Mario Kart is simple fun.
| Mario Kart Wii Review. posted: 05/29/2008 |
| Mario Kart Wii PLATFORM (Wii) PUBLISHER (Nintendo) PRICE $50 ESRB RATING (E for Everyone) PLAYERS (1-4, 12 online) It is a true tribute to the fun of the Mario Kart series that I managed to unlock half of the extra tracks included in Mario Kart Wii while immersed in marathon sessions of Grand Theft Auto IV. Both games offer up intense racing fun, but I doubt that anyone would disagree with me when I say that GTA IV eclipses Mario Kart when it comes to depth in game play. That begs a certain question. If Mario Kart is not an extremely deep game, what does it have that makes it so much unbridled fun? The answer is easy. Mario Kart may be simple in concept, but it's simplicity actually works in the games favor. Anyone can play this game an have a blast. While you can play for hours working to hone your skills, but you will always know that even the newest of players will have a chance of at least catching up to you, if not outright beating you. Many gamers will probably bemoan this play style as too forgiving and decry the game as unfairly balanced toward the weakest players. These gamers would be wrong. Flat out! Mario Kart might not reward the most skilled player with the ability to completely blow away the competition, but this is because the game always ensures that there is a competition taking place. I do wish that this version of Mario Kart had gotten more of the same love that the recent Smash Brothers release received. It would have been nice to be able to create new levels for the game or to play through a nice story mode. Still, it is easy to ask for more from almost every game, and what is here is more than enough to keep Mario Kart enthusiasts playing for very long time. Online battles and races, computer controlled opponents for Battlemode (finally making this mode of the game viable for players without online or friends to play with). The game's biggest additions, motorcycles and the Wii Wheel that comes with the game are nice additions, but do not at all feel necessary. Still, the end up being more icing on the tasty piece of cake that is Mario Kart Wii. If you like this, you might also like these. Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy PLATFORM (Wii) PUBLISHER (Majesco) PRICE $40 ESRB RATING (E for Everyone) PLAYERS (1-4) THE QUICK AND DIRTY : This side scrolling shooter plays a bit like the old classic 1942, except this time you can attach shot down enemies to your ship for protection. The addition of user created levels that can be shared online makes this game one of my top picks for June. Wacky Races: Crash & Dash PLATFORM (Wii) PUBLISHER (Warner Brothers) PRICE $50 ESRB RATING (E for Everyone) PLAYERS (1-4) THE QUICK AND DIRTY : This game is out only a few weeks after Mario Kart Wii, and you would be a cruel parent to buy this generic take on the Kart Racing genre for your kids. This game does feature a cool cel shaded look, but that is about the only cool thing about this game. |
