Mario Kart World blasted through the finish line this summer. Sonic Racing: Crossworlds rushed up the sales charts this fall. Now, after more than two decades, a sequel to a GameCube classic is launching in time for the holidays. It's been a banner year for such cartoony racing games, but Kirby Air Riders may take the crown with its deep customization and radically simple controls.

The game stays true to the original Air Ride's minimalism. You accelerate constantly and steer with the left joystick. Hold nearly any other button to brake, which lets you drift through corners and charge up a boost gauge. Release the button once you're charged to sprint ahead.

Tap a button instead to inhale a nearby enemy. If that enemy has a "copy ability," you'll absorb it to sling fireballs, spray i

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