During my time with Mario Kart Wii, the theory was proposed to me that Nintendo has ceased trying to evolve its franchises, opting instead to simply remake their trademark games for each new generation of players, and I think the Mario Kart franchise serves as a powerful Exhibit A for this argument. In my experience, if people have a favorite Mario Kart game, it’s usually the first one they played. Mario Kart Wii is by no means bad, but it seems built for first-timers, and those looking to recapture what it felt like to be a first-timer. It delivers just about everything you expect from a Mario Kart game, both good and bad, making for an experience that can be fun, but never surprising.
So expect to see your usual roster of Mushroom Kingdom denizens power-sliding their way around serpentine courses peppered with jumps, boost pads, and crazy obstacles. There have been some modifications and some additions to the stock Mario Kart experience, but these are minor refinements, not evolutionary jumps. There’s a whole host of different control schemes, including a motion-control option that makes use of the little plastic steering wheel shell that comes packed-in with the game. I could see the Wii wheel being fun if I had never actually driven a car, but the novelty doesn’t make up for the lack of precision for me. I personally found that a GameCube controller or a remote-and-nunchuk combo produced the best results, and if I didn’t have an irrational distaste for the Classic Controller, that’d probably work pretty well, too.
In addition to the different character weight classes, there are now a number of different karts and motorbikes to choose from, each with a unique handling profile that can have a very dramatic effect on how the game handles. If you run a couple grand prix races in a kart, then switch over to a bike, expect to bring up the rear for a couple races. Both bikes and karts can perform stunts in mid-air, resulting in a little shot of boost when you hit the ground. Bikes are essentially two-wheeled karts, though when you’re on a bike you can pop a wheelie for extra speed on a straightaway, and bikes don’t get the second level of yellow sparks that karts can get by holding an extra-long power-slide. Despite all these variables, the basic Mario Kart rule of “Always Be Drifting, Except When You Shouldn’t” still applies across the board.
The structure of the game is predictably familiar. Single-player revolves around grand prix races that come in 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc varieties, though you can also run time trials, create custom races, or partake in the consistently tedious battle mode. I found the grand prix stuff fun, right up until I got to the 150cc level, at which point my Mario Kart skills buckled under the crushing force of random chance. With inherently solid controls, Mario Kart Wii, and by extension, every other Mario Kart game, could be an accessible, skill-based racing game, if it weren’t for all those goddamn power-ups, and the game’s serial habit of giving the most potent power-ups to last-place players. What’s the fun in skillfully outmaneuvering 11 opponents for three laps only to wind up in 12th following a barrage of blue shells, POW blocks, and thunderheads in the final stretch? It’s always been frustrating, and it remains frustrating.
The multiplayer options are bolstered by the inclusion of online play, which kind of alleviates the sad fate of playing Mario Kart all by yourself, albeit in the silent, heavily insulated world of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, where it’s difficult to play with friends and strangers at the same time. Maybe I’m just jaded, but it’s 2008 y’all, the simple inclusion of online play is no longer enough to set my world on fire. I’m also a little bothered by the track selection in Mario Kart Wii. There are 32 different tracks here, a full half of which are straight-up remakes of tracks from past Mario Kart games. To be fair, a number of the new tracks are fun and inventive, and I understand why some people would be excited about the inclusion of so many tracks from past Mario Kart games, but for me it just reinforced the feeling that, yup, I’ve totally already played this game before.
Mario Kart Wii is a good game stunted by its audience’s apparently insatiable appetite for the exact same thing, over and over again. The addition of online play and motion controls are good, but they’re also the most predictable choices possible. Personally, I’m completely tired of getting exactly what I expect.
146 Comments
first
a draw back for me was having to play all of the cup races on each 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc to unlock it at each difficulty level
where you’re never allowed to play with friends and strangers at the same time
I’ve connected to my nephew while I was online,against strangers, the game let’s you know when they are playing. I would give this game an easy 4 out of 5 stars. The one more game, online play, is addictive.
i completely agree. They could have made this game so much more and i wish they had
I’m sorry I canit let it go. Your line “where you’re never allowed to play with friends and strangers at the same time” is just false. I am sorry but I feel the need. Thank You.
“difficult” “Please”
The game let’s you know. Codes are easy, check gamefaqs.
I work for free.
Spot on review. I have the same views on Nintendo and Mario Kart. It’s a great game but it’s nothing new.
This game probably has the best online play on Wii. Sadly Nintendo is stuck in the ’90s
Never liked this Mario games, but his adventure games RAWK!!!
Headline of the post more or less sums up my feeling about the game.
I know you guys always say that these reviews are just your opinion but I have to say your opinion in this particular case kinda stinks. I would suggest simply not reviewing games that aren’t your type. I have this game and sure it may not be worthy of 5 stars but as some one who at least is some what in to Mario Kart this game seems to be a worthy successor to the torch and it is definitly better than Double Dash. I just feel like You were ready to give this score well before the game even released.
Oh ya so my score: **** out of *****
I agree with Henry. He has some good points. 4/5 for sure. Whats different from Melee to Brawl that gives it a 4/5 and Double Dash to Mario Kart Wii a 3/5?
oo dear god, get ready for the Nintendo fanboys.
I’m all with you on this one Ryan. That’s exactly what it is; more Mario Kart.
Speaking as a 43 yr old nintendo fanboy, umph, I give this review a
* out of *****. To be fair.
Ouch, I wasn’t expecting it to get average.
Mario Kart Wii has been a good experience, I think it beats out the DS version due to the fact that Snaking has been done away with online. Its been a blast playing it, I’d personally give it a 4/5.
My Mario Kart Code: 0130-2184-5695. Friend, do you want to play.
i liked your review and agree with you Ryan, Dumbed-down Mario Kart, no skill involved, not worth playing.
Man, you people get way too hung up on scores. If you enjoy it and think it deserves a higher score… great! However, there isn’t any reason to be rude. It seems like some folks take it as a personal insult when a game doesn’t get the score they expected.
It’s kinda obvious you guys don’t really care about Mario Kart. And I’m not gonna lie, neither do I.
I felt this way about the last couple of Mario Kart games as well. It’s all been downhill since the original for SNES.
Nintendo tends to re-use an engine to death. This particular engine is the same they used on the 64. Mario Galaxy plays the same way as Mario 64, same thing. Same with Zelda TP, it plays like OOT. I’ve already played those old games and they were great then, but each new version just seems like a re-skinning of an old game with an all-too-similar environment. This is their bread and butter and they just keep shoveling it out. The only truly remarkably new game for the Wii is Wii Sports, IMHO.
Yep, what I expected. Nintendo systems have always been on the alternative side of things and I suppose I would play this if I was stuck with a wii.
There’s some valid points in Ryan’s review and it’s not that he personally dislikes the style of Mario Kart, he dislikes the lack of significant innovation and solid online play as well as balancing issues. However if you are a fan of Mario Kart and all you want is more Mario Kart, then it tells you that you should play this game. But as a person thats looking for the next evolution of Mario Kart, this game is not this game.
TL;DR version: If you like Mario Kart and thats all you want then buy it. If you want an innovative and fresh Mario Kart experience, avoid it.
@claude
Your either an prepubescent Nintendo Fanboy taking note of the quadruple post and abbreviation’s, thats trying to gain cred from saying “Hey dude, I’m 43.” or someone else that I’d rather not have on this website because it seem really creepy.
(No that was not a shot at people around that age, he just seems to be acting… strange…)
Yeah. I like Mario Kart Wii, but it doesn’t do justice to the original Mario Kart for the SNES. That was the greatest.
I wish Jeff would have reviewed this. Ryan justifies his rating and I agree, but I would say that if you are a Mario Kart fan (which I ain’t) it’s a 5/5
yay! I’ve always wanted to drive a go kart with a floating unresponsive wheel, all the while throwing turtle shells at other folks……….not
He changed his text and his facts were not right. “where you’re never allowed to play with friends and strangers at the same time” was changed to “where it’s difficult to play with friends and strangers at the same time”. I feel that is a bad review.
I’d love to see Nintendo come out with some new franchises. And I think they’ll have to. What do they have left for the Wii? Animal Crossing? Pikmin? Yawn.
Mario Kart is KIDDIE ASS and always has been. FZERO FTW
I was too busy playing Street Fighter 2 and doing drugs, when ya’ll were playing Mario Kart
One thing I didn’t like about this new mario kart and get over is how they completely screwed up the battle mode. Personally, I think the N64 balloon battle had the best battle mode. I had a few friends over today and we simply found the battle mode on the Wii boring. I then switched to Mario Kart 64 that I downloaded from virtual console and we were all having a blast. I cant say why exactly but I’m guessing it was the simplicity of the weapons and none of this red team, blue team points BS. I mean, it’s even fun for the loser where you get to be a bomb and chase people around. Block Fort with 4 player battle is simply the best Mario Kart battle experience (I’ve played ALL other Mario Karts btw and SNES was the first version I played).
Other than that, I think Nintendo did a good job with the new tracks and made good overall racing mechanics, but I’m probably speaking too soon since I’ve only beat 50cc. I will admit that it gets pretty crazy and hectic at times in a bad way.
Claude getting hung up on one review is not that great man….or healthy really. As far as I heard Mario Kart Wii doesn’t do anything groundbreaking or particularly unique. I mean look at the name “Mario Kart WII” meaning hey this is Mario Kart but for the Wii, nothing more!
You know,it was a decent review.Ryan makes some great points.But then again I’m well aware he doesn’t really care about Mario Kart in the first place.
Agreed, it could of been so much more but it’s just the same old Mario Kart.
This game isn’t for you guys. It’s for the whole host of new generations who have never played Mario Kart. It’s for like, 7 year olds. Nintendo are actually very smart because they have you all by the balls. They have always taken 2 steps back and one step forward. I wouldn’t agree that *all* there franchises are stagnant, re: Mario Galaxy. I think re-releasing or rehashing old ideas merely bides them time to create a next level master-piece. Mario Kart will alway just be Mario Kart, it’s for each generation to enjoy who never owned previous Nintendo systems.
I’m getting sick of the Mario Kart formula, too.
I think the final point sums it up perfectly, the game is something of a victim of the series success, unable to deviate to really create a significantly new experience.
That’s not a problem for newcomers, but for people who’ve overplayed the previous games, it’s a deal breaker. I like there’s a seasoned gamer perspective here, that’s the main draw of this site for me.
this game has a love/hate thing going on, either you love it or you hate it.
I think this games deserves a 4/5, although it could have been better the simple fact that when ever you play it with friends it’s a blast makes this game great, this game is what games are about, fun.
Very, very good review.
Like most core gamers, I’m thoroughly ignoring anything Nintendo does online until they get serious and hire some competent Western engineers to show them how online functionality actually works.
Just remaking a game withe Waggle(TM) does not get my dollars.
Awesome review. Spot on really.
I love the writing in the reviews but I really think 5 is too low to show diversity between scores and game quality. Maybe just a personal preference but I really think at least 10 or a % works best.
I would have given them an extra point just for getting the online to work.
I’m so glad someone has the balls to call this game out for being the same shit over and over again. Thanks Jeff for telling it like it is.
@ Claude & Henry
Chill out! The point of a review is to share an opinion. Mario Kart Wii offers practically nothing new for gamers and is just a re-hash for the next generation to get an easy buck. You know it, I know it and the 3 out of 5 stars knows it.
After a second read you really didnt give enough credit for the online multiplayer. Its the first Wii title that Im able to go online and play with friends.(SSBB still not working for me) Sure its still tedious with the codes and the lack of voice but it works, very nicely I might add. The mariokart channel is awesome, seeing when your friends are online and comparing your tournoment times, how many PS3 games allow you to do that? You didnt even mention the Kart channel.????
i’m hating on giantbomd becasue i love this game too much for it to get 3 stars. id rather play this then a stupid card game you guys gave 4 stars.
YOU GAVE GTAIV 5 STARS BUT MARIO KART WII 3 ?? WTF
GTAIV IS A BIT DISSAPOINTMENT. SHOULD ONLY GET 4. MARIO KART WII GETTING 3 WOULD THEN BE MORE JUSTIFIED
For the most part I agree with the review. I do think the new tracks, especially with multiple routes and sections that change are a good addition to the series. They just should’ve done more (6 out of
new circuits and had fewer remakes. In addition, the online play (friend code exchange and no voice chat the exceptions) is flawless. It’s not only easy to join friends, the lag is non-existent.
I agree with you that the game does just take the old Mario Kart formula and remake it as opposed to creating something completely new and innovative. There were so many missed opportunities that Nintendo should’ve jumped on when thinking on how to create Mario Kart for the next generation gaming world. And the whole giving crazy items to last place players was SO annoying. So many of my 150cc cups have been completely ruined because of an inopportune blue shell or POW block. It’s so annoying, I wish that each player had an equal chance of getting each item.
I was a bit disappointed, but for people who love racing series overall, it’s a pretty all right game to have. I feel like a Nintendo system wouldn’t feel right without it’s generic racing game, party game, and Mario game.
i actually agree with this review. i was really excited abot this game since the day it was announced. but after playing it ive realised its exactly the same as the gamecube version and doesnt feel exciting playing at all. it feels like mariokart, which is a great thing. and the added novelty of bikes and stunts are fun, but overall the game moves at a slow pace and there are too many tracks which have that ” been there done that” feel to them. im all for retro nostalgia but does nintendo have to re-release old tracks every single time a mario kart games is released? i think mario kart is in desperate need of modernising. even the online multiplayer feels old. online races are fantastic - and the set up is great - but no free for all battle mode? thats the main reason people love mario kart - the competitive balloon battles! which are sadly absent which really ruin the game. team battle is rubbish and you get no sense of domination when your team wins. especially when you loose 3 balloons you simply “grow” 3 more.
spot on review. i just hope the next mario kart will offer something new like mario galaxy did with mario 64
GTA4 = 5 stars
Mario Kart = 3
Credibility = Shot
I guess if Mario was able to brutally murder his fellow racers on the track or able to rape Princess Peach it would have at least received a 4.5 or so. Give me a break. I am no mario kart fanboy but I knew you would give this game a 3. It deserves a 4 easily.
Of course, that doesn’t surprise me coming from a guy that says the PC isn’t for playing games on. RIIIIIGHT Ryan. You’re a smart guy. LOL.
I can’t agree on the general Nintendo comment. Remaking their trademark games for a new audience? Super Mario Galaxy was game of the year ‘07 and completely revolutionised and rejuvenated platform games again.
The problem with Mario Kart is probably that the idea has been stretched as far as it can go - I can agree with that, but a decent new version of a good game is by far the worst crime against humanity.
Anyone thats complaining about the items in the game needs to stop playing Mariokart. Thats part of the game, part of the formula that makes mario kart what it is.
How the hell does Mario Kart get a 3/5 when it’s merely “more of the same” when GTA4 suffers from the exact same problem, yet obtains a 5/5?
Hypocritical much?
Some of the comments here are pretty funny. Like this one: http://www.giantbomb.com/2008/05/07/yeah-thats-mario-kart-alright/#comment-11087
Can you -really- come off clean comparing GTA4 to Mario Kart?
@ aurahack
Yes. Because I find GTA4 to be an empty husk of a vapid franchise.
… actually reading more of the comments, I’m kinda flabbergasted at how people don’t seem to understand what a review is.
A review is an opinion, gents. There are PLENTY about Mario Kart. You can’t base your purchasing decision on a single review unless you see eye-to-eye with the reviewer. Go check other sites, see what they scored it and there’s your general consensus on the game.
Besides, I’ll refrain from calling you Nintendo fanboys (You totally are, though) but you’ve got to at least see they added nothing new here. Online play? That isn’t really all that innovative. It was back when the first SOCOM came out. Not anymore, fellas. It’s more of the same, therefor, a 3 out of 5. And for the record, a 3 isn’t a bad score. It just means its okay. By the time you’ll all be done playing it, you’ll see that too.
So a game has to be innovative in order to score well? How the shit did GTA4 score a 5/5 then? The friend/dating system, which is neither good, nor innovative? Or perhaps the improved controls, which while still better, are inferior to almost any modern game in its respective genre?
I haven’t played this game, but i feel that the fun about a kart racing game is actually how different from a racing simulator the gameplay is, changing de power slice was the the worst mistake this franchise could commit. Why don’t you watch some Mario Kart 64 gameplay video and Mario Kart Wii, it’s like the wii version seems boring, slow, it doesn’t create you the Mario Kart feel. The other bad thing is that the game is called MARIO KART not MARIO KART BIKE, it should be only about driving karts. To make matters worse the graphics are like de GC version but 480p, what kind of technological jumps is that, the game motion system is using an stupid wheel which feels uncomfortable handling it in the air.
“I haven’t played this game…”
Maybe you should before you post about how its “worst mistake” and how “uncomfortable” the wheel is.
Other than maybe a few times at a kiosk in a Gamestop, I haven’t played a Mario Kart game since the N64 days. Apparently, I haven’t been missing much.
Ive not owned many of the Mario Karts. Only 64 VC, DS and Wii. The DS version being my favourite. Was a bit disappointed with the Wii version. Everyone seemed to be pleased when the took out snaking but for me it spoiled the game. Doesn’t seem to be as much skill involved as on the DS which is saying something. Still like it though. Nice to have as one of those games for when a mates round.
Great review, I agree with Ryan’s take, especially with regards to nintendo’s efforts so far, games like: mario kart wii, mario galaxy, super paper mario, mario super strikers, etc. Some of these are enjoyable games, but I do not think they are a huge leap above what came out for the Gamecube, which makes me wonder why Gamecube did so poorly.
On an aside I bought this game for my 3 and 4 year old kids, and they absolutely love it.
Which is what I think nintendo’s strategy is. You see my kids have a difficult time (they are under 5 after all) using any of the none wii style controllers for several types of games (racing being one of them). I downloaded the N64 mario kart and they couldn’t seem to play it. Let me put it this way, Nintendo doesn’t need to add much to their Wii games because, to their new audience, they seem fresh and easy to play.
Good game. Nothing special.
There is nothing I didn’t agree with in this review. I only hope the folks at Nintendo read it and start attempting to create new franchises, instead of beating a dead horse over and over again.
To high man, this game sucks, it lacks innovation.
4/10.
I love/hate when Nintendo staple franchise games come out every year. It’s both the funniest and saddest thing for me to see people flame comment boxes and forum threads with “you don’t agree with my twisted, rose-tinted world view where it’s still the 80s and these games are still something new and exciting and you are therefore a terrible reviewer”.
Guys, it’s just Mario Kart. It’s the same game we’ve been playing for the last 15+ years. Not every game is going to be Galaxy. It’s going to be okay.
“Guys, it’s just Mario Kart. It’s the same game we’ve been playing for the last 15+ years. Not every game is going to be Galaxy. It’s going to be okay.”
That’s not the problem; the problem is the reviewer unfairly holding lack of innovation against Mario Kart, while praising GTA for being the same damn game it was back in 2001.
“That’s not the problem; the problem is the reviewer unfairly holding lack of innovation against Mario Kart, while praising GTA for being the same damn game it was back in 2001.”
This assumption about GTA is so hilariously incorrect that all I can do is point it out and slowly shake my head.
“the reviewer unfairly holding lack of innovation against Mario Kart, while praising GTA for being the same damn game it was back in 2001.”
No, he’s not. GTAIV received universal praise for fixing all the little problems that the series has had for years and then some, and for making huge strides in the way it does storytelling, in addition to being a technical marvel and a great piece of commentary on American culture.
Mario Kart isn’t bad, but it’s just not doing anything that the multiple old versions most of us already own do. It’s a valid complaint with a formula as stale as the mascot-themed kart racer.
“No, he’s not. GTAIV received universal praise for fixing all the little problems that the series has had for years and then some, and for making huge strides in the way it does storytelling, in addition to being a technical marvel and a great piece of commentary on American culture.”
But it didn’t fix all the little problems. Sure, it did refine several elements, yet they’re still largely flawed. The new aiming system is merely adequate at best, the cover system is broken, and driving is a mess.
I also disagree that the game has any intelligent commentary to offer on American culture. At least relative to any other similar work in other mediums — the script is haphazard and the plot is cliched and has been told much better elsewhere.
As for “technical marvel” — you’re joking, right? The game has, what may be, one of the worst framerates of any contemporary large-budget title. The pop-in is still an issue, and the game is inundated with bugs, quirks, and glitches.
Nothing has changed.
“This assumption about GTA is so hilariously incorrect that all I can do is point it out and slowly shake my head.”
Right, countering my argument with a fallacy is an excellent response. Thanks Jeff.
“That’s not the problem; the problem is the reviewer unfairly holding lack of innovation against Mario Kart, while praising GTA for being the same damn game it was back in 2001.”
Please, just stop…now. Your obsession with defending games here is absurd. So, you like the game, thats great! Its good to see that some people can enjoy the game.
However, criticizing the reviewer for having a different opinion from yours is just ludicrous. Reviews are subjective, and if you don’t understand what that means, please look it up.
Your flaming/trolling within the comments section is completely unwelcome, and you should quickly learn to respect the opinion of others if you hope to go anywhere in life.
To Jeff and Ryan: I’m sorry you have to put up with this. I have the utmost respect for your reviews and your site, and you guys do an excellent job. Keep it up!
yea, i agree, i’m tired of Mario Kart nowadays. it’s just boring…
“Please, just stop…now. Your obsession with defending games here is absurd. So, you like the game, thats great! Its good to see that some people can enjoy the game.”
I’ve made four posts. According to what dictionary is that an “obsession.”
“However, criticizing the reviewer for having a different opinion from yours is just ludicrous. Reviews are subjective, and if you don’t understand what that means, please look it up.”
Reviews are subjective? No f’ing way! Also, I wasn’t so much criticizing the reviewer as I was the methodology they’ve apparently used to arrive at their conclusion. Both GTA4 and Mario Kart, in effect, do little to further the franchise Yet was one lambasted for it while the other was not.
“Your flaming/trolling within the comments section is completely unwelcome, and you should quickly learn to respect the opinion of others if you hope to go anywhere in life.”
Your tolerance for disagreement must be extremely low if you deem my posts as “flaming.” On the contrary, it appears that you’re the one having problems with those who disagree with your views.
uhm, it’s extremly easy to hook up with friends, and online is a blast, there a a billion features in it not avaliable anywhere else, seems as if you have something against this game or something?
“Hey I don’t like your opinion of the game I like. I hate you and now I’m ganna express muh feelingz on your site!”
Dude… If you don’t like their opinions, why the hell are you even here? This site is about Jeff and Ryan (as well as all you other development staff team) and their opinions and reports on stuff, if you don’t like their opinions on the games you like, fine, just don’t be a whiny jerk about the reviewers opinion ON THEIR SITE.
If you want your opinion heard, go make your own site and start a review on how you think games like Mario Kart are the best games in the world and how much you think GTA 4 sucks. Jeff and Ryan did, why don’t you?
Same tracks.
same karts.
this game is trash.
I think fans of the series will be satisfied. MKWii and SSBB should have changed up the formula a lot more… risks would have paid off.
The omission of multiplayer grand prix with friends in the room caused me to lose all interest. It could still be okay, but 4 player double dash with 2 per kart was a lot of fun.
@ insanejedi
So you have to make up a quote in order to make your point? That’s a strawman fallacy.
“The omission of multiplayer grand prix with friends in the room caused me to lose all interest. It could still be okay, but 4 player double dash with 2 per kart was a lot of fun.”
Umm, you can still play grand prix…just like past Mario Karts. Except it’s arguably better now, since you can choose the exact order of tracks you race on, if you so wish.
So Condemned 2 gets 5/5 yet it’s exactly the same as COndemned 1, GTA IV gets 5/5 yet it’s the same as the previous GTA games. Yet when Mario Kart sticks to a tried a nd tested formula you cry about it and dock it points. This is the best Mario Kart ever made imo and your review is pretty weak, and unoriginal just like so many games you award 5/5 to.
I don’t know how to say this.. but the review score is pretty apt..
and I think… Ninty Fanboys were just waiting for the day you would review one of those First party exclusives
lol..
Lets think on the bright side.more traffic for you ^.^
It’s not Ninty, it’s Nintendo.
Questioning the integrity of the reviews concerning GTA4 and Mario Kart seems pretty fitting here as it’s clear both review scores are off the mark.
I own many systems but the 3/5 on Mario Kart struck me immediately as a very poor score and it seems to me that whoever actually played the game for review didn’t play it much and most likely had a less than positive attitude about the game going in. That isn’t a fair review. Hell, in the latest podcasts they both talk about boxing up wheel and putting it away. They obviously just aren’t fans of the game. But don’t know the score down to a 3 because you are still so blinded by your GTA love that no other game compares.
It’s not a fanboy thing, get it?
Andre your just annoying dude.
http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/grandtheftauto4
‘nuf said
Dante, that is completely irrelevant. It’s clear that, as annoying as you find me, you’ve somehow missed the point I’ve iterated in almost each post. The score isn’t the problem; it’s the methodology used to arrive at such.
Andre, you should know from taking your introduction to philosophy class that the point of learning about logical fallacies isn’t to use them as weapons against others to defend a point, particularly when the point is coming from a Nintendo sheep. You learn about making mistakes in arguments to avoid doing so and to present your argument in a logical fashion. Have you been following the current American presidential run? If you have, have you noticed that when the candidates resort to name-calling, almost ignoring the real issues at hand, that it just becomes a mess, with the candidate who strives to stay above the fray likely coming out on top? You could learn something from that.
Having said that, no, a game doesn’t have to be innovative to receive a glowing review because games don’t have to be innovative in order to be very, very good. However, lack of innovation is not the same thing as complete lack of difference. Even if I was a huge Mario Kart fan, and I’m not, I wouldn’t be excited about this rehash of a game. Ryan’s review was spot on.
For all you Nintendo fanboys please watch this…..
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4878-Zero-Punctuation-Mailbag-Showdown
It’s refreshing to finally have a website that doesn’t pander to fanboy expectations (i.e. overinflate every Nintendo review by 10-20%). I hope GiantBomb maintains it’s independent tendencies and offers reviews with a bit of perspective, rather than hype.
“Andre, you should know from taking your introduction to philosophy class that the point of learning about logical fallacies isn’t to use them as weapons against others to defend a point, particularly when the point is coming from a Nintendo sheep.”
First of all, no philosophy course I’ve ever taken ever discussed logical fallacies; that’s generally more of a english/debate course lesson.
Secondly, your assertion that I’m a “Nintendo sheep” is a hasty generalization (another fallacy, fyi) — I’ve defended exactly one game on this website so far, and just because it happens to be a Nintendo game doesn’t mean I blindly love every product of their. To the contrary, I think the GameCube was the worst console of the last generation. My likes and dislikes are pretty evenly spread across all the major platforms, so stop trying to score points off the fake persona you seem to think I am.
“You learn about making mistakes in arguments to avoid doing so and to present your argument in a logical fashion. Have you been following the current American presidential run? If you have, have you noticed that when the candidates resort to name-calling, almost ignoring the real issues at hand, that it just becomes a mess, with the candidate who strives to stay above the fray likely coming out on top? You could learn something from that.”
What on earth are you rambling about? Would you please show me where I called anyone a name? It seems your prejudice against me has blinded you to the insults everyone else, including yourself, have thrown at me.
“Having said that, no, a game doesn’t have to be innovative to receive a glowing review because games don’t have to be innovative in order to be very, very good. However, lack of innovation is not the same thing as complete lack of difference.”
I don’t disagree; my point is that GTA4 is no more different from GTA3-San Andreas than Mario Kart Wii is to its predeccesors, and to knock one, but not the other for such is an exercise in hypocrisy.
“Even if I was a huge Mario Kart fan, and I’m not, I wouldn’t be excited about this rehash of a game. Ryan’s review was spot on.”
So what? All this demonstrates is that you don’t like Mario Kart.
The point is very simple and it’s that GTAIV is simply a great game, even if it is just a superbly polished and updated form of it’s predecessor. Not to mention it also having an extremely involving and thought provoking story. While Mario Kart is, as much as you might disagree, is really not a great game in terms of scope and overall quality. Not only does it feel toned down to suit newcomers and abandon old fans but it simply has no substance to it. The online functionality is great but thats not enough to save it.
Thinking that Mario Kart deserves a score similar to GTA4 is simply ignorant. Playing GTA4, you can feel the developers really put everything they had into it and cared about their end product. Whereas with Mario Kart it feels mediocrity was acceptable and no bounderies were pushed.
“Thinking that Mario Kart deserves a score similar to GTA4 is simply ignorant.”
How do you feel about 1UP giving Boom Blox the same score as GTA4 then? (A+)
I think it’s fine because they are scored on their own individual merit. If you listened to the podcast they have he even explains his reason behind the scoring on this. I can’t remember exactly what he says but it’s obvious he doesn’t compare them directly to each other but as their own thing. Boom Blox is also a great game in my opinion.
So why is it ignorant to score Mario Kart the same as either GTA or Boom Blox?
Because the majority of people agree that it is inferior to those games. Mario Kart on the DS is better than it.
I don’t see what the majority of people has to do with anything…the majority also have scored Boom Blox less than GTA4. Does that render 1UP’s score as being incorrect?
Dante,
You are a busy guy if you have talked to a majority of people who have ever played this game.
Stop being an anti-nintendo “sheep” and a GTA follower and a Gerstmann/Davis worshiper and understand that there is a good chance you don’t know what the hell you are talking about. Mario Kart Wii and every other first party title Nintendo has created is at LEAST as good in overall game design as GTA4. Don’t give me that crap about the story in GTA4. I’ve seen it. It’s average. Everyone rushes to praise GTA because it’s soooo “mature” and “adult” and people feel all grown up playing it. LOL It’s a damn game in the end and an average one at that.
As for being a fanboy…hmm I guess I am. Nintendo is certainly the only console developer worthy of ANY praise in the last 5 years. End of Story. Fact. They “Get” games and what they are supposed to be. Sony and Microsoft are wanna-be’s and will never get it. Ever. Sales do not a success make. Profit does and Nintendo is far far ahead in that category when it comes to gaming revenue. Nintendo was there at the beginning and they are still here now innovating and bringing something new to the table. So just shut up about being a Nintendo fan. You are embarrassing yourself. The game deserves a higher rating. Certainly not a 5/5 but it easily earns a 4/5.
Man, you must love it here Jeff and Ryan. The flock hangs on your every word and will support you no matter how right or wrong you may be. What a wonderfully insulated world you have created for yourselves. Just remember, if all you hear is how great you are and don’t pay attention to the critiques you will fail. The critique here is whoever rated this game went in not really liking the series and knocked it down for that. Not good.
This game is just mario kart 64 without the fun.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4878-Zero-Punctuation-Mailbag-Showdown
Hahahahahaha stupid nintendogs you are owned as usuall.
Sweeping generalization!
@Ryan Davis
You mean just like your review? BURRRRRN!!!!!11111
JEFF:
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT,
FALLACY
“Nintendo is certainly the only console developer worthy of ANY praise in the last 5 years. End of Story. Fact.”
This was the first time I had read review comments in a long time. This statement has ensured that it will be the last.
Gents.
@Ryan Davis
YOUR FACE IS A STRAWMAN ARGUMENT
INSERT TERM I LEARNED AT TEH DEBATE CLUB HERE
JEFF:
SO’S UR FACE
@Ryan Davis
WHEN YOU POST YOUR OPINION ABOUT GAMES I GET ALL STOMACH ACHEY INSIDE BECAUSE I AM TOO FRAGILE TO COMPREHEND THAT PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE DIFFERENT TASTES THAN I DO PLZ STOP THX
JEFF:
If that’s the case, then why did GTA4 get a 5/5? Hypocrite.
Jeff and Ryan, clearly the pinnacle of professionalism.
@Ryan Davis
Did you know that Boom Blox is at least twice as good as Mario Kart Wii? I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO GIVE IT A SIX OUT OF FIVE NEXT WEEK OR SOMETHING OH MAN MY HEAD
“WHEN YOU POST YOUR OPINION ABOUT GAMES I GET ALL STOMACH ACHEY INSIDE BECAUSE I AM TOO FRAGILE TO COMPREHEND THAT PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE DIFFERENT TASTES THAN I DO PLZ STOP THX”
And this post makes it entirely clear that you actually haven’t comprehended any of the discussion.
JEFF:
Damn. The numbers don’t lie! I am once again struck down by the absolute, cold science of video game reviews!
Oh man. In my darkest hour, here come Jeff and Ryan to restore my faith in humanity.
God bless you, sirs.
@Ryan Davis
Hey fellow business professional! I hope you’re having a good Casual Friday! Man, I’m so glad they don’t make us wear suits and ties five days a week! Four is plenty, I say! My khakis and polo shirt are so much more comfortable it’s nuts, bra!
JEFF:
Indeed! It’s amazing that we get any work done at all on Casual Fridays (Unprofessional Fridays, I like to call ‘em!), what with our lack of professionalism during go-kart discussions!
Roflstomped doesn’t seem sufficient here, I think I need to find a new word to describe these events. Awesome stuff.
THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! SOMEONE PUT MUSTARD ON THIS HAMBURGER! Also, Mario Kart is not better than Turtles in Time.
Andre if your going to complain about everyones individual scores for games and how you think they don’t correlate to your standards, then you really shouldn’t read any reviews. Maybe that will make your STOMACH ACHE go away.
@Giancarlo
OK, wait. Are you talking about Mario Kart Wii or the original SNES game? Because I agree, Turtles in Time is better than Mario Kart Wii, but maybe not the SNES game.
Who would win in a fight between Razor Ramon and a lion with a gun strapped to its back?
“Andre if your going to complain about everyones individual scores for games and how you think they don’t correlate to your standards, then you really shouldn’t read any reviews. Maybe that will make your STOMACH ACHE go away.”
That wasn’t my complaint, as I’ve said before.
@ Jeff
Actually, I meant to say that no game is as good as Turtles in Time, including Imagine Babeez. Yeah that’s right. I said it. And is the gun strapped to the lion or is the lion strapped to the gun? THINK ABOUT IT.
I forgot to add that games are serious business.
@Giancarlo
I hadn’t considered that.
(Also, the lion was strapped to the gun, you were right to question me. Thank you.)
This is very silly!