DLC Review: Mario Kart 8 Pack 1

For my review on Mario Kart 8, click here!

This past week, Nintendo released the first of two DLC packs for their latest iteration of Mario Kart for Wii U. Included in each pack are three new characters, two new cups, and a selection of new kart/bikes/ATV's and miscellaneous parts. Some of the biggest draws to this were the tracks included in the cups and the characters added. For starters, Link from the Zelda series makes his Mario Kart debut and marked the first time another Nintendo franchise crossed over into this Mario based universe. In adding to this, a Zelda themed bike was added along with wheels and a glider. The other characters added were Tanooki Suit Mario and Cat Suit Peach. Both of which coming from their recent games.

Yoshi's Circuit

Since I pre-ordered both packs, I also got a color variety for both Yoshi and Shy Guy. What's probably the main draw to this pack is of course the courses added. The two cups added were the Egg Cup and Triforce Cup. New courses were designed from the ground up along with classic courses getting an HD facelift. These tracks include Wario's Gold Mine (Wii), Rainbow Road (SNES) and Yoshi's Circuit (GCN). I have to say the amount of detail put into these was amazing. There are little changes here and there to incorporate the features Mario Kart 8 introduced. For example, the mine carts in Wario's Gold Mine were turned into zero gravity pegs that give you a boost instead of harming you instead.

Let's talk about some of the new tracks shall we? The Egg Cup has a completely Zero Gravity designed track named Dragon Driftway. Here you basically race across a giant dragon (who actually originates from Super Mario Galaxy) with twists and turns all across. There's definitely a Chinese influence throughout the entire course. Also added was an Excitebike dirt track. It's a simple flat course that just loops around (sort of like Baby Park from Double Dash). Though the catch here in keeping with Excitebike's nature, is that there are a bunch of ramps to do tons of jumps off of. Perhaps my favorite course from this cup is Mute City. Yup that Mute City, from F-Zero.

GORGEOUS

There's all sorts of nods to the futuristic racing series here. The main theme has been remixed and sounds great, the start up tune for beginning the race is the same as in the original F-Zero for the SNES, even images of Captain Falcon can be seen with his signature phrase popping up alongside him. The track is covered in boost panels and the recovery areas grant you coins instead of having them be scattered throughout. Did I also mention that the Blue Falcon makes an appearance as a new kart you can ride? The colors and layout of this track are very eye catching and vibrant.

Dragon Driftway

Shifting gears over to the Triforce Cups, the new tracks included are Ice Ice Outpost and Hyrule Circuit. Ice Ice Outpost is my least favorite new track added. It's an ice themed level based around the track splitting off into two varying sections that go over/under each other. Hyrule Circuit however is just fan-service for every Zelda lover out there. The course opens up with you driving on the field before entering the famed Hyrule Castle. There's little things added in to enhance the race through.

These include the coins being replaced by Rupees, and having the item sound play each time you get a new item from the boxes. The castle is the main attraction here when you get inside and should you trigger the right buttons, a ramp opens up. Alongside a key Zelda series item of course :). Of course it wouldn't be complete without having snippets of classic Zelda tunes remixed in the background now would it?

Behold the Master Sword!

For 7.99, you get a pretty nice collection of DLC for either packs. Part 1 is available now on the Nintendo eShop with Part 2 (all about Animal Crossing) releases May of next year! All in all I felt very satisfied by what's offered for this game in terms of add-on content. Without it, Mario Kart 8 is still a fantastic game but if you feel like you need more challenges, then I'd definitely pick this up!

Should you Purchase this DLC?
Yes! Pack 1 offers the Mario Kart x Legend of Zelda crossover that people have dreamed of for awhile. New vehicles, parts and courses enter this installment and offers much more replay value for Mario Kart 8!