So I just happened to pick up a little game called Mario Kart Wii (Yeah, ok, fine… I had it on preorder for over a month). I’m still not convinced that the series will ever surpass the greatness that is Mario Kart 64, but Mario Kart Wii comes damn close.
Let’s start with the courses. There are lots of them… 32 of them, to be exact, not counting the battle mode courses. Not only is there a plethora of all new speedways, there are also revamped retro tracks from the previous games. Many of the new courses (and some of the retro ones) have “hidden” paths that can either help or hinder you position in the race, and I think there are more places to go careening into a bottomless pit than ever before. Either that or I’m just a horrible driver.
All the old favorites are back in the drivers’ seats, and so are a few new additions, including Funky Kong, Rosalina from Mario Galaxy, and baby versions of Mario, Luigi, Peach (my favorite right now), and Daisy. A number of them have to be unlocked by playing a certain number of races, or ranking high enough in a given cup.
In addition to the unlockable characters, there is also a host of unlockable vehicles, of both the kart and motorcycle variety. There are also some new items making their way onto the track, like the POW Block and the Thunder Cloud.
Things I like about the game?
For one, the Wii Wheel. I wasn’t sure about this when I first saw it, but after giving it a try, it actually makes steering a lot more intuitive. I’ve found myself a lot less likely to oversteer as I have in past Mario Kart Games, even though I’m sure I look like a complete idiot using the thing.
The mid-air stunts are a nice touch, too. Pull one off, and you get a small speed boast. You can also do wheelies on the bikes.
Oh, and the new version of the Rainbow Road track is truly awesome.
Things I don’t like?
Well, actually not much. About the only thing that really aggravates me is the frequency with which disabling items like lightning bolts, bloopers, and blue shells hit you in the solo grand prix mode. In fact I once got hit by all three literally one right after the other and was dropped back to 12th place on the final lap. *shakes fist at game*
I also had some issues with the online mode, but I have a sneaking suspicion that has to do with my wireless connection (which I hope to rectify soon, as apparently there is going to be an online tournament… anyone know why my Wii keeps dropping the connection after about 2 minutes?), not the game itself.
You definitely want to pick this one up. It may or may not have surpasses Mario Kart 64, but it easily blows Double Dash out of the water.
Nikki Blight: is still trying to find that damn princess... when she's not writing fresh code for the217.com.
Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment on this post...
Add your comment
the217
Buzz Magazine
Nikki Blight
is still trying to find that damn princess... when she's not writing fresh code for the217.com.