A prototype of Super Mario Kart has just been repaired, and it includes the original track editor and other never before seen features. While Nintendo released Super Mario Kart in Japan back in 1992, the prototype build was compiled nine months prior – on November 7, 1991. Forgotten for decades, the prototype build of the iconic racing game was leaked online last year, during what is commonly referred to as the Gigaleak. The old Nintendo files were viewable but the game could not be played. Seemingly lost to time, one dedicated fan repaired the prototype build, bringing the long-forgotten build back to life.
In June, the Super Mario Kart level editor was restored by a talented hacker. The massive data breach revealed the scrapped level editor, and fans weren’t keen on letting it go. The hacker restored the SFX-DOS and also added his own modifications to the program. The level editor allows players to create their own tracks in Super Mario Kart, like 2D architects. This gives the player the ability to place features like speed boosts and item s. Nine months of work has finally played off, and the lost prototype for Super Mario Kart is finally resurrected.
As reported by unofficially released the prototype build in a playable state after a grueling nine months of research, testing, and perfecting. MrL314 told the news outlet that “finishing up the repair was a great way to reflect on how far I’ve come from just being a kid with a controller and a dream of making games.”
The footage revealed on MrL314’s Twitter page shows off an impressively revitalized Super Mario Kart. With the level editor, players can design their own tracks, using the tools Nintendo itself first utilized to create the classic game. The track editor was initially supposed to be used so developers could design tracks directly in the SNES, though Nintendo ultimately scrapped it.
The restored Super Mario Kart prototype also features alternate track layouts to the ones that were included at launch. The prototype has a version of Ghost Valley that has no walls, as well as a variation on Mario Circuit 2 that has numerous jumps. The Super Mario Kart prototype build also has a Battle mode, which gives the players the opportunity to fire projectiles without collecting items. MrL314 has given players a new way to experience a classic, and for that, Super Mario Kart fans will likely be grateful.
Source: VideoGamesChronicle