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Game reference

Wacky Wheels

A chaotic racing arcade with absurd tracks, unexpected hazards, and power-ups.

Play

You steer a wacky vehicle through unpredictable courses, collecting power-ups and outmaneuvering opponents to reach the finish line first. Each race asks whether to chase a power-up or play it safe to avoid a crash. Cartoonish visuals keep it accessible for all ages.

How to play

Arrow keys or tilt your device to steer.

Our verdict

Wacky Wheels is a 1994 DOS kart racer that openly set out to be Super Mario Kart for PC — and pulled it off better than most clones managed. Eight animal racers, hedgehog-based power-ups, split-screen multiplayer, and a surprisingly varied set of modes (including a Duck Shoot arena) give it real staying power. The browser emulation works well enough to enjoy a few races, though sound often drops out in the process, and the flat tracks start feeling samey after a couple of hours.

Pros

  • More modes than expected — Grand Prix, Time Trial, Duck Shoot arena, and a two-player battle Shoot-out, all in a game from 1994
  • Kid Mode removes acceleration and braking controls so very young players only need to steer
  • AI opponents use the exact same power-ups as the player with no hidden cheats, making losses feel fair
  • Runs instantly in any browser via DOSBox emulation — no install, no account needed

Cons

  • Every track is completely flat with no hills, jumps, or elevation changes — courses feel samey after a while
  • Browser emulation often drops the soundtrack entirely, removing one of the most praised parts of the original game
  • The free shareware version locks away half the character roster and several tracks behind a paid registration

Compare with

  • Racing: Online! — Competitive kart-style racing in the browser with a similar pick-up-and-play feel
  • Racing Simulator: Modes — Offers multiple distinct race modes much like Wacky Wheels does across its Grand Prix, Time Trial, and battle options
  • Russian Road Racer — Another retro browser driving game with straightforward controls suited to short sessions

Frequently asked questions

Is the full game free to play in browser?
Only the shareware portion is free — that covers some tracks and four of the eight animal racers. The complete game costs $2.99 on GOG. All browser versions run the shareware build.
Can two players race together?
Yes, the original game supports split-screen on one keyboard. Browser versions typically preserve this mode, though sharing a single keyboard between two players is awkward in practice.
How long does a typical race take?
A single race runs three to six laps and lasts roughly three to five minutes. A full Grand Prix across all five tracks takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Is Wacky Wheels basically Mario Kart?
Very much so — the developers openly called it a Mario Kart clone for PC. Zoo animals replace Nintendo characters, hedgehogs replace shells, and the core race-and-shoot formula is nearly identical. One genuine difference: all AI opponents follow the same power-up rules as the player, so there are no unfair rubber-band mechanics.