Battlekart: our test of Mario-Kart and Rocket League-style augmented reality karting

Published by Laurent de Sortiraparis, Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by Laurent de Sortiraparis · Published on May 16th, 2022 at 02:59 p.m.
Calling all racing fans: an unusual karting track is coming to the Paris region. Battlekart, a promising concept, has been waiting for us at Paris Nord Villepinte since early May 2022. On the program: a crazy race in which you challenge your friends, throwing bonuses to slow them down like in Mario Kart, or playing a game of soccer like in Rocket League... We've tested it, and we'll tell you all about it!

If titles like Mario Kart were part of your childhood, or if you're a Rocket League fan, then here's a plan that's sure to catch your eye! An immersive experience awaits you in the Paris region, at Paris Nord Villepinte. If you're used to going there to take advantage of the many trade shows held there, including Japan Expo, now a new and unusual concept is coming to this exhibition venue.

Join us now to discover Battlekart, a sort of life-size 2.0 karting game that promises crazy racing sessions. In a 2500m2 space, you'll discover a karting track in augmented reality. What does this mean in practice?

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An interactive floor projection is your playground. In sessions for up to 12 people, each of you climbs aboard one of the electric karts. You can choose between several types of game, including Battle Foot, in which you play soccer and score goals for your team in the virtual cages... in the style of Rocket League.

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If you prefer to play it your own way, you can also indulge in Battle Race, theMario Kart-style experience in which you compete in races, earning bonuses and maluses to throw at your "friends". A total of five games are on offer here, including one inspired by Snake, the iconic snake game adapted into a karting version.

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An experience that the editors were able to try out... Once there, you're registered for your session, and once it's loaded, it's your turn to play! You'll be taken to your own kart, with your name on it, after a few explanations on how it works. For those who've never driven a kart before, don't panic: the machine accompanies you at the start to familiarize you with the machine and how it works. It's very fluid, very fast and very well done.

The games follow on from each other, each time requiring you to get into position. All are interesting to play, and each in its own way brings a new approach to karting. Of course, we're partial to the " Mario Kart" mode races, which are great fun to play and very well executed, with their many bonuses (missiles, machine guns, boosts, shields, etc.).

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The karts, though fast, meet every expectation, and for those afraid of getting sideswiped, there's little risk, since the karts slow down or stop if you get too close to another car. Boost is also a real plus, with good acceleration to be used in a straight line to maximize your chances of overtaking your opponents, if not of crashing into the scenery.

Snake-like" and "Rocket League-like" are also great fun, and require a different strategy to win the game. Beware, however, of sore losers: these games could ruin friendships! In short, a real surprise for all fans of karting and immersive digital experiences. Shall we book a session?

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Starts May 2nd, 2022

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    Location

    ZAC Paris Nord 2
    93420 Villepinte

    Prices
    La partie de 15 minutes (à partir de): €24

    Official website
    paris-nord-villepinte.battlekart.com

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