Mario Kart Wii plays it safe and the end result is impressive
Every Nintendo platform has had a Mario Kart game. From the Super Nintendo and now the Wii. The games haven't changed all that much over the years. There are a few improvements in this new version, most work very well but overall the game does not stray far from the Mario Kart Wii formula which is sure not a bad thing.
The game is a lot like the DS version. 32 tracks and 8 cups. The tracks are a mixture of old and new which is where a problem lies. The new maps are great, and are made for the new improvements for Mario Kart Wii e.g. Stunts, bikes. But the retro maps don't have all these jumps and don't really take advantage of the new features in the game. New improvements to the game work very well. The bikes are a nice new feature. They are a bit slower than the karts but can wheelie on long strips of road. There is also a new stunt feature, where you shake the wheel when your kart is in midair, this grants you a small speed boost.
Since the game is on the Wii, it has a motion sensing gimmick. This is the Wii Wheel, which is included in the game. Players new to the series or don't play all that many games, will find this option easy and fun. But for more hardcore Mario Kart fans, they will just stick with the normal controls. The movement just does not respond well and when you want to play a serious race, just stay with the old control scheme.
Like all previous Mario Kart games, it has a deep focus on multiplayer. A new addition to the game is online play, which is a lot more in depth than Mario Kart DS. You can up to 12 players online in race or in battle mode. There are also many time trials and competitions to play around with. The game comes with its own Wii channel menu, where you can view competition and time trials. For a Wii game this is online with a lot of features and I think is the best online Wii game yet. The game runs smoothly online and handles well. Of course those idoitic friend codes are back and are of course still a hassle. Of course game features local muliplayer. Which is more saytisfying as you get to play with your friends personally.
The game to look at is very satisfying. The games shows speed well, is very colourful and has that real good look to it all Nintendo published Wii games. When you get to the split screen though the game's texture quality and frame rate take a hit depending how many people you are playing with. The game has a nice soundtrack with some old Mario Kart tunes remade and some chirpy new ones. Overall impressive sound design.
Of course the game has a couple a problems. If your coming into this and expecting a great new, changed Mario Kart, you won't find it. Those handle of improvements don't really change the core of the game. The weapons at times can become very annoying too. The deavious red and blue shells are back, plus some more annoying weapons. You always seem to be getting hit with weapons knocking your from first to last. Which can be down right fusrating at times.
This is definetly a more accesible Mario Kart for everyone. The motion controls is easy to pick up and play. Though if you want to get serious, it is worthless. And the game includes options for easier power slides and more. This is definetly a game where you need a few mates to play with. So apart for some slight improvements like the online, this is your straightforward Mario Kart. Whether you want this or not is up to you.
Pros:
- Easy to pick up and playwith friends
- Impressive online play
- Large assortment of tracks
- Still keeps that Mario Kart feel
Cons:
- Can feel repitive
- The mix of old and new track design doesn't work great
- Doesn't really change all that much
