Manchester's Mario Kart experience just got even better with the launch of new tracks.
The M.E.N's Manchester Family was among the first to try out the four new tracks, one of which pays homage to the city, with a Manchester Bee theme.
Chaos Karts opened in the city centre last year and combines real-life racing with augmented reality. Each player has their own kart and, just like Mario, you get to pick your own avatar and even the colour of your vehicle.
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The players are real, the karts are real and the racing experience is real - you whizz around an actual track. But the track changes each time, as it's projected onto the floor along with the rest of the landscape that surrounds you.
The attraction, which is based at the Old Granada Studios site next to the Science and Industry Museum, welcomes teams of eight people, but you can book for fewer people and join others on the track for a session, which lasts just over 20 minutes.
I took seven teens along and obviously wanted in on the action too - surely a seasoned driver like me would be able to show them how it's done.
But it's not just about the driving, it's about those sneaky track manoeuvres, dodging virtual obstacles and utilising those weapons and power-ups.
I had one moment of glory when I managed to fire my superpower to bring everyone else to a stop, but sadly it was short-lived and I came seventh overall, my reputation just about saved by the 'sloth' with the slowest lap.
It was great fun and you get to sample six tracks in all - one minute you're in the neon-lit streets with Midnight in Tokyo, the next you're whizzing round the colourful Venetian Carnival track.
One of my personal favourites is the original Space track, trying to avoid the meteors crashing around you, but we all loved the new bee-themed track too, which was designed by Jon Key, whose entry into a design a track competition was picked out by Sky Sports Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pinkham.
Bosses at the attraction say the new designs have been developed in response 'to the hunger for upgrades and new challenges' from visitors. Enhanced with new in-game power-ups, 'this cutting-edge technology promises even more thrills and excitement'.
If you've never been, I'd recommend a visit. If you've already been, it's now even better than it was before.
Drivers have to be a minimum age of 11 and be at least 5ft tall (1.5m) to take part. Tickets, costing from £23 each, can be booked online on the website. With premium tickets you get a drink and winners' medals included.
There are arcade games that are free to use while you wait for your slot, along with free bags of popcorn. Other activities include a traditional photobooth and a 360 degree camera platform. Most visitors spend around an hour at Chaos Karts, including the check-in and pre-play activities.
If you don't want to race, you can accompany ticket holders and watch from the viewing platform.
