Never saw the first one... (but I want one of those) But I did the second. Though the Mario Kart games aren't perfect, I've never understood why so many people are irritated by all the items. Geez, if you want real racing, play Need for Speed or PGR or whatever. The items make things cool! When I get hit with a "dreaded" Blue Shell... sure, it stinks, but I suck it up and keep going. Maybe I'll win, maybe I won't. After all, I never really play multiplayer that much (or much any MK game, a few weeks after getting it), so whatever.