I am terrible at Mario Kart. Though I’ve played them all, starting with the series introduction on the SNES, I never really seem to get any better at it. I’ve tried, mind you. I play the game regularly with my family, and regularly I get beaten by my boastful children. In all these years, my skills have essentially remained static, barely changing at all. The same could be reasonably argued for Mario Kart itself.

The prevailing argument, for those who aren’t dedicated fans of the cutesy kart racer is that if you’ve played one, you’ve played them all. Aside from one notable exception, each game has done little more than add embellishments, iterating upon the last and that’s indeed true for Mario Kart 8.

MarioKart8 (3)

It’s the same as its ever been; you select your racer and speed away, racing three laps on a meandering, vibrantly colourful track as an army of characters try their best to stop you from racing ahead of them. It’s a tried-and-tested formula, and the counter argument invariably ends up being “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

So Mario Kart, once again is short of innovation; a familiar, natural evolution of the last game. And it hardly matters. Mostly because once again, it’s rather a great deal of fun. It also helps that it’s rather beautiful, and one of the very best looking games available on Nintendo’s Wii U. It’s not, as trumpeted, rendered in glorious 1080p, instead being upscaled from 720p but it does run at an unwavering 60 frames per second, but once again, it hardly matters. In motion, it’s just an incredibly resplendent game

MarioKart8 (7)

You select one of a multitude of characters from the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, then compete against AI to win various cups across three levels: 50cc, 100cc and 150cc – each increasing in speed and difficulty. Your goal naturally, is to win – using whatever means necessary. Those means, if you’re as skilled at Mario Kart as I am, usually means dastardly weapons. Whether you’re hurling old stalwarts like the green and red homing shells of dead Koopa Troopas, flinging fireballs or leaving behind slipper banana peels, there’s almost always some sort of armament aiding you and keeping things exciting.

There are a couple of new ones this time around. The boomerang works exactly as you’d imagine; throw it and if it doesn’t hit your target the first time, it may do so upon its return to your hand, whence you may hurl it a second a time. There’s also a potted piranha plant that gobbles up everything in its proximity and a new horn that emits a a wave of sound that obliterates anything in its oscillations. Yes, even that frustrating blue shell that’s the cause of ceased friendships. Finally, Mario Kart 7’s Lucky 7, which gave you 7 power ups to use in rapid succession has been upped to 8, giving you a swirling arsenal of offensive and defensive power.

MarioKart8 (4)

It’s far more balanced than Mario Kart’s last console outing on the Wii which had overpowered bikes, but those vehicles are back. Skill is the main decider of the victor here, though with this being Mario Kart it’s still probable that you’ll be hit with a blue shell or made diminutive by a bolt of lightning just moments before your cross the finish line. As usual, Mario Kart gives players in the rear access to stronger weapons and faster power ups – while giving the race leader a selection of weaker ones.

As with Mario Kart 7, as you race you’ll collect coins. You’ll use them to to customise your Kart; collect 50 and a new bit of gear in one of three categories is unlocked; chassis, tyres and hang-glider. They’re not just cosmetic either; experimenting with the correct, balanced builds can be the difference between winning and in my case most of the time… not winning.

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The big new addition  in this iteration comes through anti-gravity sections, joining Mario Kart 7’s hang-gliding and under-water racing. Go over any of the specially marked blue pads and your vehicle’s wheels fold in, allowing it to hover over bits of the track, adding a strange sort of verticality and allowing the track designers to get slightly unhinged. Bumping in to an opponent while hovering actually adds a speed boost, changing up the racing’s strategy a bit. It’s neat, but not creatively used nearly as much as you’d expect.

That’s not to say the tracks aren’t great. As is expected of a Mario Kart game, you have 16 brand new ones and another 16 repurposed from Mario Karts. The new tracks are all exceptionally well designed, filled with the little short-cuts and secrets that make Mario Kart such a blast to play. Even the old ones have been expertly retooled to fit in the new mechanics, with favourites like the Wii’s Moo moo Meadows and the 3DS’ Retro Studios designed Donkey Kong Jungle shining particularly bright. Each track is a delight – even Rainbow Road –  and the change from 8 players to 12 gives the core racing the shot in the arm it needs.

MarioKart8 (6)

The 12 player extends to online, and Nintendo seems to finally be realising what it is that people want and expect out of online functionality. You can play with random people from the internet, people from within your region or people on your friend’s list, though it promises voice chat that doesnt really work. The system also allows for the easy creation and curation of tournaments, all of which will certainly keep people playing the game for ages. You can even have two people playing online at the same time from one console, and there’s isn’t a friend code in sight.

A new feature, called MKTV, allows you to create and edit your own videos, creating highlight reels of your races and upload them not only to the MKTV service, but also directly to YouTube. It’s not what I’d call a robust editor at all, allowing you to change just the driver and actions it focuses on and its length, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute, but it works and helps show off just how gorgeous the game is.

It’s a tremendous amount of fun really – but it’s not all good. The package as a whole is a little bare, offering the standard 4 race Grand Prix, Time trials, customisable VS races and the balloon-popping battles that have become standard. The battles have taken a step backwards. Instead of the battle-specific arenas that would funnel players towards each other, battles now take place in stripped down versions of a selection of the game’s race tracks, so it’s become a case of racing around until you manage to see somebody long enough to hit them with something.

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The Gamepad isn’t used particularly cleverly here either. Unlike Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed which allowed you to use the pad a a screen for a second player while the first concentrated on the TV, both players have to share a a vertically split screen. Sonic even allowed a fifth player to join in the action on the Gamepad, with 4 players split on the main screen. In single player, you could use the pad as a rear-view mirror. None of that is present here, with the pad function only as a map or a duplicate display. I understand why Nintendo’s done this; it’s probably to keep the frame rate up, but it’s disappointing nonetheless. The option to use the Gamepad’s gyro to steer is there, but the thing is too unwieldy for long use. The preferred option is Nintendo’s excellent Pro Controller, though motion-steering with the Wii remotes works just fine.

The frame rate also drops significantly when more than 2 players start racing. Instead of that smooth 60fps, it drops to half that, with a noticeable image quality drop – but there’s so much going on on-screen that’s it’s forgiveable, and doesn’t detract from the experience much.

Minor complaints aside, I’m pretty sure I’ll be playing Mario Kart 8 for a long time, and it belongs in every Wii U owner’s library –  whether they be established Mario Kart fans or not.

Last Updated: May 15, 2014

Mario Kart 8
What it lacks in raw innovation it more than makes up for in pure joy. Mario Kart 8's bare-bones presentation is offset by its solid core racing, and is an essential purchase for every Wii U owner who appreciates fun.
8.0
Mario Kart 8 was reviewed on Nintendo Wii U
88 / 100

55 Comments

  1. Umar Returns

    May 15, 2014 at 09:09

    Great review, so hype for this though, Everyone was expecting the rear view mirror lol. But there could’ve been much more innovative ways to use the gamepad, maybe tie it into some weapons or maybe even draw paths that change the landscape. You know what irks the shizz out of me…..Nintendo goes on and on about how great the gamepad is….Yet they don’t really incorporate it cleverly into their games. you would think Ninty of all people could pull it off….Like I said somewhere else, in all honesty, I love the WiiU, but it needs to die, Nintendo has no idea anymore what they’re doing

    Reply

    • RinceBroken

      May 15, 2014 at 09:29

      Couldn’t agree more man. They made a big mistake in their marketing and sometimes you just cannot backtrack. Rather move on. This game will sell because the people who buy the Wii U buy these games. It won’t build its base though, not like a game like GTA V or Skyrim etc.

      Reply

      • Umar Returns

        May 15, 2014 at 09:30

        Exactly, I would want them to kill and then move on….but hey, don’t see that happening for another 2 years at least

        Reply

        • RinceBroken

          May 15, 2014 at 09:32

          People are hearing of the PS4 (taking the Japanese market) and the Xbox One (America). Where is the Wii mark II supposed to fit in? With a certain market that, in my opinion, doesn’t cater to serious ‘adult’ gamers. It’s a pity, as the Wii U is some damn fine tech.

          Reply

  2. RinceBroken

    May 15, 2014 at 09:18

    So basically +1 😛

    Reply

  3. RinceBroken

    May 15, 2014 at 09:19

    All I can say is thank goodness for another Mario game. I was afraid there might be something new coming. #Safetynet

    Reply

    • Dutch Matrix

      May 15, 2014 at 09:20

      I would love for Nintendo to show the Xbox or SP some love. Will it hurt their pockets that much if they do? #ConsoleSlut

      Reply

      • Norm the Horrible

        May 15, 2014 at 09:24

        Game does look like a lot of family fun. #WaitWhat

        Reply

        • CAE9872

          May 15, 2014 at 09:31

          Which is something both the other 2 consoles could do a little more of. Probably never happen for Ninty to go game developer/publisher only but always nice to be wistful.

          Reply

          • Norm the Horrible

            May 15, 2014 at 10:23

            Indeed. Would love to get this should it ever release on Xbox 360.

  4. CAE9872

    May 15, 2014 at 09:20

    Is this going to be the answer to WiiU’s woes? I hope for their sake. But as so many people keep going on about, the general public simply doesn’t understand what the WiiU is – they most certainly do not seem to understand it is a brand new console.

    Why buy Johnny (or Janet) a brand new console when it doesn’t appear to be new. Seems a like a glorified peripheral/upgraded version. And name doesn’t help – WiiU = Wii Upgrade.

    Reply

  5. GooseZA

    May 15, 2014 at 09:20

    So that’s what a Geoff sounds like? I’ve always wondered…

    Reply

  6. Hammersteyn

    May 15, 2014 at 09:31

    The thing I like the most about this game? Couch-co op

    Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      May 15, 2014 at 09:54

      And 1080p/60fps 😛

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        May 15, 2014 at 10:01

        hahaha, that really doesn’t matter though when you play with a friend. Too few games let’s you play split screen

        Reply

  7. RinceBroken

    May 15, 2014 at 09:33

    THIS: Mario Kart 8 has a mode where you can play with everyone who owns a Wii U. It is called “single player mode”

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      May 15, 2014 at 09:43

      Don’t you have to be online for that?

      Reply

    • Weanerdog

      May 15, 2014 at 09:44

      Stealing quotes from twitter won’t win you comment of the week.

      Reply

      • RinceBroken

        May 15, 2014 at 09:46

        I wasn’t stealing, I was posting what I saw.

        Reply

        • Weanerdog

          May 15, 2014 at 09:55

          Touchy this morning. Anyway I am just sour you posted it first.

          Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        May 15, 2014 at 09:46

        Look on the bright side, at least he’s trying to be funny even if he can’t be original.

        Reply

        • RinceBroken

          May 15, 2014 at 09:47

          I said THIS. That should be enough for any non-moron to understand it was a quote.

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            May 15, 2014 at 09:48

            That’s your mistake right there.

          • RinceBroken

            May 15, 2014 at 09:48

            Indeed 🙂

  8. Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

    May 15, 2014 at 09:43

    Wait…Is that Geoff’s voice?

    Very unexpected…. Sounds so prim and proper 0_0

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      May 15, 2014 at 09:46

      I’m a gentleman. 😉

      Reply

      • Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

        May 15, 2014 at 09:50

        Yeah, I’m still reeling in shock here. Let’s not push it too much lol

        Reply

      • Mark Vincer

        May 15, 2014 at 10:43

        Just as a point of interest: never image search Geoffrey Tim with safe search on. NEVER. That is all

        Reply

  9. VampyreSquirrel

    May 15, 2014 at 09:44

    Is it just me or does that 8 look like an infinity sign?

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      May 15, 2014 at 09:47

      Intentionally, yes.

      Reply

    • RinceBroken

      May 15, 2014 at 09:49

      Yeah, because that’s how long they’ll keep making Mario games.

      Reply

      • VampyreSquirrel

        May 15, 2014 at 09:51

        Lol! So true!

        Reply

  10. Martin du preez

    May 15, 2014 at 09:49

    “Mario Kart 8 was reviewed by Geoffrey Tim on the of May , 2014 at 9:00 AM ”

    When you see it..

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      May 15, 2014 at 10:02

      Geoff didn’t see it XD

      Reply

  11. Martin du preez

    May 15, 2014 at 09:49

    I can’t wait for you nerds to eat my dust/banannas

    Reply

  12. VampyreSquirrel

    May 15, 2014 at 09:50

    Looks like an awesome game… very nice review Geoff

    Reply

  13. Umar Returns

    May 15, 2014 at 09:51

    Geoff’s voice was clearly made for the phone sex line business

    Reply

    • RinceBroken

      May 15, 2014 at 09:53

      555-7891, I mean 0-o

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        May 15, 2014 at 09:56

        Not 10810?

        Reply

        • RinceBroken

          May 15, 2014 at 09:57

          That’s for his grapefruit line 0-o

          Reply

    • VampyreSquirrel

      May 15, 2014 at 09:54

      LMAO!

      Reply

  14. fred

    May 15, 2014 at 09:55

    Mmmm , dis gonna be gud …. see you online.

    Reply

  15. FoxOneZA

    May 15, 2014 at 09:58

    Ninntendo are totally committed to the 60fps mark unlike those current gen consoles 😛

    Reply

    • RinceBroken

      May 15, 2014 at 09:58

      And look how it’s working for them 😛

      Reply

      • FoxOneZA

        May 15, 2014 at 10:04

        Geoff before a race:”I live my life 60fps at a time!” 😛

        Reply

  16. Weanerdog

    May 15, 2014 at 10:01

    Of the newest consoles from each manufacturer, is it just me or does the Wiiu have the most games as at today that I actually want to play. Sure it has been out a lot longer and there are a plethora of games in development that I wants. Just a thought.

    Reply

  17. Connyer

    May 15, 2014 at 10:22

    does this available to xbox 360??

    Reply

  18. Jason Mounce

    May 15, 2014 at 18:36

    Only problems I’ve personally had with Mario Kart. Is, it’s no longer Mario KART….to evolve the simple basis of the original 2 games which were Karting with Karting tracks, Mario kart is more like Mario RACER.

    Honestly, anyone else know what I mean? It’s barely a Kart game when most vehicles try to differentiate from being an actual Kart except Marios.

    Reply

  19. FunSacks

    May 20, 2014 at 19:24

    Looks good, but not worth buying a Wii U for… I’m waiting for the new Legend of Zelda, or a Metroid Prime game.

    Reply

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