There are four forms of play in the game, Grand Prix, Time Trial, Versus, and Battle. There are also eight playable characters, Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach, Wario, Yoshi, Toad, and Donkey Kong. They vary in weight, speed, and acceleration. There are also 16 tracks that are based on different locations seen in Mario games. Each track has a unique shape, and can contain various obstacles, hazards, and short cuts. All eight characters participate in each race. Up to four of them can be playable characters, while the rest are computer controlled for one or two player races, three and four player races feature no computer controlled racers. On a track, various actions can be performed to change the flow of a race. Items can be acquired by hitting an item box. The items' uses include acting as projectiles to impede opponents, speed up the user, or stop opponents through the placement of bananas and fake pling plings. However, AI-controlled racers do not use any kind of shell. One can earn a small turbo boost through obtained pling plings, and also by drifting, which one can perform by hopping and tilting the control stick in the direction of the turn, allowing for speedier turns. There is also an advanced drift technique that allows players to turn against the direction of their drift for a speed boost.[