There was a lot riding on the success of the latest version of Mario Kart. In the weeks leading up to its release, much of the online debate surrounded the ailing sales of the Wii U.
Nintendo’s follow-up to its blockbuster Wii console had unfairly been branded a gimmicky games machine due to its use of a portable Wii Pad controller that acted as a second screen. The real issue, however, was a lack of big titles for the console and not the hardware itself, which with the addition of HD capability made for a solid step-up from its predecessor.
Aside from the iconic Italian plumber, who had already appeared in his own Wii U title in the form of the gloriously addictive Super Mario Bros. U, Nintendo’s other mainstays were nowhere to be seen. Where was Link, Samus Aran, Kirby or even Fox? For a brand that relies so fiercely on its own properties, there seemed to be a lack of exclusives being released for the Wii U.
[alert type=alert-blue]Mario joins the party[/alert]
The post-E3 landscape, however, looks remarkably different for Nintendo. After a show-stopping presentation at the expo, it seems that the Japanese gaming giant has experienced something of a turnaround. New titles previewed at the event, including Super Smash Bros and Yoshi’s Wooly World are on the way, and tantalising would-be blockbusters such as The Legend of Zelda Wii U are in development.
Mario Kart 8 attests to that reversal of fortunes. It exemplifies what Nintendo does best. Bringing with it a spectacular mix of timeless gameplay ingredients and enough new additions – not to mention a graphics upgrade – to carry the series into a new dawn.
[alert type=alert-blue]Subtle changes[/alert]
Mario Kart 8 boasts a host of new characters alongside the familiar faces, new tracks alongside revamped versions of classic levels, and new items and gameplay options to boot.
What hasn’t changed is the fast-paced style of the title and its overtly addictive nature. What’s more, it is still one of the best local multiplayer experiences around.
Returning players will be more interested to learn about the new additions in Mario Kart 8, and there’s plenty to get to grips with. Alongside the new characters, which include a number of Koopalings and Toadette among others, there’s also new weapons and vehicle customisations.
The latter includes over a dozen actual karts and several bikes, three ATVs, almost twenty variations of wheels and a dozen gliders. All of these various options are unlock able as you progress through the game and affect your Kart’s performance – keep in mind collecting coins will also improve your vehicle.
Pressing the ‘+’ button on your controller will bring up your vehicle stats, displaying how each customisation affects performance. This may not be a big deal for a pick-up and play title like Mario Kart 8, where players are more concerned with characters over vehicles, but it does affect your chances in the long run. Therefore, if you’re a fan of decent handling and acceleration you’ll want a light vehicle with slim wheels and the right glider.
A decidedly more fun feature are the items. Along with the return of general weapons (red and green shells) and boosts, there are four new items available on Mario Kart 8, including a piranha plant, boomerang, Crazy 8 and super horn. The latter is a rare item that sends out a sound wave that can repel other racers and destroy red, green and the dreaded blue leader shell.
Staying on the topic of dreaded items, customisation in Mario Kart 8 extends to items allowing players to turn them off in favour of a conventional race. This may appeal to some players but overall detracts from the mayhem that is so essential to the game.
Despite the fact that they’re probably the unlockable you will crave the most, the new characters are more of a novelty than a game changer. The Koopalings are all cute in their own way, whereas Metal Mario and Gold Peach are eye-catching dead weights that are impossible to play with. Most players will end up switching back to to old stalwarts such as Yoshi and Toad in the long run.
Finally, another new feature in Mario Kart 8 is Mario Kart TV that allows players to upload videos of races to the Miiverse and YouTube. If you’re in the boasting spirit, you can even edit your replays using a range of effects – such as slow-motion and fast-forward – before posting them online.
[alert type=alert-blue]Gorgeous design[/alert]
Mario Kart 8 is the first title in the series to come with HD compatibility thanks to the Wii U. As a result, the game runs at a native 720p resolution and 60 fps – dropping to 30fps on three -to- four multilayer mode.
What this basically means is that the 32 tracks on Mario Kart 8 all look absolutely gorgeous. Add to this the fact that they have been expanded upon by Nintendo, with the details in many levels stretching out far in to the distance, and you have the best-looking Mario Kart ever.
Whether it’s the sidewinding corridors on Twisted Mansion or the metallic-neon aesthetic of the new Rainbow Road, it all adds up to make this a dazzlingly colourful thrill-ride.
Meanwhile older tracks have been given a bright new sheen – and Yoshi Valley from the N64 is suitably nostalgic. Standout tracks include the Music Park from Nintendo 3DS and the new Water Park.
Shifts in environment are seamless and look brilliant. Changing from tarmac to water or bursting through the clouds at high-speeds is all part of the fun. A new feature that Nintendo has been touting is zero gravity. This allows players to take alternate routes by scaling up walls to collect speed boosts. It’s another dynamic change that has subtly been integrated into the game to sit comfortably alongside the timeless Mario Kart experience.
[alert type=alert-blue]Manic multiplayer[/alert]
Although the single and online modes are both well and good, the real fun of Mario Kart 8 lies – as always – in multiplayer. The fact that Mario Kart has always allowed players to race against one another in all the Grand Prix tournaments is one of its biggest draws as a multiplayer title.
Despite the lower frame rate, there is not a noticeable dip in quality when you’re playing with three or four-players on Grand Prix mode. Competing on multiplayer with a high difficulty setting, such as 150 cc, only adds to the frenetic pace and won’t even leave time for you to admire the gorgeous level design we were so impressed with. It all whizzes past while you’re busy planning your next devastating attack or trying to perfect an endless drift. Again, bringing to mind how little in terms of core gameplay elements have changed but how they needn’t be tampered with. Of course, those previously mentioned vehicle customisation and item settings options only add to the fun.
[alert type=alert-blue]Verdict[/alert]
Mario Kart 8 has come out of nowhere to not only rescue the Wii U but also reiterate why Nintendo’s unique mix of nostalgia and family-friendly gameplay is so crucial to the gaming sector.
Judged purely on its own terms, however, it is the best title in a superior arcade racing franchise. And that is high praise in itself.
For Wii U owners, Mario Kart 8 is an essential buy. Just make sure you buy some extra controllers and get your mates round while you’re at it.
