The crazy kart racer Oh Baby Kart enters closed beta on December 14. It’s worth a go just for the memes and the vibes. Here’s our review.
The closed beta for Oh Baby Kart starts today (December 14) making it a great day to drop our review of the new title. It's the debut title of Oh Baby Games, and is currently available on PC and Mac during the closed beta, with a plan for all devices in 2024.
On the surface Oh Baby Kart looks much like any other Kart racer, but once you dive into the possibilities when it comes to ultimates, momentum buffs, item usage and hero selection, you see it has layers of complexity. esports.gg was fortunate enough to get access to the Alpha version, which is what this review is based on. The closed beta starts on December 14, and will run for 3-4 weeks with content added throughout, making it a great game to dabble in during your holiday break.
What is Oh Baby Kart
Oh Baby Kart is a 1 to 12 player racing game inspired by Mario Kart. It's a fast-paced dopamine infused game which will definitely give you a rush once you master drifting and the items. In an interesting twist, each hero comes with a choice of ultimate. It's the first game released by developer Oh Baby Games, and it enters closed beta on December 14.
Oh Baby Kart Review
Oh Baby Kart is a new take on the Kart racing genre which places more emphasis on the characters than their vehicles. Graphics wise it's not the most polished - although that might improve come full release - but it makes up for that with great thematic tracks and locations, quirky characters and some silly additions. The quips from the characters are entertaining, whether that's the cute lovable Ohbobot or the snarky Suited Shiba.
Gameplay wise it's very similar to Mario Kart or the recently released Fortnite Rocket Racing. Successfully performing a drift grants a small boost, with successive drifts building up a meter. In Oh Baby Kart that meter allows you to perform an Ultimate, which is unique to your chosen character.
Each character has a choice of Ultimates, which you will choose one of prior to the start of the race. The majority of the Oh Baby Kart ultimates focus around speed boosts, shields, targeted missiles or dropping traps or explosives. However, there are few rather obscure ones. For example, Bulma's ultimate is she blows kisses that knock out enemies. Sure, why not.
The tracks themselves are brilliantly done and very thematic. Most tracks end up having something silly that will get in your way, say for example a roaming giant polar bear or a delirious small dinosaur. As you level up more tracks will be unlocked. My personal favourite track was Hedges, a Japanese cherry-blossom themed estate which has a techno version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons as the theme music. Incredible. The mix is even the soundtrack for the game's trailer.
Review Verdict: Is Oh Baby Kart worth it?
Oh Baby Kart is worth exploring if you're a Mario Kart fan and the Duo Grand Prix is excellent co-op fun. The track selection is vast and diverse, as is the choice of characters. Mastering drifting will bring a rush and you can switch to manual drift if you want to become a sweat in the lobbies.
Oh Baby Kart also offers a time trial mode with leaderboards if you are someone who loves to shave seconds off your best times in racing games. The tutorial for the game is pretty underwhelming, but get through the first 20 minutes to acclimatise yourself to the game and you'll be whizzing round the courses and having a blast. Read on for an explanation of the items and game modes! (Spoiler: Duo Grand Prix best mode)
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Oh Baby Kart Items
When it comes to item mechanics there are plenty of similarities to other Kart racers such as Crash Team Racing or Mario Kart. However, Oh Baby Games have put a silly twist on some classics which definitely bring a smile. Our personal favourite is the Bonk item, which summons the Shiba from the go to horny jail meme to smack you on the head.
Be aware that the Beach Ball can also be thrown backwards and the Fries can be thrown forwards.
 Fries: Drop a serving of fries that dazes enemies that run into it. When they get hit you'll see the message "FRIES SERVED", classic. Can be thrown forward or backwards. |  Beach ball: Fires a beach ball that dazes enemies hit. It can bounce off walls. Can be thrown forwards or backwards. |  Homing Missile: Fires a homing missile that dazes its target. |  Bomb: Throws a bomb in a straight line that dazes all enemies hit. |  Drops a Wassie bomb behind you that explodes after a delay or upon contact. |  Ice Rocket: Throws a missile that freezes enemies hit. |  Grappling Hook: Fires a grappling hook that dazes enemies hit and grants a brief speed boost. |  Shiba Missile: Fires a Shiba missile that dazes all enemies hit. |  Shield Item: Gain a shield that protects you from incoming hazards. |  Coin Vacuum: Creates a vortex around the player that pulls all coins nearby. |  Ohbobomb: After a brief delay, dazes the player in first place. |  Speedy Shield: Grants a shield and a brief speed boost. |  Bull Boost: Gain a brief speed boost. |  Golden Bull: Gain a brief speed boost. Can be recast until it expires. |  Stock Market Shield: Gains a strong speed boost and immunity while it is active. |  Bonk: After a short delay, daze all other players. |
Momentum Buffs
Ahead of each individual race you'll be able to pick your Momentum Buff. You'll be given three random options, or sometimes four choices in the Grand Prix mode. Momentum Buffs are not insanely impactful but can synergise well with certain hero ultimate abilities, which you get to choose before the race remember?
Game Modes
There are currently five game modes in Oh Baby Kart:
- Race Royale - 12 players race against each other on a single track. After the first and second lap, the lowest ranked players are eliminated. The final lap features only four players. Brutally unforgiving.
- Grand Prix - 12 players compete over four races. Points tallied up at the end to proclaim a winner.
- Duo Grand Prix - Six sets of duo teams race over four races. Their points at the end of each race are combined. The duo team with the most combined points at the end wins!
- Time Trial - Attempt a Time Trial on any track you have unlocked so far. You personal bests are saved and you can also see how your time ranks in the overall world leader board.
- Custom Lobby - Host your own private lobby and invite players or join an existing one using their Room Code. Up to 12 players in a Custom Lobby. You can also practise solo.
Of the options available in the alpha version of Oh Baby Kart, the Duo Grand Prix was the most
Is Oh Baby Kart cross-platform
Yes Oh Baby Kart is cross-platform. The Closed Beta which launches on Dec 14, will be available on Window and Mac, with console versions to follow in 2024.
