Game Review: Mario Kart 8

5/31/17 UPDATE: I've included my views on the recently released Switch version down at the bottom

The latest entry in the Mario Kart franchise just came out last week and I've been anticipating its release very much that entire week. It definitely is different than its previous iterations along with combining what the last two entries brought, specifically the motorcycles from the Wii version and flight + underwater locations on the 3DS. New characters were added to the roster as well as beautiful HD courses both new and old! Does this game in the long running franchise bring enough for fun parties with your friends as well playing it alone though?

Bring on the madness!

I can answer that with a hell yes. Mario Kart 8 still brings the excitement and intensity of racing for 1st place with all that's going on to bombs blowing up to close finishes. Several new features were added including as mentioned above, the graphical update. The brand new courses created are incredibly well designed and the retro courses either have an update in looks, or a brand new course design (Rainbow Road as an example is just a single course with 3 sections rather than laps). There's also the added gimmick that MK8 brings and that's zero-gravity.

Zero Gravity in action!

Zero-Gravity allows you to travel upside down, race across walls and even bump into people which can help you get ahead. The transition is seamless as whenever you enter a zero-gravity the wheels go to a hovercraft like mode and then revert back when you exit the area. Bumping into people causes you to spin and boost ahead much like when you go off a ramp and do a mid-air trick. This can definitely lead to new strategies when playing online with your friends.

Speaking of online functions, Mario Kart 8 brings new options such as setting up tournaments with friends as well as racing regional or worldwide. Picking up matches is even faster than the Wii version. There's also a new sharing feature known as Mario Kart TV. At the end of every race you do in any mode is the option to view a highlight reel. These show off your best moments in the race and can be manipulated to freeze at certain points as well as slow motion/fast forward. You can also take these highlights and upload them to YouTube! Single player modes include the classic engine classes and most likely Mirror Mode. I didn't get a chance to play through Battle mode but what I did play through was all the cups through 50 and 100 engine class and some online matches.

View highlights from your best races and share them online!

Characters old and new return including all of the Koopalings from Super Mario Bros 3, some classic Mario enemies, Metal Mario and lots more! The vehicle customization is diverse with lots of karts, bikes, ATV's and stylish gliders. I absolutely loved some of the courses that were created for this game, the Electrodome is a giant rave/club with flashing lights and platforms, Music Park from the 3DS version has awesome piano tracks which play as you drive across alongside the background music! Brand new items have been introduced though honestly they don't seem to do that much. The Boomerang can be thrown up to 3 times but only sort of works if you have a clear shot of who's in front of you. The Piranha plant isn't effective unless you have people automatically in front of you. The crazy 8 named after the number of the game gives you 8 items to use at will and can definitely be a game-changer!

The graphics look amazing in this game!

Though that's probably the only complaint I have with the games. The items don't seem to be as effective comparing them to the Wii Version and you don't get the really good items to help unless you're in dead last. Also improved though was the fall time if you fall off a cliff, Lakitu swings in and picks you back up unlike how it was in the older games. The music is very diverse from course to course and I love listening to it! 

Rainbow Road from the N64 looks GORGEOUS!

Should you Play this Game? Overall despite the inconsistencies with the items, Mario Kart 8 is an awesome game full of fun courses, diverse vehicle choices and amazing online capabilities! You definitely shouldn't miss out on it if you own a Wii U!

Switch Version Notes: Tilted Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, think of it as a Game of the Year version. The graphics look a lot more cleaner and crisp as does the sound. All the DLC packs (which you can view here and here) are included in addition to brand new characters such as the Inkling Boy/Girl from Splatoon. You can also hold up to 2 items (some of these are brand new for this version) which was a key trait from Double Dash for the Gamecube. The Battle Mode which I didn't really touch on originally has been completely revamped is much more enjoyable this time around. The portability of the Nintendo Switch allows MK8 Deluxe to be enjoyed pretty much everywhere which is a huge plus as well. If you missed out on the Wii U version but have a Switch, grab this one instead!