This. Though if someone was good with Bowser/DK Jr. then they were unbeatable, because their top speeds would leave everyone in the dust. But yeah, overall, SMK has the best balance. As soon as blue shells were introduced the game was ruined. Though MK7 is damn solid... still... blue shells.
Ok, I admit 64 was probably the best, and SMK was a pretty impressive start, but I think Wii is better than SMK, and maybe 64. Plus, Wii has online, perfect for those of us without friends (even if it is Nintendo's batshit stupid version of online)