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

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 has arrived at this exhibition venue.

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

An interactive floor projection is your playground. In sessions for up to 12 people, you each climb aboard one of the electric go-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.

If you prefer to play it your own way, you can also indulge in Battle Race, theMario Kart mode 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.

2 centers currently open in the Paris region, in Villepinte (93) and Massy (91):

Direction Battle Kart Paris sud Massy, 8 rue du chemin blanc 91160 Champlan.

Battlekart Paris-Sud-Massy: augmented reality karting just a stone's throw from Paris
Attention karting 2.0 fans! After setting up shop in Villepinte, Battlekart has now moved to Massy, in the south of Paris, to bring you its augmented reality karting track! Something for thrill-seekers and high-tech enthusiasts alike! [Read more]

An experience that the editorial team was able to try out... On arrival, you're registered for your session, and once it's loaded, it's up to you! You'll be taken to your own kart, with your name on it, after a few explanations on how it works. If you'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 particularly fond of the Mario Kart races, which are great fun to play and very well executed, with their many bonuses (missiles, machine guns, boosts, shields, etc.).

The karts, though fast, absolutely meet all expectations, and for those afraid of getting bumped, there's little risk as the karts slow down or stop if you get too close to another car. The boost is also a real plus, with good acceleration to be used in a straight line to maximize your chances of overtaking your opponents, failing which you'll run into the scenery.

Snake-like" and "Rocket League-like" are also great fun, but require a different strategy to win the game. But watch out for 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?