Mario Kart World is undeniably a blast! The flagship title for the upcoming Switch 2 seems to be building upon the legacy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Switch’s hit game that has thrived even though it was originally released as a port of a Wii U game in 2014. Instead of simply repeating MK8, Nintendo has crafted an experience that feels like a significant step forward for the franchise. It takes what worked and makes it better, while reimagining other elements entirely.
In the trailer for Super Mario Kart 2, it was pointed out that up to 24 players can race simultaneously. This large number of participants calls for an expanded roster. However, Nintendo surprised us with a host of new and unanticipated characters such as Nabbit and the hilarious Cow from Moo Moo Meadows. Yes, she’s just the adorable chubby cow, and her name is simply Cow. I’d give anything for her! Though we didn’t get to see the full roster during this demonstration, the character selection screen still offered a wide array of diversity.
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The unique character costumes contribute significantly to this game’s charm. Each character sports numerous outfits, ranging from their traditional attire to racing gear and creative ensembles. For instance, I raced as Toad wearing a hat resembling a burger, a Shy Guy in ski clothing (complete with a beanie), and Toadette sporting an icy makeover for her pigtails that made them look like glistening ice cream. Bowser donned an old-school biker outfit, while Luigi could dress up as a farmer with a straw hat. The variety of costumes really highlights the personalities of these beloved cartoon characters I’ve grown fond of over time. These character costumes are presented in full within the character-select menufor example, regular Mario and racing-suit Mario are separate optionsso it seems there will be an option to favorite them.
In this demonstration, it wasn’t explicitly shown how to acquire the new costumes, but there were subtle indications. As in Mario Kart 8, coins are still present, and the restriction of 10 has been either removed or significantly expanded to a point where I never reached the limit. This could imply that you will be incentivized to collect more coins during a race and use them for unlockable items. Additionally, there are new Lunch Bags to find, similar to item boxes, but instead of weapons or boosts, they fill your inventory with a small snack. Occasionally using this snack item will randomly change your racer’s costume, as my ice cream Toadette transformed into a racing-themed Toadette, complete with a shiny helmet showcasing her toadstool polka dot pattern.
In essence, the core mechanics of this new racing game remain similar to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, given that it perfected its immediate gameplay experience. However, there’s now more diversity as some karts can traverse water, adding an element reminiscent of Wave Race. The tracks themselves are teeming with activity and character, with scenarios ranging from traffic jams to zebras galloping in the savannah. Every corner reveals another nod to Mario lore, such as Charging Chucks from Super Mario World charging at you or a new version of the Whomps from Super Mario 64, this one having a sloped back for use as a ramp when it falls over. Lastly, the art style is more vibrant and cartoony than ever, even featuring a large “KABOOM” inside a bomb explosion.
Stepping into Mario Kart World is like entering a colossal playground tailored for me, a die-hard fan. As its name suggests, it’s a delightful blend of familiar Mario Kart terrains. Instead of traditional laps around a track, races here often involve racing over a continuous roadway with strategic checkpoints marking the finish lines. This unique twist is one of the standout features in Mario Kart World.
The tracks are like a melody where beloved fragments from past tracks are seamlessly combined and remixed. For instance, you might zoom past the whirling desert sands of Dry Dry Desert, only to find yourself soaring through the clouds of Cloudtop Cruise moments later. To make things even more exciting, day-night transitions and dynamic weather conditions keep the action fresh and unpredictable.
The sense of freedom is particularly noticeable in Free Roam mode. Here, you’re free to wander, collect Lunch Boxes and other items, and test out various routes. Initially, I thought a free-roaming mode in a Mario Kart game would be boring, but after trying it, I was pleasantly surprised. The world is brimming with activities that kept me discovering new gadgets to play with. A distinctly marked truck allows you to take control, even crashing into traffic. Pipes allow you to slide down them like Tony Hawk. At one point, I unintentionally veered off the road and ended up in the moat surrounding Peach’s castle, instinctively expecting Lakitu to rescue me. Instead, my kart miraculously transformed into a boat, allowing me to drive around in the water.
In Free Roam mode, which serves as the standard waiting room before a Knockout Tour, players are gradually eliminated in groups when reaching specific checkpoints with varying limits. This new mode delivers some of the most thrilling and chaotic experiences I’ve witnessed in Mario Kart, as numerous competitors fiercely battle to maintain their positions, constantly swapping places. While not entirely unique for a racing game, the sensation is remarkably satisfying here due to the larger player count and Mario Kart’s distinctive quirkiness.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe embodies the pinnacle of traditional Mario Kart gameplay by pushing its core concepts to their limits. In contrast, Mario Kart World appears to be an ambitious sequel, focusing on delivering a wealth of innovative features that prioritize enjoyable surprises, while maintaining the series’ distinctive charm.
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2025-04-03 16:12