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The much-loved Mario Kart series, which started back in 1992 with Super Mario Kart, has spawned several sequels throughout the years. One of these, Mario Kart World, is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite its significant impact on the kart racing genre, the franchise does have its imperfections.

Every game in the Mario Kart series has its own set of challenges, such as the slippery handling in Super Mario Kart, or how the coin items in Mario Kart 8 can slow down the overall gameplay. These difficulties don’t make the games unenjoyable, but they are definitely noticeable, especially when compared to older versions of the game.

Practicing for Multiplayer in Mario Kart 7 Can Be a Little Difficult

  • Release Date – Dec. 4, 2011

Mario Kart 7 serves as the third portable installment in the series, marking its seventh release altogether. This game sought to recreate the experience of Mario Kart Wii for a handheld device, successfully doing so. However, Mario Kart 7 offers more than just a portable adaptation of Mario Kart Wii, and it makes this distinction apparent. Notably, it introduces novel features like underwater racing to the gameplay.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the unique additions, such as the thrilling hang-gliding feature, that set Mario Kart 7 apart from its predecessors in the series. However, there’s one area where it falls short – the absence of a single-player Versus mode, which was a staple in every other Mario Kart game I’ve played. This mode provided the excitement of racing against AI opponents on any track we desired. Regrettably, without this mode, our options are limited to the Grand Prix mode, which doesn’t quite replicate the same experience.

Local Multiplayer Was the Best Option for Mario Kart DS

  • Release Date – Nov. 14, 2005

Mario Kart DS represents the second portable game in the Mario Kart series and the fifth overall. It significantly improved the racing mechanics from the previous handheld title, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, making portable games feel more akin to their console counterparts. Additionally, Mario Kart DS introduced several new features that would later become common in subsequent versions of the game.

In Mario Kart DS, a new online multiplayer mode was introduced, but due to the limited Wi-Fi and internet connectivity in 2005, many players found it challenging to compete with others globally. Furthermore, the online multiplayer experience was often unstable before the servers were discontinued in 2014.

Getting a Coin in MK8 Doesn’t Put First-Place Racers at Ease

  • Release Date – May 30, 2014

As of now, before the launch of “Mario Kart World” on June 5, 2025, “Mario Kart 8” stands as the most recent significant installment in the series. Initially released, it was later upgraded and re-released for the Nintendo Switch under the title “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.” In this version, it gained immense popularity. Notably, “Mario Kart 8” brought significant advancements to the franchise, particularly with its unique selling point: the anti-gravity feature that allows racers to drive on walls and other challenging terrains. Additionally, it introduced exciting new items like the Super Horn, capable of nullifying Spiny Shells.

It’s surprising that among all the exciting new features in Mario Kart 8, one of them is the seemingly unnecessary coin item, which is frequently found by high-ranking players during races. Coins serve as power-ups scattered across tracks, granting a brief speed advantage. The coin item performs this function alone and nothing more, which wouldn’t be an issue if it weren’t so prevalent for the leaders to acquire, making them susceptible.

There Aren’t Many Ways to Avoid the POW Block in Mario Kart Wii

  • Release Date – April 27, 2008

The game titled “Mario Kart Wii” marks the sixth installment in the series. Since it was launched on the specific console, players have the flexibility to either control with just the Wii Remote, a combination of Wii Remote and Nunchuk, or opt for a more traditional gaming experience using a GameCube controller. Notably, this game boasted the most extensive lineup of racers at that point, including personalized Miis of the players, and introduced novel elements such as performing stunts to gain a minor speed advantage.

Additionally, it incorporated fresh elements that intensify the arcade-style disorder of the franchise. One of these additions is the Mega Mushroom from “New Super Mario Bros.”, which brings a delightful twist and is less annoying compared to the persistent POW Block. When triggered, the POW Block instantly halts competitors. Unfortunately, the POW Block is challenging to dodge as it’s rarely avoidable unless a racer is already airborne.

Double Dash!! Doesn’t Even Have an Option for Solo Racing

  • Release Date – Nov. 17, 2003

The game “Mario Kart: Double Dash!!”, being the fourth installment in the series, acts as a link between the classic and modern games. Most notably, this version is distinguished by its highlighted and self-explanatory characteristic – the dual racing option where two characters can ride in one kart. This feature introduces unique special items dependent on the selected character pairing, a tactical aspect that sets it apart from both earlier and subsequent games in the series.

Some players might appreciate the two-player kart in the Mario Kart series and look forward to its return in a future game. Yet, others have concerns about this feature due to various drawbacks that affect its performance. For instance, maintaining balance on the track can be challenging because of the weight disparity between racers. Moreover, there’s the problem that one character could become immobilized, making the other vulnerable to getting hit.

The Controls Would Be Ironed Out in Later Mario Kart Installments

  • Release Date – Sept. 1, 1992

Back in the day, I got my hands on the original installment of Mario Kart – you know, the one that sparked this legendary racing series. It was the game that laid down the groundwork for all the thrilling races we’ve enjoyed since then. It introduced us to drifting and the idea of collecting coins to gain an edge in the race, not to mention the iconic items like mushrooms for a speedy burst or red shells to take out our rivals!

As a devoted fan, I must admit that while I cherish Super Mario Kart for its iconic status, I found it quite different from its sequels. One of the most striking features is the permanent split-screen display, which persists even during single-player mode – a unique touch that might not always work in my favor.

However, the controls were somewhat tricky, especially on higher difficulty levels. The slipperiness made drifting nearly ineffective on certain tracks, and things only became more challenging if I hadn’t collected enough coins. This aspect of the game, while part of its charm, sometimes posed a significant challenge to my gaming experience.

Mario Kart 64 Will Make Players Want to Pull Their Hair Out

  • Release Date – Feb. 10, 1997

Mario Kart 64 marks the second installment of the series, introducing 3D graphics for the first time. This game brought new items and mechanics that have since become staples in later 3D versions. For instance, drifting now provides a significant speed increase, and players can keep items longer. Moreover, it introduced the notorious blue Spiny Shell, which locks onto the racer in the lead.

Although Mario Kart 64 is indeed a landmark game in the series, revisiting it now might not provide the same level of enjoyment as before. One significant drawback is the somewhat unstable physics in Mario Kart 64, which can slow down racers more than in subsequent games. This issue becomes particularly annoying for leading racers and allows last-place racers to fall significantly behind. The problem would be less pronounced if the tracks weren’t so riddled with hazards.

It Tried to Be Super Mario Kart With Mario Kart 64 Designs

  • Release Date – Aug. 27, 2001

Mario Kart: Super Circuit marks the third game in the series and its debut on a handheld device. Given that Nintendo designed the Game Boy Advance as a portable counterpart to the Super Nintendo, numerous GBA games mirrored the aesthetic of SNES titles. Mario Kart: Super Circuit follows suit, delivering a pseudo-3D racing experience reminiscent of Super Mario Kart, and incorporating aspects from Mario Kart 64.

To be honest, despite the Game Boy Advance’s constraints, Nintendo had opportunities to make Mario Kart: Super Circuit more distinctive from its predecessors. However, it seems that the game leans heavily on elements from Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64, with many tracks appearing generic in terms of charm or individuality. Ultimately, the game’s main weakness lies in its lack of creativity compared to other Mario Kart installments.

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2025-05-26 05:27