Mario Kart has always been a popular game and with good reason, it’s addictive, easy to play and it looks cute too. It stands to reason then that when Nintendo announced the game for the Wii at E3 nearly everyone grew a smile on their face, however some questions remained such as just how good the newly revealed Wii Wheel would be and how they would change a tried and tested formula just enough to make it different while at the same just as fun.
One of the great things about Mario Kart has always been that it is not necessarily the most skilful person that will win, luck has always played a big part in deciding the outcome and thankfully this doesn’t change in this latest version, even if you manage to fall behind or like I have, fall off the edge of the track, with a bit of luck in receiving the correct power-ups you will soon catch up on your opponents, although that’s not to say skill doesn’t come into it to. As for the Wii Wheel, it’s perfect, handling the cars couldn’t be easier, press 2 to accelerate, 1 to brake or reverse and the trigger to use your power ups, you can even pull off tricks while jumping simply by flicking the wheel in any direction. It really is a great little addition to the game, although if you don’t like it you can always revert to the Wii mote and Nunchuck or the Classic/Gamecube controllers.
Mario Kart offers plenty of choice whether you are on your own or playing with friends, first up is the single player campaign, this is split into three sections, 50cc, 100cc and 150cc, the first option allows you to use karts, the second bikes and the third both karts and bikes, this allows you to build up your skills by starting off slow and then progressing as you get better, although you can just jump straight into the 150cc if you are feeling confident. Once you choose your class you are then faced with the choice of Grand Prix mode, Time Trails, VS race or Battle. The Grand Prix is obviously where you will spend most of your time and with eight cups each with four different courses there is plenty to keep you busy here.
The racing itself is great fun, the handling of the cars is as easy to pick up as ever and the same can be said for the all new bikes. Choosing your character and vehicle wisely is also recommended and there is plenty of choice which only increases as you progress. The bikes handle really well, you can even pull of wheelies by lifting up the Wii Wheel for a speed boost, although be careful not to bump into another kart or you will lose balance and slow down. Some people though may just find it easier and more familiar to stick to karts, although it’s all just about finding the best choice for way you play.
Once you get started there are a few tricks you can use to help you around the track, should you choose the manual mode at the beginning of the game you will be able to pull off mini turbo boosts and super turbo boosts, these are basically techniques that can be used to gain a burst of speed after performing a drift around the corner, this certainly helps you gain an advantage over others. Beginners however may just want to stick to the automatic option.
Of course the best way to win races is by making use of the power-ups and you are certainly spoiled for choice here, as well as the old classics like the bananas, red/green shells and blooper, Nintendo have added a few new items including the pow block, which causes any vehicle in front of you to be lifted and turned around, the mega mushroom, which grows your character to and kart into giant proportions (a great addition and excellent the first time you see it) and also the thundercloud, which strikes you with lightning unless you manage to bump into an opponent and pass the effects onto them. As usual the power-ups can really make the difference between winning and losing, so make sure you use them wisely.
A racing game wouldn’t be any good without decent tracks and Mario Kart certainly does not disappoint in this respect, the track design as always is spot on, all of the obstacles you will come across are very inventive while never taking away from the experience, from racing along conveyer belts moving in the opposite direction to trying to dodge fast moving cargo trains there is always a challenge to you and your opponents. As always Nintendo have excelled themselves with their originality when designing the layouts of the tracks, which is something they must be applauded for.
While the racing offline is brilliant it is when you get online that you really start to appreciate the game, especially when you add in the fact that you can play with two players on the same console online, something which not many games offer. Playing either in the VS or Battle modes you and a friend can take on anyone else in the world, and lets face it, while racing against the computer controlled opponents is fun, there is nothing quite like taking on a real person and winning to give your ego a boost.
The most addictive thing about the online mode is trying to get points and get yourself as high up the rankings as possible, and while losing a race or battle may dishearten you, it just makes you even more determined to play again and get yourself noticed. Yes the online experience really is good addictive fun and without a doubt the best on the Wii to date.
There is a lot to love about Mario Kart, it is still the same fun, cute and addictive game that it has always been and now it has the added bonus of having one of the best online experiences out there, sure there are a few flaws such as the lacklustre offline battle mode and the lack of online match leaderboards, however you will easily forgive this when you realise just how much fun this game really is. This game is a must have experience for anyone who owns a Wii, now pass the Wheel it’s time for another go.
