Snowboard Kids Plus

The game was generally well received by critics. The most common criticism made against it was lack of originality, with most reviews characterizing it as a Mario Kart clone which fails to offer any meaningful innovation to interest Mario Kart enthusiasts. However, most concluded that while the lack of innovation prevents Snowboard Kids from being a great game, it is still a good one. Some of the more common praises were that the controls are smooth and effectively communicate the sensation of snowboarding, the course designs are inventive and pleasing, and the variety of modes and minigames offer a good deal of depth and replay value. IGN referred to the game as "a solid title that incorporates the graphic and gameplay styles of Mario Kart into a snowboarding environment. The result is a satisfyingly cute snow racer that's sure to please gamers more interested in a simplistic shreddin' experience than a realistic one." Next Generation stated that "In the final analysis, Snowboard Kids is an entertaining title that, despite its lack of originality, does most things right. Considering the infrequency of truly compelling N64 titles, gamers could do worse than spending some time on the slopes with Snowboard Kids." Computer and Video Games dismissed Snowboard Kids as "very average and not worth more than a few hours play." GamePro commented that the game lacks longevity and that many gamers would not have the stomach to endure its "stifling kiddie atmosphere", but found that the game offers enough underlying depth and fun, especially in multiplayer mode, to be an outstanding experience for the right players. They recommended renting it to test out one's taste for it. The Electronic Gaming Monthly review team were more unreservedly enthusiastic. Crispin Boyer was particularly pleased with the way power-ups are purchased rather than merely collected and how, similarly to Mario Kart 64, the power-ups are used to dynamically balance the race to always be a close contest. Contradicting the usual assessment that Snowboard Kids lacks originality, his co-reviewer Dan Hsu commented, "This Mario-Kart-on-the-snowy-slopes sleeper hit has just about everything going for it: solid controls, great graphics and semiradical action. This is more than just a Mario Kart wanna-be - a few new features make it stand out over its competition." In a retrospective review, Nintendo Life concluded that "With bold, colourful graphics, tons of charm, memorable tunes and, most importantly, tight gameplay, Snowboard Kids is worthy of a place in anyone’s collection. Atlus’s first foray into the world of snowboarding on the Nintendo 64 may not present a particularly lengthy challenge or deep experience, but it can always be relied upon to provide a quick blast of fun now and then, alone or with friends." In Europe, the game earned the Player's Choice label, indicating sales of at least one million units.