Mario Kart Review (Wii)
My Impressions
When the original Mario Kart first came out (way back in the dark ages) I dismissed it as just another racing game. Thankfully I was strong-armed into playing, which resulted in me not leaving my chair for hours.
Mario Kart is probably one of the only racing games that I am truly and utterly devoted too. Funny enough, every time a new version comes out, I go through the whole denial cycle again, only now I have added the ‘how could they make it better’ skepticism.
It was no different with this latest Wii version. I dismissed it out of hand, but like every time before I was helplessly taken in by the splendor that is Mario Kart.
I credit Mario Kart with developing my love of drifting. Back in the day we called them EEEEEEEEEEEeeeee turns. It was only with this new version that I realized that the mechanism is actually called drifting. I might not have known what to call it, but with every version I obsessed about mastering the drift. It’s clearly the best way to win, with style.
The new wheel attachments for the controllers make driving quite entertaining, especially since driving without them is quite a challenge. And since the wheel is wireless and baseless everyone is free to drive the way they like best. I prefer 10-and-2 for those tough drifting courses, but will gladly relax into a low-rider 7-and-5 for the more smooth rides.
Review
Release date: April 27, 2008
Website: http://www.mariokart.com/wii/launch/
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Platform I played on: Wii
Game play
Start out choosing one of twelve Mario buddies to race the first four available courses. Master those to unlock the hidden characters, racetracks, and vehicles.
This time around each character has a specific set of vehicles that is available to them. For maximum drift pick the lighter cars and for fastest off-road speed pick the heavier cars. And if that wasn’t enough, just wait until motorcycles get unlocked.
Items still play a huge role in the game. Getting that perfect item can clinch a win, but don’t forget, stellar drifting skills can make up for bad item luck.
World and Story
Not much more story then racing is fun. =)
There are eight different courses, which contain four tracks each. Like previous versions each track is themed after a character. Some nice oldies make updated appearances as well.
Graphics
True Mario Cartoon style. And as with most Nintendo products it’s practically flawless graphically. Then again it’s a style that Nintendo has mastered.
Replay ability
There is so much content here it’s hard to imagine having time to get through it all. Plenty of play time available, and if it gets stale just invite three buddies over and have a go at it; party in a box.
Multiplayer
Yes! Play four players cooperative or free for all or play online over the Wii network. This is an awesome group activity game.
Game finished
Not by a long shot. I probably won’t be until the next version comes out.
Things that bothered me
-American sized portions
The game is large; lots of characters, lots of vehicles. Sometimes it seems a bit too large.
I know, I know! It’s a very fine line to walk. The too much – too little debate is often heated and rightly so. Everyone expects something different and pleasing everyone is impossible.
So, for me, sometimes picking from twenty-four different characters and then picking the perfect car for the track is a bit much.
Time played
Solid six hours, solo and in party mode.
Maybe if they threw in a bit of a story or something. But then you get back into the debate about what the game is and whom they are making it for. So we take the game for what it is: fabulous!
Mood Progression
Last Thoughts
Drifting is some of the most exciting stuff a car can do.
