Items & Special Items
Item Boxes | Standard Items | Special Items
They are a variety of ordinary items in this game. There are also special items which can only be obtained by certain characters. However Petey Piranha and King Boo have the ability to have any random special item. If you drive through an item box you'll receive an item in your bank, but if you already have an item you won't receive one unless the driver doesn't have the item. If you go through a double item box you'll receive two items; one for each character.
Item Boxes
If a player drives through an item box an item slot-machine appears. Pressing [X] or [Y] will stop the item randomly. When a player goes through a double-item box, they receive two items. Its always best to ensure that each character has an item. To do this switch characters when going through an item box by pressing [Z].
Standard Items
Banana
If a player drives through an item box an item slot-machine appears. Pressing [X] or [Y] will stop the item randomly. When a player goes through a double-item box, they receive two items. Its always best to ensure that each character has an item. To do this switch characters when going through an item box by pressing [Z].
Green Shell
You can shoot these shells forwards and backwards by holding the control stick down whilst shooting. Collision with a green shell will result in you spinning out of control, losing speed and acceleration. These can rebound walls so be careful as they may rebound into your ass.
Red Shell
These red shells are homing shells. See a target in sight and shoot this foward and they'll get hit. If you shoot the shell backwards it won't target. If this shell collides with the wall the shell will just break.
Mushroom/ Three Mushrooms
A mushroom gives the driver a speed boost. Useful to use when driving over rusty turrain or shallow water. Three mushrooms gives the driver three speed boosts.
Fake Item Box
An upside down "?" like this � is what you'll see on this box. This means its fake, so don't go into it. The distinct difference is the colour of the box. Place these boxes in narrow paths and under real item boxes.
Starman
Use this and you'll turn invincible for a short period. Your speed and acceleration will increase. Also, if you drive into anyone they'll go flying. Use the star to dodge obstacles on the path or to go across shortcuts. Bump into anyone who has an item in their hands and you'll snatch it off 'em.
Lightning
You're likely to receive this in the latter positions (i.e. 6th, 7th or 8th). Use this, and your opponents will turn into the size of an ant which will allow you to catch them up. In the images you can see the bolt and Bowser who has just been shrunk.
Blue Shell/ Spiny Shell
The blue demon... The shell with wings. A bomb that can fly. Yes, this is the most annoying item if you're in first place. You see, this item homes in onto the person in first place, and blows them up. Anyone caught in the blue hemisphere when the shell impacts will also be hurt. Try and drop back if you hear it coming and your first, to let some other sucker feel the wrath, or if you have a star you could always dodge it.
Special Items
Each character receives their own special item that they can use. Players will grab these items if they're in bad positions, or if they manage to grab a certain special item box.
Fireball:
Mario & Luigi
Luigi has green fireballs. Five fireballs are thrown at once and these fireballs can rebound off walls. Fireballs cause other players to spin out of control.
Heart Protection:
Peach & Daisy
When Peach or Daisy use this they can snatch items from other playersfrom bumping into them or pickup items that have fallen onto the floor.
Chain Chomp:
Baby Mario & Baby Luigi
Lickle babies... they can't handle a chain chomp! This chain chomp will drag the babies nearer towards the finish line at maximum speed in addition to hitting anyone in the way. Just be careful, because the chain chomp will become and loose and may direct the babies into a hole or off the track.
Homing Eggs:
Yoshi & Birdo
When Yoshi throws green eggs and Birdo throws pink eggs. These home in on the player in front. When they reach their target or hit the wall they'll reveal some surprises from inside. Usually a banana, mushroom or even a star.
Three Green/ Red Shells:
Koopa & Paratroopa
Koopa gets 3 green shells and Paratroopa gets 3 red ones. They're simply just three green/red shells. It's amazing how they can balance these shells.
Giant Banana:
Donkey Kong & Diddy Kong
This big meanie can easily block a pathway if put in the right place. When the first characters slip on this, it'll split into three smaller bananas. Just make sure you don't slip.
Bowser Shell:
Bowser & Baby Bowser
This big-ass shell is dangerous. Its a massive green shell that will trample over you and keep going until it breaks. Beware of the green shell. Sometimes it may be dropped and block pathways.
Bob-omb:
Waluigi & Wario
The Bob-omb can be dropped or thrown forward. Bob-omb + kart = Blown up. Do not go near a bomb. Even if you don't hit it and get caught in the small bomb hemisphere you'll still fly in the air or spin out of control. All players use bombs in the Bob-Omb Blast multiplayer battle.
Gold Mushroom:
Toad & Toadette
The golden mushroom gives you infintive mushroom boosts for a short period of time. Use it wisely, because as soon as you start using it you'll have to try and boost as much as possible in a short period of time.