Kart Fighter has received some media attention, including mostly positive reviews, in part because of its perceived similarity to the later Super Smash Bros. series.

Unlike Street Fighter II, nearly all characters have some form of projectile attack available as a special move,[1] but the blocking system is more limited.

[5] All eight playable characters from Super Mario Kart appear in Kart Fighter, although several have been renamed or are Japanese versions of names– Mari (Mario), Luigi, Peach (Princess Toadstool), Yossy (Yoshi), Kupa (Bowser), Donkey (Donkey Kong Jr.), Nokonoko (Koopa Troopa), and Kinopio (Toad).

One such game was included on the 1998 Super HIK 4 in 1 12M multicart,[5] in which Mario appeared alongside characters from the Street Fighter franchise.

[10] The same engine Kart Fighter used was also modded to create the Sailor Moon-themed AV Bishoujo Senshi Girl Fighting.

[12] Other reviewers remarked negatively on the screen flicker resulting from the game's sprite system,[2][3] poor AI,[3] missing menu options, and lack of a proper ending.