Reviewed by Sportsnet.ca
Budweiser. Levis 501. Mario Kart.
All have stood the test of time, and all have avoided the call to change. The latest Mario Kart offering for Nintendo Wii is no different, offering everything gamers loved about the MK franchise with just a hint of modern times. Still there are the turtle shells, banana peels and mushroom turbo boosters. Still there are the classic tracks like Mario Speedway and Peach Circuit. Still there are the “I’m gonna win!” claims of characters like Waluigi, Yoshi and Toad.
But gone is the one-dimensional gameplay. In its place is a Wii-mote steering wheel that keeps in line with the Wii-mantra of engaging your whole body while still enjoying the game. Everyone has a friend who leans around corners (source of hilarity for non-leaners) when playing racing games, the steering wheel design Wii-mote makes this embarrassing habit socially acceptable. In fact, it goes as far as to encourage it.
But for the MK purist, the game also offers classic control style (with the Wii-mote and Nunchuk).
The gameplay itself does not stray far from the previous versions of MK, which is something Wii gamers have seen with regularity from Nintendo as they introduce a new demographic to video gaming. The classic tracks are all there, from Super Mario Kart through to Mario Kart Double Dash. Players can still choose between manual and automatic. The winner’s circle celebrations are still a staple upon claiming gold in the Mushroom Cup.
The new additions lie in the steering wheel, the ability to drive with your own Mii character, and the introduction of choosing a motorbike (which vaults Princess Peach into a new, menacing and not-to-be-cut-off character).
Finally, for those who can figure it all out, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allows up to 12 people play simultaneously, enter tournaments and record results and ranking.
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| Live to ride, ride to live. |
Mario Kart is the epitome of “weapon racing,” and the latest Wii offering, like most Wii offerings, is a terrific party game for first-timers and franchise lovers.