mario kart wii

Since the release of the SNES there hasn't been a proper Nintendo system that hasn't featured a Mario Kart installment. Not all that surprising really as it is one of the most crafty multiplayer race/action games out there (on any existing system). So the Wii received its own unique version, quite aptly titled Mario Kart Wii. And if you ask me (a lifelong fan of the series), it's without a doubt the best one yet.

promotion art of Mario Kart Wii

I never really got the chance to play the N64 or Gamecube versions of Mario Kart, luckily recent installments feature retro cups (offering a selection of upgraded old tracks from previous Mario Kart games), giving me at least some notion of how the track designs of the previous versions compare. I did play (and review) Mario Kart DS though, which already showed a rather varied range of tracks and weaponry.

One of the main improvements of MKW lies within the track design. Not only is there a lot more happening on the tracks, there's a bigger variety of obstacles and more 3-dimensional fun, featuring high mountains, ramps, waterways and much more. Especially the final two cups feature a selection of 8 tracks that offer plenty of challenge and replay value. It makes the other tracks quite boring and empty in comparison.

The other main improvement lies with the increase in weapon boxes. MKW has become more of a battle game instead of a race game, which ups the multiplayer value a lot, adding some fun tactical gameplay. Do you use your shields, bombs or bananas to attack the ones in front, or do you keep them hanging behind your cart to protect yourself from attacks? With more weapon boxes available, races are way more frantic than in previous Mario Kart games (which is also quite apparent when choosing the retro cups).

screen caps Mario Kart Wii

Of course the game received a visual boost. The 1-player game features some cool effects, tracks look good (though very cartoony and Mario-like of course) and even in 4-player split screen the courses are still perfectly visible. There are a few places where the game slows down when playing with 3 or 4 people at once, but not in any gameplay-obtrusive way. The soundtrack is decent enough but like most of the previous installments it's little more than simple background noise. Sound effects on the other hand are quirky and fun.

Controls are superb, though I would advise against playing with the Wii Wheel. Not only is it tiring, the reaction speed is below par. You won't get far if you plan on competitive power racing. Using the nunchuck and Wii controller works way better, you can even choose what hand to steer with and what hand to use for firing projectiles. You can also wiggle the Wii controller for extra boosts when jumping in the air, or you can tilt the controller to do wheelies when riding a bike. It's nifty details like these that add a polished feel to the game.

promotion art of Mario Kart Wii

Multiplayer gameplay is where this game really shines. Web play is a nice extra feature, but nothing beats sitting with a couple of guys behind a large screen and tearing away at each other. There's a certain level of unfairness (in the form of blue shields and random choice of weapon power-ups), but it actually adds to the overall fun. Trying to win a 4-race cup is never obvious and it's not until you actually crossed the finish line that you're sure of your victory.

The 1-player game also feels better, with a much improved computer AI and a better difficulty curve. The races feel more like an actual race rather than a fixed outcome where you are the only variable. There are plenty of cars (I should say vehicles really) and characters to unlock, if you've done all that there are still the ghost time trials to keep you occupied for a long, long time.

Mario Kart Wii isn't a smashing improvement on previous games. The game mechanics are still pretty much the same, but the track layouts and the increased in-race fighting opportunities really elevate this game to a new level. Gather a few people, start up a multiplayer game and prepare yourself for a world of laughter ... and cursing of course. Stupidly funny stuff.

Check out a quick trailer for some in-game action.