

SuperTuxKart started as TuxKart, an open source game for Linux by Steve Baker which stopped being developed after version 0.4.0. In 2006, a group of developers forked the project and created SuperTuxKart. The game has been in active development ever since, with new features and content being added regularly.

SuperTuxKart is a kart racing game in the same vein as Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing. Players race against each other on a variety of tracks, using power-ups to gain an advantage. The game features a variety of characters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities.

One of the things that sets SuperTuxKart apart from other kart racing games is its focus on customization. Players can create their own tracks and karts, and share them with the community. This has led to a large and active modding community, which has created a wealth of new content for the game.

SuperTuxKart is a fun and challenging kart racing game that is perfect for all ages. It is free and open source, so you can even customize it to your liking. If you are a fan of kart racing games, then you should definitely check out SuperTuxKart.

Gameplay

SuperTuxKart is a kart racing game where players race against each other on a variety of tracks. The game features a variety of characters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. Players can also create their own tracks and karts, and share them with the community.

The game’s tracks are set in a variety of environments, including forests, deserts, and beaches. Each track has its own unique challenges, such as jumps, obstacles, and power-ups.

Players can use a variety of power-ups to gain an advantage over their opponents. These power-ups include speed boosts, weapons, and shields. Players can also collect coins to purchase items from the in-game shop.

The game features a variety of game modes, including single-player, multiplayer, and online multiplayer. In single-player mode, players can race against computer-controlled opponents. In multiplayer mode, players can race against each other on the same computer. In online multiplayer mode, players can race against each other over the internet.

Characters

SuperTuxKart features a variety of characters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. These characters include:

  • Tux: The Linux mascot and the main character of the game. Tux is a penguin who is known for his speed and agility.
  • Gnu: The GNU mascot and a playable character in the game. Gnu is a wildebeest who is known for his strength and power.
  • Penny: A penguin who is known for her speed and agility.
  • Nolok: A walrus who is known for his strength and power.
  • Adiumy: A red panda who is known for her speed and agility.
  • Zak: A zebra who is known for his strength and power.

Tracks

SuperTuxKart features a variety of tracks to race on, each with its own unique challenges. These tracks include:

  • Beach: A track set on a beach, with sand, water, and palm trees.
  • Forest: A track set in a forest, with trees, rocks, and water.
  • Desert: A track set in a desert, with sand, cacti, and rocks.
  • Ice: A track set on ice, with snow, ice, and penguins.
  • Cave: A track set in a cave, with stalactites, stalagmites, and bats.

Items

SuperTuxKart features a variety of items that players can collect to gain an advantage over their opponents. These items include:

  • Speed boost: Gives the player a temporary speed boost.
  • Weapon: Gives the player a weapon that they can use to attack their opponents.
  • Shield: Gives the player a shield that protects them from attacks.
  • Coin: Collect coins to purchase items from the in-game shop.

Game modes

SuperTuxKart features a variety of game modes, including:

  • Single-player: Race against computer-controlled opponents.
  • Multiplayer: Race against each other on the same computer.
  • Online multiplayer: Race against each other over the internet.

Development

SuperTuxKart is a free and open source game that is developed by a community of volunteers. The game is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

The game’s development is managed on GitHub. Anyone can contribute to the game’s development by submitting pull requests.

Reception

SuperTuxKart has been well-received by critics and players alike. The game has been praised for its fun and challenging gameplay, its customization options, and its active modding community.

SuperTuxKart has won several awards, including:

  • SourceForge Community Choice Award for Best Game (2007)
  • Linux Journal Readers’ Choice Award for Best Game (2008)
  • Free Software Foundation Award for Best Game (2010)

Legacy

SuperTuxKart has been a major influence on the development of other free and open source kart racing games. The game’s success has shown that it is possible to create a high-quality kart racing game that is free and open source.

SuperTuxKart continues to be actively developed and supported by a community of volunteers. The game is a testament to the power of free and open source software.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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