Nightmare Kart -- PSX Horror Mixed with Mario Kart
The closest Bloodborne will ever get to a PC release
Most gamers are familiar with the concept of a remake: taking an old game and recreating it using new engines and hardware to provide an enhanced and modernized experience. Plenty of games have been remade over the course of video game history. But, there is a similar, though much more rarely used, alternative to this: the demake. To “demake” a game is to take a modern game and reimagine it as if it were old, such as taking a modern action RPG for the PS4, and giving it the graphical style of the PS1. Demakes are always fan projects, meant to resemble what-if scenarios where certain influential games came out ahead of their time, or it is done as a love letter to older games and their nostalgic graphical shortcomings.
The example that I used here describes Bloodborne PSX, a demake of the acclaimed game Bloodborne using graphics from the Playstation 1. However, I have not played this game, so I won’t be talking about that here. This merely serves to introduce us to Lilith Walther, the head of LW Media. She is the creator of Bloodborne PSX and of the star of today’s show, Nightmare Kart. Nightmare Kart is the Frankensteinian monster of her Bloodborne demake and Mario Kart; combining the gameplay and feel of Mario Kart with the characters and setting of Bloodborne, to create a weird and wonderful world where nightmarish creatures settle their differences by riding steampunk carts. It is both very strange and very good, which is just my kind of game.
Nightmare Kart started its life as Bloodborne Kart, but, unsurprisingly, Sony was none too pleased that their IP was being used by someone else, so the game became the legally distinct (which is really the best kind of distinct) Nightmare Kart. Even still, Bloodborne’s DNA can be seen here. The character designs and locations are heavily inspired by Bloodborne, taking the player to a realm of Victorian horror, with blood and monsters around every turn. The graphics invoke the Playstation 1 era, an era I am too young for, but nonetheless recognize since it remains one of the most influential eras in gaming. For those who look back longingly at the days of dithering, CRT scan lines, or vert jitter, this is the game for you.
It also captures the gameplay of Mario Kart fantastically. The items are great, though, fitting the theme, they are almost all weapons. Axes, guns and molotov cocktails make up the eccentric list of items. This is important because Nightmare Kart has something that Mario Kart doesn’t: a health bar. Yes, you can die in this kart racer. Dying doesn’t knock you out of the race permanently, but it does slow you down immensely since you have to respawn; it’s like waiting for Lakitu to drop you off after you drive off a cliff. The courses are nice and varied, and mix the theming well: Pocket Dream Circuit is Baby Park but you are driving laps around a decrepit mansion. Each Driver/Kart has different stats determining handling, size, and weight, which affect the way the car feels, to help differentiate them.
The game also features two somewhat unique things: a battle mode and a story mode. Mario Kart technically has a battle mode, but I don’t know anyone who actually played it, myself included. Besides, Nightmare Kart’s version feels more like Twisted Metal anyway. In it, you can play either free-for-all—my preferred choice—or team battle. In either case, your goal is to kill a certain amount of enemies using item pickups. It is a fun mode, especially with friends, and can be a good way to get better at using the strange new items in this game.
The story mode is an interesting case; during the Bloodborne branded past, it was just an abridged version of that game’s story, but here it has been transformed into something new and unique. While it wears its inspiration on its sleeves, the story itself has its own lore and plot. The story mode mixes normal races, team battles, and boss fights, making it the most diverse mode, and a place to start for those who don’t know which mode they like best. The plot is quite simple, but I don’t expect a karting game to have a complex story. I won’t spoil it here, but I definitely recommend it; it’s a great way to get used to the gameplay and introduce you to the drivers.
Nightmare Kart is a lot of fun, even if you don’t know anything about Bloodborne or PS1 games. There is something inherently pleasing about a kart racer, and this game is a great one. If you are interested in the game, grab it for free on Steam here. If you want to stay up to date with what Lilith and LW Media are up to, be sure to follow them on Twitter and Patreon.