For a plumber, Mario is pretty versatile. He enjoys golf, plays tennis, dabbles in soccer on occasion. But if you really want to pique players’ interests, stick him behind the wheel of a go-kart.
A quick check of Nintendo software sales offers a glimpse at how much video game players love Mario Kart. The last console release for the Nintendo Wii moved 35 million copies worldwide. When combining titles for the DS and 3DS handhelds, the franchise sold a combined 69 million copies to date.
Basically, unless they get smacked by a red turtle shell as they near the finish line, players really like Mario Kart.
Later this month, as Nintendo struggles to attract players to its Wii U video game console, one of their most valuable series returns to try and fuel sales. Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U is every bit as exciting and fun as its predecessors, adding some smart modern touches.
As with every other Nintendo franchise that made its debut on the Wii U, the upgrade to high definition is delightful. Droplets of water cling to the screen as players rip through wet portions of the track. Environments appear huge, colourful and full of life from the vibrant remake of classic track Rainbow Road to the topsy-turvy paths of Twisted Mansion.
The other big change to Mario Kart is the addition of anti-gravity. When players pass a blue strip, the wheels of their vehicle flip horizontally, allowing them to cling to tracks that go sideways or even upside down, resulting in more exhilarating races. Also, when players bump each other, they can pick up some additional speed.
For those new to Mario Kart, races feature 12 drivers competing to finish first after three laps. There are multiple paths for drivers to take to get ahead of their competitors. Blocks appear on tracks that net special power-ups when you drive through them. These perks range from turtle shells players toss at other drivers to mushrooms offering a speed boost. Races are intense, as players constantly jockey for position with every explosion or incoming turtle shell.
Mario Kart 8 features 16 new tracks, with players speeding through places such as airports, ancient ruins and the castle of longtime Mario nemesis Bowser. There are also an additional 16 redesigned tracks from earlier Mario Kart games.
Players can participate in a Grand Prix, broken down by three classes: 50cc, 100cc and 150cc. Each upward climb in class picks up the pace of racing and the difficulty of computer-controlled opponents.
After picking one of 30 characters, including Mario, Luigi or Princess Peach, players create their vehicle. They choose a body type (kart, motorcycle, ATV), wheel type and a glider for soaring through the skies off huge jumps.
The game boasts eight Grand Prix events, winning a cup for notching the most points earned based on finish in each of the event’s four races. Victories net perks such as new kart parts and characters.
Mario Kart 8 also boasts Time Trials to see how fast players can zip through a track. Users can either drive solo or race ghosts, such as their own from an earlier race or a friend’s via online download. There’s also a Battle Mode where players try to pop fellow racers’ balloons, and a Vs. mode for simpler races with customisable rules.
Players can match their racing skills against friends, either competing with three others in a split-screen mode or hopping online to race anyone around the world.
Nintendo attempts to modernise Mario Kart with the addition of Mario Kart TV. The service allows users to upload videos from kart races on to the Miiverse or even YouTube, so long as you have an account. Squeak by with a well-timed turtle shell toss? Now, you can share it with any one else.
There’s a reason millions of video game players have invested in Mario Kart. It’s a satisfying social racing game, highly enjoyable regardless whether you play solo or with friends.
USA TODAY (MCT)
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