Nintendo Wii Game Review – Mario Kart
Fans of the original Mario Kart for the Super Nintendo often have fond memorials of challenging their friends over difficult tracks, and winning out by knocking their opponents off the track at the last second. The first Mario Kart virtually invented a sub-genres of battle racing games and provided once of the best multi player games of all time. With Mario Kart Wii, Nintendo has produced a game that is a worthy successor to the classic.
One of the more interesting changes is the inclusion of a motion controlled steering wheel with the game. There is a somewhat steep learning curve with the wheel, but it does make for great fun once you're accustomed to the unique design. For fans who prefer the traditional Wii controls, those are compatible with the game as well.
Improving upon the cartoon graphics, the Nintendo Wii version features impressive 3D backgrounds and characters, while retaining the same basic look of the series. Special effects are particularly impressive, with fireballs and slinging turtles rendering better than ever.
The physics in this year's Kart version are greatly improved as well, as you can expect more realistic drift and inertia than ever before; while the new level of realism may be a change, it is for the better. All of the character avatars you are used to are back, with a total of 25 choices in this version of the game in addition to new players such as Baby Daisy. The music is traditional and fun, if not outstanding and fits well with the game.
Adding to the mix, innovations include an innovative use of the Wii Mote controller as well as a brand new air stunt system that allows you to earn points and the addition of motorcycles as vehicle options. Since multi player has been a core part of the series since the beginning, it's important that both off line and online multi player modes are great fun in this version of Kart.
Starting with the Grand Prix race mode, you compete against computer or other players in four difficult courses. The game includes 8 different cup options, each with unique, graphically impressive course designs, which make for a long game play life, one of the longest of all Nintendo Wii Games. Additionally, a number of classic courses from the series return with better graphics, which makes the game even more fun for series fans. Unique use of the new trick mode allows you to further you standings by performing extreme-sports moves that can help give you boosts, including half-pipes, moguls and other unique ramp interactions. While this may take some time to get used to, it does add to the difficulty and potential options of the game over time and is a welcome addition.
Additional game modes include Balloon Battles and Coin Runner battles in an arena mode, which is fun either with split screen, against the computer or online. An arena game is capable of holding 12 total players, making online play a lot of fun, especially with friends. In Wii Connect, you'll earn a score that allows you to compete against players around your same level as you advance.